Now the weather is turning colder and the nights longer, we start spending more time indoors with our pets – which can spell disaster if you have a child with a pet allergy. The most common form of pet allergy is an allergy to the tiny particles of dead skin and saliva which are shed by an animal and subsequently become airborne. These microscopic particles are known as ‘dander’. However there are things you can do to help your child combat their pet allergy. Airborne allergens expert, Max Wiseberg, explains…
“Cats are generally more allergenic than dogs, as the particles shed from them are smaller than those from dogs, which means that they become airborne more easily and are airborne for longer. Airborne particles can easily fly up the nose, triggering lots of nasty symptoms.”
“Unless your child is severely allergic to pets, there are lots of ways to avoid the allergens which don’t involve not having a pet. See my allergen avoidance tips below to find out how.”
“Use an organic drug free allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax Kids (www.haymax.biz). HayMax can be applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day, and is proven to trap pet allergens [1], as well as dust and over a third of pollen particles before they enter the body where they can cause symptoms. Less allergen, less reaction!”
“Keep pets off sofas and beds, and out of your child’s bedroom altogether if possible, to help prevent your child breathing in allergens during the night, causing sleep disturbance.”
“Consider using an air filter/purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the pet allergen particles.”
“Damp dust surfaces regularly. Damp dusting helps prevent allergens which have settled on surfaces being redistributed into the air.”
“Vacuum regularly. It may also be beneficial to install “Allergy Friendly” flooring.”
“Keep your pet well groomed and shampooed regularly.”
“Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build up of allergens on them.”
Reference
[1] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.