Pet Allergies at Home? 6 Tips to Keep Your Pet and Stay Healthy

Finding out that someone in your household is allergic to your pet can feel overwhelming, especially when your pet is already part of the family. 

Before it turns into an “it’s me or the dog” (or cat) situation, a few smart changes can help keep both the allergic person and your pet comfortably under one roof. 

A few smart changes around the house can help make daily life more manageable for both your pet and the person with allergies.

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1. Set Up Pet-Free Spaces

One of the first steps is to keep certain areas of the home off-limits to your pet. 

Bedrooms are a good place to start, since the allergic person needs a space where they can sleep and relax with less exposure to pet hair and dander. 

For smaller dogs that can’t jump over, a pet or baby gate can help create clear boundaries where necessary. For cats, you’ll probably need to stick with closing the door.

Check out this high-rated pressure mount pet gate that comes in a sleek black finish. It's adjustable and comes in a few widths and heights.

2. Give Your Pet Their Own Comfortable Area

If you are limiting where your pet can go indoors, make sure their dedicated space is still cozy and functional. Include a comfortable bed, fresh water, toys, and enough room for them to move around. 

If possible, choose an area with access to a safe yard, patio, or outdoor space so your pet still gets fresh air and exercise.

3. Stay on Top of Grooming

Regular grooming can help reduce loose fur before it spreads throughout the house. 

Brush your dog or cat often, and when the weather allows, do it outside to keep extra hair and dander from collecting indoors. 

For dogs, bathing may also help, but it is best to ask a vet or groomer how often your specific pet should be washed.

This high rated vacuum from Amazon is equipped with HEPA filtration and can help with powerful pet hair pickup.

5. Improve the Air Where You Can

An air purifier with a HEPA filter may help reduce some airborne pet allergens in frequently used rooms. 

This works best when combined with other habits, like vacuuming, dusting, washing pet bedding, and keeping pets out of the allergic person’s sleeping area.

6. Ask About Allergy Relief Options

If symptoms are still a problem, the allergic person should speak with a doctor or allergist. Medication, nasal sprays, or other allergy treatments may help make living with a pet more comfortable.