>U Mom Knows Best: What to Do When You Have Pets and a Child With Allergies

Monday, June 3, 2019

What to Do When You Have Pets and a Child With Allergies

 Children's allergies can arise from many different sources, including pets in the household. While it may be easy to avoid some causes of allergies, what happens when a child is allergic to a pet? Fortunately, you can take some steps to minimize the symptoms and make both your child and your pet happy.

Schedule an Allergy Test for Your Child

Image via Flickr by bortescristian

 It may seem obvious that your child's allergies are due to the family pet, but you should still schedule an allergy test before making any major changes. You can also closely monitor and evaluate the symptoms at home. Pay attention to your child's allergy symptoms when your son or daughter spends much time around your pet. Conversely, monitor any changes to your child's symptoms when he or she is away from your pet and your home for a long period of time.

Consider Allergy Medications
Allergy medications can help to minimize the symptoms caused by allergies. These medications can help with a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Although over-the-counter allergy medications are available, speak with your child's physician first. Over-the-counter allergy medications are more likely to have side effects, including drowsiness. Your physician may be able to give your child a daily allergy medication that does not have severe side effects.

Thoroughly Clean on a Regular Schedule
Many pet allergies are not actually caused by pet hair. Instead, pets have a protein in their saliva, urine, or dander that builds up around the house. Pollen is another significant allergy source, and pets can track it into the home. Important parts of the home to thoroughly clean on a regular schedule include cloth furniture, carpets, and bedding. If possible, avoid having carpeted floor surfaces throughout the house.

Give these surfaces an extra cleaning during high pollen seasons. Avoid brushing your pet indoors and give the carpets an extra vacuuming during high pollen seasons. Regularly cleaning and changing your HVAC system's air filter can also reduce the amount of pollen circulated throughout the household. You can also work with an HVAC services professional on implementing indoor air quality solutions that can eliminate the allergy sources in your home.

Designate Pet-Free Rooms

Limiting exposure to a pet can also help to reduce allergy symptoms. Leave pet playtime to the living room or other areas of the home with hard surfaces. Avoid allowing pets into a child's bedroom. Creating a pet-free room gives your child's body a break from the allergy source and gives your child a chance to get a good night's sleep. If you opt for pet-free parts of the home, regularly replacing your HVAC system's air filter will become more important than ever.
Having a child with allergies to pets and a pet in the home can be an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Before you choose to get rid of your pet, however, first try some ways to manage the allergy symptoms. You can take steps to reduce the allergy symptoms and keep your family's beloved pet at home.

1 comment:

Thanks for the comment.

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