4 Ways to Protect Yourself from Allergies caused by Pet Fur and Dander
Furry friends and fur babies are just a few of the endearing terms we use to call our beloved pets. Whether you’re a dog or cat lover, we can’t deny that these furry creatures are our best companions, however, did you know they could also cause pain and suffering?
Both dogs and cats shed because of high temperatures. This is their way of keeping themselves cool. Most breeds of dogs and cats heavily shed twice a year. Dogs like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies shed a lot, this goes the same for cats like Bobtails and ragdoll cats.
In Singapore, 27-30% of the population confirms they own a pet and according to studies, 10-20% of the global population is allergic to pets. Pet allergy symptoms range from sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and itchy skin.
As much as we love how cute our friends are, we can’t deny the fact that their fur and dander can cause people to suffer from allergic attacks. If letting go of your pets is not an option, here are some ways that you can keep them and avoid allergic attacks.
#1 Give your Fur Babies a bath regularly and Wash Your Hands Frequently
Pet hygiene is very important. Give your pet once or twice a week. This can prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other microscopic particles that can trigger allergic reactions from settling in your pet’s fur.
Always wash your hands after cuddling or playing with your pet. Pet fur and dander are sticky and attach easily to surfaces. Touching your face after holding your cat or dog is unhygienic but can also trigger allergic reactions.
#2 Clean up place regularly
Pet fur and dander are light and sticky. They cling easily to clothes, shoes, and even your hair. Clean up regularly, by sweeping and vacuuming areas where your pet usually hangs out, you can lessen frequent allergic attacks.
A clean home also helps prevent other airborne particles that can cause sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms of pet allergy.
#3 Make your bedroom a no-pet zone.
Since people spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping, it also means that this is the longest period you are exposed to pet fur and dander if your pet also sleeps in your bedroom. Keeping the bedroom free from pets will also lessen pet allergy attacks.
If your pets always stay in your bedroom, you are inhaling pet fur and dander while you sleep and you could wake up and have a worse case of pet allergies. This is why preventing pets from entering and staying in your home is very important.
#4 Filter Dangerous Dander
Your allergic reactions are not triggered by your pet’s fur. It is dander that is really causing your allergic attacks. Dander is dead skin cells or flakes that can be found on your pet’s fur and skin. Dander is microscopic and its average size is just 2.5 microns. So how can you protect yourself from them?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends using air purifiers that are built with HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters. These filters are graded depending on the level of their filtering capacities.
Sterra Breeze, Singapore’s No. 1 air purifier is one of the few air purifiers that is built with True HEPA-13 filters. These are the same filters that can be found in air purifiers in hospitals. The Sterra Breeze removes up to 99.97% of all airborne particles from mold spores, mildew, bacteria, dander, and even viruses.
What makes the Sterra Breeze so efficient is its negative ion exchange. It releases negatively charged ions in the air and these makes air particles cluster together. Once the particles clump together, Sterra Breeze sucks in the air and releases clean, fresh, and safe air.
Sterra
There is no such thing as hypoallergenic pets, and if you can't bear parting ways with your furry friends, make an environment where you and your pets can enjoy each other’s presence. With the help of an air purifier like Sterra Breeze, you and your pets can live comfortably without worrying about any allergies.
