Sometimes, pet allergies appear out of nowhere. While you may have always snuggled with your kitten or pooch without a problem, a change in the weather or natural changes in your body may cause you to suddenly obtain pet allergies. Allergies normally mean a runny nose, itchy and red eyes, excessive sneezing, or a sore throat. You might also contract a cough, or develop red and itchy skin. If you are sneezing and wheezing whenever you are around your beloved pet, you may be wondering about the future. Will you have to sell your pet because of your allergies? Thankfully, you may not have to. Here are a few precautionary steps that you can take to minimize the amount of allergens in your home and allow you to have a happy and healthy relationship with your pet.

First, you should improve your immediate environment. You can create an allergen-free room by blocking your pet from entering this area. Normally, you may want to designate your bedroom as your solace from allergens. Put a child block or gate on the door if you like to keep it open, and teach your pet to stay away from the doorway. You pay also want to use hypoallergenic bedding and sheets to help you sleep at night without sneezing, coughing, or having to get up and blow your nose.

Another smart way to get rid of allergens is to limit the amount of fabric in your home. Allergens tend to collect on textiles. Rugs, drapes, blankets, and carpets are the perfect place for these irritants to hide. If you cover furniture in cotton, the thin fabric will help to eliminate the amount of allergens in the room. Also, you can trade your drapes in for some shutters or blinds. In addition, you should vacuum frequently. Pets shed, and the excess pet hair may make your allergies even worse. When you vacuum, make sure to use a HEPA bag. Other types of vacuum bags may blow the collected dust back out, and your allergens will be back on the floor.

Try installing an air purifier to see if this helps lessen your allergies. Normally HEPA filters can help to filter the air that can grow stagnant and full of allergens in our homes. You can also use anti-allergen room sprays which are available at grocery stores. These sprays may be able to bat down the particles that are irritating your nose or eyes. If you have a pet cat, clean his or her litter box frequently. The ammonia emanating from the box may be part of your problems. Use low-dust litter to keep from having to deal with a cloud of dust whenever you clean. You can also purchase an automatic cleaning litter box for optimal cleanliness.

Dusting regularly and washing fabrics will also cut down on the amount of allergens in your home. You can invest in washable pet bedding so that your animals will have somewhere comfy to sleep. If you can, try to get someone other than yourself to do the dusting and vacuuming. That way you won't need to come in contact with all of the allergens lying about your home. Always wash your hands after petting or playing with your dog or cat, so that you will not touch your face and spark an allergic reaction. You should contact an allergist who can help to give you allergy preventative medications and regulate your allergies, as well. There are many great prescriptions out there that are specifically for pet-owners who have reactions when near their pets. By taking these steps, you may be able to battle your allergies and keep your beloved pets.