ONE IN TEN PET OWNERS ALLERGIC TO THEIR FURRY FRIEND
Did you know that nearly one in ten pet owners are allergic to their pet? Although this may be frustrating and itchy to live with, most would not even consider giving up their pet. New research has shown just how common a problem this is and shared some tips, from an allergy specialist, for living with allergies…
Pets are the second most important cause of domestic allergy, after the house dust mite. The allergens are found in the pet’s hair, saliva and urine, according to allergy expert and immunologist Dr Jill Warner.
Research, by home appliance maker Vorwerk, found that nearly one in ten (8%) pet owners were allergic to their furry friends.More than half (61%) of pet owners wouldn’t consider giving up their animals, even if they were allergic to them.
Half of households with allergies (48%), however, revealed that they did not have any special cleaning measures to reduce the impact of their allergy, making it worse for their loved ones.
- Nearly one in ten (8%) pet owners allergic to their pet
- 61% wouldn’t consider giving up their pet because they love them too much
Dr Jill Warner’s top tips for an allergy free home
- Keep pets away from your bed. It’s important to keep pets away from your bed to avoid them from spreading their allergens all over the area where you sleep. Use allergen-proof barrier covers on all mattresses, duvets and pillows and wash your bedding regularly at at least 60 degrees.
- Put soft toys in the freezer. If your child is allergic to house dust mites put soft toys in the freezer for 24 hours once a week to kill the mites . Wash the toy in the washing machine afterwards and leave to dry before allowing your child to play with it again.
- Replace carpets with hard flooring. Replace your carpets with vinyl or wood flooring as these accumulate less allergens. If you have rugs in your home wash them regularly.
- Vacuum regularly. Where carpets can’t be removed, make sure you vacuum regularly along with vacuuming beds and soft furnishings. It’s important to use a high filtration vacuum cleaner which is able to collect and contain very small particles and clean a variety of surfaces.
- Decrease home humidity by increasing the ventilation. Try to keep your windows open and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to keep the house dry and ventilated. However if you are allergic to pollen windows should be closed during the grass and tree pollen seasons.
About this research
Dr Jill Warner is an Honorary Professor at The University of Cape Town and was previously Reader in Allergy and Immunology in the Division of Medicine at Imperial College London. Dr Warner established a new e-learning Postgraduate Certificate/MSc in Allergy at Imperial College that commenced in 2008 and for which she was the Course Director until 2016.
Vorwerk & Co. KG was founded in Wuppertal in 1883. Vorwerk has more than 12,000 employees worldwide, with operations in 70 countries. More info on keeping your house clean with pets here.
I had so many allergies – including to cat hair – that hay fever was making my life a misery. I saw a specialist and had two years of injections, and have never looked back!
I this that this is the best solution Janet. I would def go down this route if I ever had allergies to my pets. Thank goodness, none for me!