You never planned to have a child with pet allergies, not to mention being allergic to your own family pets. But sure enough, one day you discover that’s the case. This news has likely left you feeling heartbroken and helpless. Of course, you want to reduce the impact of your child’s allergies at home. You want the little one to be healthy and happy.
Getting rid of a pet you’ve owned for years might break your child’s heart, but still, you don’t want to see them suffer allergy symptoms. So what should you do now?
Although removing the animal from your home is the most effective solution, you may not be ready to jump right to that. Talk to your doctor about solutions or preventions. Most doctors understand you want getting rid of a pet to be the last resort. Here are some practical ways you can try to live with both your pet and your child’s allergies.
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Get an Air Purifier
Air purifiers can reduce the impact of pet dander in the air. Their purpose is to remove tiny particles that trigger allergies and asthma. Because most allergens move through the air, an air purifier works to remove them. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, “Air filtration was effective in removing mites, cat and dog allergens and also particulate matter from ambient indoor air, offering a fast and simple solution to mitigate allergen exposome.”
Use a Mattress and Pillow Cover for Allergens
Because your child spends a reasonable amount of time sleeping, try protecting the pillow and mattress with an allergen cover. Even though these covers are usually best for dust allergies, they can still decrease pet allergy symptoms as well. Certified allergen covers help keep your child from inhaling things that trigger allergies while sleeping such as dust, saliva, pet dander, and hair.
Get Rid of the Carpet
If the carpet is older or you’ve had both it and the pets for a while, it’s probably holding pet dander and hair. Replacing it can be pricey. but it’s best to remove some or most of the carpet, especially in areas your child frequents most often. Removing carpets can make a significant difference in your child’s allergy symptoms.
Vacuum Frequently
If you must have carpet in your home (as stated above, less or none is best!), vacuum frequently. If you’re only vacuuming a few times a week, it’s time to up your sessions. Daily vacuuming may make a difference in removing as much pet hair as possible on floors and carpets. Mopping, too! Vacuum brand matters, so be sure you’re using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Review the type of vacuum you already own or purchase, because not every vacuum has a HEPA filter.
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Get Strict About Pet Care
In order to cut down allergens, bathe your pet regularly. Be diligent with brushing and de-shedding practices. It’s best to bathe and brush your pet outside the home to reduce the spread of dander and hair. This will slow the spread of pet dander in your home and can help reduce your child’s reaction. Wash your pet’s beds and linens frequently, as well as any surface it frequently lies on.
Other Changes To Make in Your Home
In order to reduce the longevity of pet dander and hair, it’s best to remove as much carpet as possible. Wash curtains and other linens frequently. Wash sheets weekly. You can also sanitize stuffed animals and other bedding in the dryer. Do this by making sure the dryer runs on high heat for at least 40 minutes or use the sanitizer setting if your dryer has one.
Make sure your pet doesn’t go into your child’s room. If your child is allergic to your pet, they’re likely still interacting to some extent. By reducing those interactions and the hair and dander that’s left in their most-used spaces, you can reduce the impact of your child’s allergy symptoms.
Although pets enrich our lives and the lives of our family, they can leave some feeling uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor about solutions on how your family can live with pets and allergies. Even though solutions exist to lessen allergy symptoms, you must choose what’s best for your family.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
