7 Ways You Can Manage Your Animal Allergies

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For many, dogs and cats are part of the family. Thekitchen just wouldn’t be the same without Bailey’s footprints trailed acrossit, and any “me-time” you once enjoyed is now a thing of the past – but youdon’t mind. It’s all part of the pet package.

However, animals in the home can be blamed for morethan just a muddy floor. According to Allergy UK, pets are the second largest causeof allergies in the home – rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and birds included. SamanthaWalker, Asthma UK’s Director of Research and Policy, states "Ifanimals are a trigger for your asthma, you probably have what's known as ‘allergic asthma.’” People who suffer from thisstrain of the respiratory condition will have to endure coughing, sneezing,shortness of breath, and sometimes itchiness, redness and rashes. However, you don’t need to panic – this doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye toyour furry friends.

Here, we round up the best ways you can manage yourpet allergies – no emotional goodbyes required.

· Try to ensureyour pets are restricted to certain rooms in your home, or even outside ifpossible.

· Groom youranimals regularly, either by washing them at home using the appropriate petshampoo or by taking them to a professional groomer.

· Wash allanimal bedding thoroughly. If your pet comes into contact with surfaces andsoft furnishings, clean them frequently.

· Invest in agood air filter and vacuum cleaner. The filter should reduce allergen levelssomewhat, and a powerful hoover will ensure your carpets are as dander andfur-free as possible.

· Maintain highlevels of personal hygiene by washing your hands after coming into contact withyour pet, especially if you have a tendency to touch your face, mouth and eyes.

· Visit your vetregularly to ensure your pet is in good shape and in even better health.

· Invest in anair quality sensor that not only counts particles in the air inside your home,but identifies them. Sensio AIR detects and identifies indoor allergens, whichwill give you an indicator as to the causes of your outbreaks. Discover more aboutit here.

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