Did you know three out of 10 people in the U.S. are allergic to cats or dogs? That can make it difficult to live under the same roof with your furry pets, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t enjoy their companionship. Your friends at MTB have broken down some common questions and myths about pets and allergies:
Are hypoallergenic pets a thing?
Contrary to popular belief, there is not an actual hypoallergenic dog or cat, but there are ones that will affect your allergies less.
What does it mean to be allergic to cats and dogs?
Allergic reactions are caused by how your body reacts to your pets’ proteins in their saliva, dander and urine.
How can I live alongside a pet when I’m allergic?
There are a lot of steps you can take. First, set boundaries. Don’t let your pets inside your bedroom. A vast majority of your time, especially your sleeping hours, are spent inside the bedroom, so keep it pet-free and consider getting a whole-house filtration system.
It’s best to have hardwood floors, so your pet’s dander doesn’t sink into the carpet. If you have carpet, though, try to get with a low pile and steam clean it regularly.
Depending on the severity of your allergies, it could be a smart idea to wear a dust mask while you vacuum, since the activity of a vacuum cleaner can circulate allergens into the air.
To keep your air cleaner and you breathing easier, look into adding an air cleaner and a certified asthma and allergy-friendly filtration system to your HVAC system. This combination will help remove animal allergens from your indoor air. If you have questions about the products that will best suit your needs, please give the pros at MTB a call: (704) 459-4066 .
