Millions of people share their home with a pet; but with allergies on the rise, many are saying goodbye to their furry friends. Our allergists understand the difficulties faced when forced to choose between your pet and allergies. So we’ve compiled a list of tips on how to live with your pets when you suffer from a pet allergy.
Pet Allergy Checklist
Give them weekly baths. Allergens can easily attach to your pet’s fur. It’s important to keep their coat clean to reduce some of your allergy symptoms. While it may not eliminate them all, it can help you feel a little better.
Keep your pet off the bed. It’s tempting to snuggle up with your pet in bed, but this will only irritate your allergies. Pet dander can get trapped inside your bedding and trigger your symptoms. If you also suffer from pollen allergies, having your pet in the bed can make you miserable as pets carry allergens from outside.
Rinse your sinuses daily. Saline can clear out your sinuses and help reduce congestion. Local pharmacies sell pre-made sinus rinse solutions, but you can also make your own at home. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology has an easy-to-follow saline rinse recipe that is comparable to a store-bought solution.
Get rid of carpet and fabric surfaces. Much like your bedding, pet dander can get trapped inside your carpet and furniture. While a good vacuüm cleaner can reduce the amount of pet dander in your fabric, it may not eliminate 100% of it. It is best to replace carpet with wooden or tile floors. Also, a leather couch is better suited for allergies than a fabric one.
Pet Allergy Treatment
If the tips above do not help relieve your symptoms, consider visiting an allergist for immunotherapy or allergy shots. The allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers offer minimally invasive treatment at seven locations throughout Manhattan and Queens: Murray Hill, Midtown, Upper West Side, Chelsea, Upper East Side, Glendale and Hollis.
Meet the Physician Collaborator
Dr. Robert Lin is a physician specializing in internal medicine with a subspecialty in allergy and immunology. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He has affiliations with both Weill-Cornell and New York Medical College and has recently conducted and published research in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lin by calling (212) 686-4448.