If you're sneezing, congested and have watery, itchy eyes, Snoopy might be to blame. Your dog continuously sheds particles of skin, fur and hair, known as dander, which can trigger allergic reactions. Rather than finding your beloved Snoopy another home, minimize his dander so you can continue enjoying his companionship.
Step 1
Consult a veterinarian about your dog's diet and skin health. A veterinarian can detect skin problems in your dog that might trigger excessive dander. He can also recommend a high-quality dog food and supplements with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to improve the health of your dog's skin and reduce shedding.
Step 2
Confine Snoopy to a separate area of the house that has hard flooring. Use baby gates or close doors so he can't jump on your bed, lounge on the couch or roll on the living room carpet and spread dander.
Step 3
Clean your home at least twice a week to eliminate dander. Wipe away dust with damp towels or electrostatic cloths that draw and hold onto dander. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter to trap dander. Don't forget to clean Snoopy's playing, sleeping and eating areas. Wash bedding in hot water with a detergent for sensitive skin.
Step 4
Bathe Snoopy at least twice a week with an allergen-reducing shampoo. Bring your pet companion outside to wash him, and in between baths, use commercial wipes geared to reducing dander to wipe down your pet companion. Alternatively, use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby wipes.
Step 5
Brush your furry friend often to get rid of skin flakes and loose hair. Take Snoopy outside when you brush him to keep dander out of your home.
Step 6
Replace carpets with hard flooring, because carpets hold onto dander, making it hard to remove. Choose wood tile or vinyl flooring. If this is not an option, steam-clean periodically or use removable rugs that can be washed in hot water.
Step 7
Place HEPA air cleaners throughout your house to remove pet dander from the air. Also use HEPA filters in your central air conditioning and heating system.
References
Tips
- If you're allergic to dander, wear a dust mask and gloves when grooming your dog or cleaning your house. Alternatively, have someone else do it. Always wash your hands and arms after handling your pet.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.