Pets, too have springtime allergies; here's what to do
Springtime is the beginning of seasonal allergies for many of us allergy suffers. As the snow melts and the flowers, grass and trees sprout, you can be sure the sneezing will begin, too.
If you know you are a seasonal sufferer, do not blame your feline for exaggerating the symptoms. There are may steps you can take around your home environment to minimize allergies that are seasonal and animal related.
Remember in multiple feline households (or any animal household) your vacuum is your best friend and best defense against pet hair, dust and dander. Vacuum frequently, but with an efficient vacuum so that you are not just blowing more allergies into the air.
A vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter is a good choice or a vacuum with a disposable electrostatic bag also works well. If you have a choice between high-end paper or cloth, pick the disposable cloth. It will be stronger and cleaner and more efficient than paper. Remember, anyone can market a vacuum geared for pet-hair, but it sill may not be as allergen free as it should be.
You may not be the only one that has allergies in your household. Please, remember our felines can have allergies to household dust and protein dust from their food bowls if they are not kept clean and vacuumed around. Frequent washing of the floor around their food area keeps your allergies and your feline's allergies in check.
Besides pet areas, your rugs, drapes and upholstery collect allergens. Strive to limit fabric and regularly vacuum or steam clean them. A light hand-held steamer works for a light touch-up, but a professional service can offer a deeper cleaning.
For those of us with felines, cleaning is not called "spring cleaning." The reality is more like 24/7, if you want to win the battle against allergens for both you and your felines's benefit.
If you really want to minimize allergens, perhaps you should keep one room allergy free by denying your feline access to that room. Try to keep hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials in that room too.
Your furnace can also be a guilt culprit in spreading allergens around the house. Certain furnace filters are more efficient for handling pet allergens. Look for filters with higher efficiency ratings. These filters are usually twice as expensive, but will be worth the relief. 3M makes some higher rated allergen diffusers that trap pet hair and dander efficiently. Changing the filter often is key to allergy relief. An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter may also be an aid in removing allergens from the air.
Some pet owners bathe their animals to reduce allergens. This is tricky because you can dry out your pet's coat if you wash to often. Brushing and combing in-between baths also helps.
In the end, you may have to get allergy shots or take some over the counter medications to combat the sneezing. At the end of the day, it is worth it to be able to snuggle up with your favorite felines.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all volunteer, nonprofit organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. Its mission is to provide immediate safety and care to stray, abused and abandoned animals. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit, www.thebuddyfoundation.org.