Are you a pet owner who happened to be allergic to pets too? It must be a pity not being able to at least go near them when you’re having attacks seeing that your pet would love to express his inexhaustible love to you the same way you want to shower them with your satisfying scratches and rubs. You went to your doctor and only went home defeated that you cannot totally be healed from your allergies.
Only, you can help your symptoms subside with the help of medications like antihistamines, if not an epinephrine shot if the attack gets serious. You don’t have to feel dejected for so long, though. Many pet parents who were allergic to pets when they were younger, and fortunately lived to tell the tale, shared that with constant exposure they were able to naturally recover or at least suffer only mild symptoms today.
For sure, to be unfazed in the face of pet dander is one of your top goals too. With these simple home remedies, you may just be well on your way to living a less-stuffy-nose-and-itchy-eyes life with your most lovable pet:
Nasal Spray
A saline solution spray helps relieve allergic symptoms, especially a persisting post-nasal drip. Salt in the solution also has antimicrobial capabilities which contribute to killing allergens. Manufacturers of OTC ones would recommend you to spray two to three times on each nostril at least once a day, but if your nose is feeling extra stuffy feel free to spritz some more.
Eye Drops
Conjunctivitis is another annoying symptom you would have to deal with. Likewise, there are OTC antihistamine eye drops you can keep a stash of to relieve the itch and to restore moisture lost from tearing up. In the event you ran out, the best alternative especially if your eyes swell is applying a cold cloth compress.
Limit Play Time
Limit the time you spend with your pet, at least in the first few weeks he claimed your house as his new home. You would have to endure hearing your pet’s cries for your caresses for a while, or else you will suffer worse symptoms. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend with him, being ever so conscious of how your body reacts to the contact.
The Right Furniture
Upon planning on taking home a pet, you should have considered before whether your current home setup and furniture are conducive for pet-rearing. You would rather have couches and chairs upholstered with fabric types that are easy to clean when covered with pet fur and pet-caused stains. Leather is one of the most viable for its highly durable makeup and which gets tougher over, therefore, it could sustain the most claw scratches.
If you’re inclined towards fabric upholstery, choose the likes of microfiber and canvas. That way, vacuuming fur would be the breeziest, and cleaning stains would be as easy as rubbing on a soap or baking soda solution. Tougher stains are best addressed with the help of an upholstery cleaner.
Keep the Home Clean
Whether you like it or not, your pet child will shed its undercoat, although how often depends on their breed. A solid fool-proof way to prevent triggering your allergies is to keep your home clean or at least the area in the house where you allow them to roam. If it’s your first time allowing a pet inside the house, keep them away from your closet so you don’t get fur and dander on your fresh clothes.
Apply a top-down approach when cleaning so your efforts won’t be futile. You can manually wipe surfaces with a cloth dampened with a multipurpose cleaning solution, but this will mobilize otherwise sitting dust and fur and so will more likely graze your skin or face. If you are worried about this, a stick vacuum with its various attachments would help in sucking out even the fur stuck on the highest and toughest-to-reach corners of your house like on fan blades and window sills. Do this at least once a week.
Of course, make sure to protect your eyes, nose, and arms when dealing with flying fur. And, if fur remains scattered after you vacuumed the house, a lint roller would be your best bet in removing them from cushioned furniture, curtains, and your clothes.
Owning a pet as someone allergic to them, you should listen to your body as much as you listen to your pet’s requests. Looking out for your health with medications and keeping the house clean, you can bond better with your pet.
