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Return To Pets Article Archive   Pet Allergy Tips By John Purdy ** What Are You Allergic To? ** By establishing whether your pet is really the origin of an allergy is certainly the best starting point. Regardless, that can be a difficult task if you already have a pet since the allergens are very difficult to eliminate entirely. If an existing pet can be removed and the home thoroughly cleaned (carpets, walls, furniture etc.) you MAY be able to verify the allergy in several months. Obviously that is not the easiest solution. Having the child stay with a friend or relative for a week or two (as long as there are no pets in the house) may show an improvement that might point to an allergy to the family pet. A visit to your physician can authenticate an allergy with a simple exam. The tests vary, but some can be mildly uneasy and would likely not be considered if the symptoms were mild. Some symptoms are compounded by exposure to several allergens. By identifying different sources and removing them you may find the reaction to pets is lessened and not a barrier to enjoying their company. ** Establishing an Allergy Friendly Home ** There are several steps you can take to reduce the build up of allergens and bring relief to allergy sufferers. The initial suggestion is to have hardwood or other smooth surface for your flooring. Carpets hold far more of the particles that cause allergies and hard flooring makes it easy to disinfect. Leather furnishings is also ideal for homes with pet allergies. For the exact reason as hard flooring is more suitable than carpet, leather holds far less allergens than fabric. Keep a chair for the allergy sufferer that pets are not allowed to sit on. Also be certain that animals do not sleep on the beds or enter the bedrooms of allergy sufferers. Think about keeping the sleeping area of the home as a pet-free zone. ** Making Your Pet as Hypo-Allerggenic as Possible ** There are even things you can do with your pet to lessen the allergic effects of having them in your home. Frequent grooming and bathing with a mild soap to prohibit over drying will reduce the dander that is one of the leading causes of pet allergies. It would be recommended that someone without allergies take on this task. Washing hands after playing with a pet and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands will also help. Since some individuals are also allergic to the saliva of pets it would be sensible to not allow your pet to lick you. In the instance of more serious allergies or asthma it may be necessary that no pet share the home. For older children or adults it may be feasible to find a medication or treatment which makes the situation tolerable if they prefer to keep the pet in spite of the allergy. About the Author: J. Purdy operates a website that offers information and resources on different types of allergies including cat and dog allergies. If you, your pet or someone you know suffers from allergies, visit his site today: http://www.dog-allergies.net Cat Lover Gifts

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