Avoidance is the best method to controlling the allergies, but is not usually practical.

Your allergic pet’s symptoms can be reduced by limiting the amount of exposure to an allergen (the things your pet is allergic to).

Dust Mites

• House dust mites are found in every home, no matter how clean. They cannot be seen by the naked eye, being about half the size of the period at the end of this sentence. They will live anywhere there is heat and moisture. These mites prefer to live in mattresses, carpeting, drapes, overstuffed furniture, stuffed toys, blankets, and other fabrics. The most important thing you can do to reduce dust mites is to adjust the humidity in your home. Keeping the moisture in the air below 70% will dry out the dust mites and limit their mating activity.
• The next thing you can do is control the dust levels in the home. Vacuuming thoroughly at least once weekly is much better than vacuuming lightly every day. The vacuum filter must be small enough to trap the mite and not blow it back into the air. Do not reuse the filter. Allow the dust to settle (about 20 minutes), then vacuum. Vacuum upholstered furniture as well as draperies. Try to remove as much clutter as possible since these items will collect dust. Always remove your pet from the room before cleaning!
• A hot water (140°) wash followed by a thorough tumble in the dryer will remove mites from pet’s beds, blankets, and stuffed toys. These items should be washed once weekly. Freezing small toys is also effective for immediate eradication of dust mites. Toys should be washed after freezing.

Pollen

• Pollen grains are microscopic particles that contain the reproductive information for a particular plant. It is these wind blown grains that trigger allergic reactions. Grass, tree and weed pollen is light and airy, designed to float for miles on wind currents.
• There is no easy way to avoid wind-dispersed pollen. Ragweed pollen has been collected up to 400 miles out at sea and two miles high in the air. During peak pollen hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 am, try to limit your pet’s time out of doors. Cleaning your pet’s paws after they’ve been outside (especially the paw lickers) will also help. Bathe your pet weekly with cool to tepid water to remove pollen from your pet’s fur. Avoid line-drying clothes and “airing out” rugs, as pollen grains will get trapped in these items.

Mold Spores

• Mold spores are be more allergenic than once thought. Mold spores are found wherever there is elevated moisture. The most common areas to find molds in your home are bathrooms, damp cellars and basements, closets, attics, crawl spaces, houseplants, and places where fresh food is stored. Often the first sign of mold growth is a musty odor.
• The most important step in controlling mold growth is to lower the humidity to between 40 – 50%. This can be accomplished by turning on the air conditioner. Not only will it lower the humidity, but also if an appropriate filter is used, it will remove many mold spores from the air. A dehumidifier can be used year round if kept 100% clean. If not kept clean, spores will multiply in the collection chamber and make the mold problem worse.
• Areas of mold growth can be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution. Use one part bleach per nine parts water. To clean large areas of mold growth, scrub once with the bleach solution, wait two hours and then scrub again with the solution. Be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions when cleaning with bleach.

Fleas & Other Insects

• Fleas are a common problem with even the cleanest dogs and cats. Not only does the fleabite cause intense itching due to the allergens present in flea saliva, but inhaling certain parts of insects and/or their fecal material may also be causing your pet to itch. The most common insect allergies are to fleas, cockroaches, mosquitoes, houseflies and ants.
• Elimination of insects may be impossible, but you can reduce insect populations in your home. Insects prefer heat and humidity. Don’t let water stand for long periods of time and keep sinks, tubs and faucets in good working order. Insects love leaky faucets. Seal all cracks and gaps in foundations and be sure that window and door screens are in good working order. Remove trash from the home daily and keep garbage collection bin away from your home. Clean up all crumbs and spills quickly. Keep food and garbage in tightly closed containers. Consulting a professional exterminating company may be helpful.
• Take care when choosing an insecticide. Pyrethrum is a common ingredient in many insecticides. This ingredient comes from flowers similar to ragweed and is a common allergen. You will need to avoid pyrethrum-based products. A flea product purchased from your veterinarian is the safest option.

Tobacco Smoke

• Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS): Secondhand smoke is a very potent allergen and irritant. ETS in the home has been shown to cause much harm, especially for cats that groom the smoke particles off the fur and ingest it. Even if your home is smoke free, ETS from public areas can cling to your hair and clothes and remain potent enough to cause your pet misery when you return home.
• You can limit the effects of ETS by these steps:
  • Maintain a smoke free home
    • Quit smoking
    • Do not allow others to smoke in your home
    • Minimally, do not smoke around your pet, at home, or in your car
  • Be aware of surroundings
  • Use fabric fresheners that take smoke odor out of fabrics
  • Wash clothes immediately when coming from a smoky environment
  • Use air filters on air conditioners and heaters