(Newswire.net — May 25, 2017) — Bringing home a new pet is fun and exciting! It’s the introduction of a new family member to the household for everyone to enjoy. The only drawback to a new four-legged addition is the potential for an allergic reaction. People can have an allergic reaction to an animal even if they believe they’re not allergic. For many, the reaction is a temporary one, but it’s still unpleasant to deal with. Following are some tips to help everyone adjust to the new household member and enjoy their company while keeping allergic reactions to a minimum.
Get the HVAC System Checked
The HVAC system circulates air throughout your home. As it does so, it draws in dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens that irritate sensitive mucous membranes and cause a histamine response. Adding a pet raises the amount of allergens flying around the home and increases the potential for an allergic reaction. Start fresh by having an HVAC technician come out and perform maintenance on your system. Getting the ducts and vents cleaned and changing the filter lowers the amount of allergens in the air so everyone’s immune systems get a break and can adjust more readily to the new pet.
Image via Flickr by engelcox
Better Living Through Chemistry
Histamines are the primary culprit in an allergic response to foreign bodies in the bloodstream. When you breathe in allergens, they get into your bloodstream and set off a histamine response. This causes your eyes to water and itch, makes your nose feel stuffy, and causes you to sneeze. It’s miserable to say the least.
The good news is that there are many over-the-counter medications available that are designed to reduce the body’s histamine response. There’s more than likely a product that will give you some relief and help you feel less miserable. This may give your immune system time to adjust better to the introduction of a new allergen in your home.
Take Preventive Action
Instead of letting your pet’s dander take over your life, get ahead of it. Give your pet frequent baths or wipe them down regularly with products designed to reduce allergens causing dander. Get out the brush and give that pet a good grooming session to reduce loose hair and dander that flies around unchecked. Catch the hair and dander in the brush instead of letting it pile up in a corner or in your ducts.
You might want to make one room pet-free to give yourself a space that isn’t full of allergens. Does this idea go against your grain? Then slowly introduce the pet to the room until you’ve adjusted to their presence and can tolerate having them everywhere in the home.
These are some of the ways to keep allergies under control and enjoy life with pets. It may take some work, but the extra effort can be easily added in to your regular housekeeping routines. You and your pet can have a positive experience together without the misery of allergies getting in the way.