Tips and tricks for living with animals when you’re allergic

Written by: Nao Mitsutomi, Edited By Abbi Colborn

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Being a dog and cat lover but being cursed with allergies towards them has got to be one of the saddest things ever. I myself am allergic to dogs and cats, and have had my fair shares of sneezing and watery eyes around them. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to make being around your furry friends tolerable! Here are some tips and tricks I use for living with furry friends when you’re allergic!

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Create A Pet-Free Zone In Your Home

Two dogs stand on their hind legs in a doorway, blocked off by a white baby gate. Furthest Left is a white and tawny corgi husky mix. The dog to the right is a mutt of equal height, and brown and black patches on his head and back.

It’s recommended that you create a pet-free zone in your home so that you’ll have a guaranteed space where you can comfortably hang out without having to worry about allergic reactions. Often the bedroom is a good option. Yes, unfortunately, this means that you won’t be able to cuddle up with your furry companions at night, but it’s important to have a space where you can take a break from constantly being around allergens!

Cleaning Reduces Exposure

In a sunny bedroom, a fluffy white lab lays on a hardwood floor. A woman with shoulder length brown hair vacuums fur directly off the dog.

If we want to win the war our bodies wage against pet dander, we have to reduce the amount of the allergens we take in. Consider investing in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Using vacuum cleaners and air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce the particles that exacerbate allergies!

Bathing Your Pet

Cleaning as a preventative measure extends beyond your floors. Regularly bathing your pet can reduce the allergens on their bodies. If you have a pet with dry, flaky skin, consider coconut oil baths to prevent more skin shed than necessary.

If All Else Fails…

A woman pets her Shiba Inu laying on her bed, while she sits in a chair, balancing a mug on her knee.

If your allergy symptoms are mild, they can be treated with over-the-counter allergy medication! Between the pet free zone, the regular cleaning (both your home and your pet), and meds as needed, you should have enough tools in your repertoire now to handle any sniffles that come your way. Major props to any animal lovers who are also allergic. Powering through an immune response out of love and appreciation is a valiant thing, worthy of applause.