Your Simi Valley ENT tells you how to best handle relentless pet allergies.

A pet can be a wonderful addition to any household, and can often feel like just another member of the family; however, it can feel frustrating when those itchy red eyes and sneezing are caused by your fluffy friend. However, this doesn’t mean you need to part ways with your trusty companion. If you are suffering from pet dander allergies, your Simi Valley ENT shares effective ways to alleviate your symptoms:

Lessen contact

While this might seem harsh, the less contact your pet has with certain spaces in your home the more relief you will experience. This means keeping cats and dogs out of bedrooms, which can cause major problems for those with severe allergies or asthma. Also, limiting pets to rooms with only hardwood floors instead of carpet, which can trap dander, may also help cut down on your allergies.

Don’t let sleeping dogs lie

While it might seem wonderful to cozy up with your pup after a long day of work, all the sneezing and breathing problems could turn your cuddle fest into a nightmare. This is why your Simi Valley ENT recommends keeping pets off furniture including beds and couches where the dander can get trapped. Should your pet accidentally jump up on the couch, you will want to vacuum and wash the furniture immediately. This same rule applies to rugs, pillows, clothing and blankets.

Keep it Clean!

While dusting and cleaning won’t remove all the dander, it will certainly help. A vacuum that comes equipped with a HEPA filter may be more effective at removing more of these allergens from your home; however, it may be best to vacuum or clean once the person with the pet allergies is not home. If the pet-allergy sufferer is you, consider wearing a facemask while cleaning.

Bath time!

One study from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that after a bath, a dog’s allergen levels decreased by as much as 85 percent. So…you know what this means. It’s time to pull out the bathtub and scrub your pet! Dogs should be getting a bath twice a week to truly help with your pet dander allergies.

If none of these tips offer relief and you’ve tried ever over-the-counter allergy medication, then call your Simi Valley ENT today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to figure out a treatment plan that helps calm your symptoms and allows you to live happily with your beloved pets.