Indoor allergy symptoms caused by pets can feel similar to the more well-known hay fever symptoms. Common symptoms include sore, itchy, watery, red eyes, sneezing and wheezing, and cold like symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus pain. Many people believe they have a ‘winter cold’ when their symptoms are actually a result of spending more time inside amongst pet allergens. In fact, this may be the first time someone realises they have a pet allergy.
Cats are generally more allergenic than dogs, as cat dander is smaller than dog dander and becomes airborne more easily and for longer. When these airborne particles enter the nose, they trigger lots of nasty symptoms.
So prevention is key with allergies. Stop the allergens getting in the body and the body won’t react. No home is 100% allergen free, but there are some simple ways to minimise the allergens around you. Here are some simple, easy to implement tips.
• Ensure your pet is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens.
• Keep pets off sofas and beds, and out of the bedroom altogether if possible.
• Vacuum regularly to reduce the amount of pet dander around the home. It may also be beneficial to install “Allergy Friendly” flooring – Allergy UK has a suggested range.
• Damp dust regularly to reduce the amount of pet dander on surfaces, and to reduce the amount dispersed into the air.
• Use an organic, drug free allergen barrier balm. HayMax has been proven to trap pet and dust allergens before they enter the body [1]. Apply the balm around the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day, to trap pet allergens before they enter the body where they can cause symptoms. Less allergen, less reaction.
• Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build up of allergens on them.
• Consider using an air filter/purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the pet allergen particles and cool and circulate the air.
Applying HayMax allergen barrier balm two or three times a day provides a highly effective, invisible barrier to pet allergens. It’s also highly cost effective, as one pot can last six months. HayMax has achieved the Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK. It is suitable for the whole family; children, teenagers and adults, including pregnant and breast-feeding mums.