Before you’re able to reduce the allergens in your home, you need to know exactly what you’re allergic to. Dog allergens are tiny proteins found in dog skin cells, urine, and saliva. These proteins can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.
Dog allergens are lightweight and can easily become airborne, making them difficult to avoid. They can also stick to clothing, furniture, and other surfaces, making it important to take measures to reduce their presence in your home.
Here are some essential tips to keep your home as allergen-free as possible:
Invest in Air Filters
Investing in air filters is a simple and effective way to reduce dog allergens in your home.
To reduce dog allergens in your home, invest in high-efficiency air filters. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can remove up to 99.97% of airborne allergens, including dog dander. So make sure to use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. And confirm the cadr (clean air delivery rate) is the correct size for the size of the room it keeps clean.
Choose air filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of at least 11. This rating indicates the filter’s ability to capture small particles, such as pet dander.
Place air filters in high-traffic areas, such as the living room and bedrooms. Keep them running continuously for optimal results.
Change the air filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty filter can reduce the effectiveness of the air purifier and actually worsen your allergy symptoms.
Clean Your House
Clean your house often! This includes baseboards, curtains, walls, and window sills. Try and reach every nook and cranny.
Use a lint roller on flat surfaces and keep them clutter-free as much as possible. Less stuff means there’s less surfaces that allergens can linger on.
If possible, switch to hardwood floors as opposed to carpet and rugs, which will trap more allergens. If not possible, you’ll want to steam clean the carpets regularly.
Make Your Room an Allergy-Free Safe Space
Do not let your dog(s) in your room. I know you love them, but you need to have a designated dog-free zone as well. Try and keep your bedroom door closed at all times whenever possible.
Use a HEPA air cleaner and impermeable covers in your bedroom. Use allergen-proof covers for your mattress and pillows. When purchasing allergen-proof covers, make sure they are specifically designed to block dog allergens. Look for covers that are made of tightly woven fabric and have a pore size of less than 10 microns. This will ensure that the covers are effective in blocking allergens. And wash your bedding regularly in hot water.
Avoid using scented cleaning products that can irritate allergies.
Clean Your Dog
Bathe and brush your dog regularly. Not too much where they would be getting over-bathed. But regular bathing and brushing will help to reduce the allergens in your home.
And be sure to wash dog bedding and toys regularly. Disinfect and clean all their toys as regularly as you can.
Living with dog allergies can be difficult for dog-lovers. And it can be quite time-consuming to try and allergen-free your environment. But there are active steps you can take to combat allergies and make your home as allergy-free as possible while still owning and loving a dog.