It’s that dreaded time of the year again: allergy season. Itchy or swollen eyes, sneezing, skin rash and excessive paw licking are just a few of the unpleasant symptoms of allergy sufferers. These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable for your dog and may cause infections in some serious case.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that as many as 3 out of every 10 people are allergic to dogs and cats. Pet allergens are extra troublesome during the fall and spring, when your furry friend is shedding his summer coat to prepare for winter, and when he is shedding his winter coat to prepare for warmer weather. These allergens fall hand-in-hand with seasonal allergies like tree and grass pollens, making those who suffer from seasonal and pet allergies extra miserable.
Where Do Allergies Come From?
Contrary to popular belief, your dog’s hair is not an allergen. His fur is a carrier for allergens that stick to it, like pet dander, dust, and pollen. These pollens make their way into your house on your dog’s fur and on your clothes, eventually collecting on surfaces.
Bookshelves, dressers, rugs, curtains, furniture, and other surfaces are prone to buildups of pesky allergens. When you dust and vacuum, these pollens often get blown back into the air, where they stay suspended and cause additional allergies.
How to Rid Your House of Allergens
By now you might be asking, what can I do to cope with having a pet during allergy season? A combination of routine household cleaning and grooming of your dog can help mitigate seasonal allergies.
Below, are tips on how you can safely keep your house and dog clean during allergy season.
Cleaning Supplies
Wiping or mopping surfaces can vastly reduce the amount of dirt and dust building up on household surfaces. Keep in mind that some ingredients in popular cleaning supplies are not safe for dogs and should be avoided. Harsh chemicals can cause skin irritation and bodily discomfort, which may also agitate allergies further. By using non-toxic cleaning solutions, you can protect your family from allergens and dangerous chemicals alike.
Air Filters
There are many ways that you can use air filters to keep the air in your home free from allergens. Here are just a few ideas for improving the air quality in your home.
- invest in a vacuum that has an HEPA filter
- wear a face mask while dusting or vacuuming to filter out particles
- keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering
- use air filters with high MERV ratings for forced-air heating and air-conditioning systems
- place filters over the vents in each of your rooms
- purchase an air purifier to remove dust and pet dander from indoor spaces
Most importantly, don’t forget to routinely change the vents in your filtration systems. This will help clear the air and prevent straining the systems into underperforming.
Machine-Washables
One simple way to reduce allergies is by putting your washer and dryer to good use. Regularly washing your dog’s toys, bedding, and towels helps ensure your dog has a clean place to sleep and play. Although your dog isn’t sleeping on other upholstery, it’s also a good idea to wash curtains, rugs, and other machine-washable home items frequently to prevent allergens from getting into the air.
Conventional laundry detergents can contain perfumes that agitate your dog’s nose and skin, as well as yours, so opt for non-toxic detergents. Not only are they cleaner for the environment, but they’re also safer for your dog, who may enjoy laying or rolling around on items that are washed regularly.
For more information on how to clean your dog’s toys, check out our tips here.
Bath Time
A routine bath time for your dog can help reduce pet dander while also promoting healthy skin and a clean coat. According to the Central California SPCA, dogs can be bathed once a month, but that can depend on your doggo. Over-washing your dog can cause his skin to be dry, while under-washing can cause unwanted odors.
When selecting a pet shampoo, always aim for the most organic, natural dog shampoo that doesn’t contain toxins like phthalates, preservatives, or artificial fragrances. Your dog’s fur type, level of outdoor play, and skin sensitivity will vary from other dogs, so be sure to check with his doctor before changing up his bathing routine.
Grooming Your Dog
In addition to bathing, is important to brush your dog regularly, not only to reduce pet fur and dander, but also because it feels better and is more hygienic for furry friends to have a clean coat. Depending on your particular pup’s coat, you might have to brush him daily to keep shedding to a minimum.
It’s also a good idea to take into consideration the type of coat your pet has when selecting the kind of grooming tool to use. If you’re looking for a brush, be sure to use a high-quality brush that has natural bristles so as not to hurt your dog. While brushing your pet, it’s also a good idea to inspect his skin for any discoloration, bumps, or dandruff.
Avoid over-brushing your dog, and always contact your pet’s doctor if he is shedding excessively or if you notice unusual spots on his skin.
In Conclusion
Allergies can be debilitating, but there are many ways that you can safely reduce allergens in your household, all while keeping your dog safe from harmful toxins. We hope these tips on how to survive allergy season gave you just what you and your dog needed to prepare for that unavoidable time of the year.
Until next time--
Until next time--
