One of the main causes of allergies in our home, and to our pets, can be traced back to tiny
creatures known as dust mites. These annoying little guys feed on the skin scales that are
constantly falling
off ourselves and our pets, then they litter our environments with hard to see fecal pellets and enzymes.
It is these minute particles that contain the troublesome allergens.
A
dust mite detection kit is available to test for dust mites in the home.
One of the best ways to deal with dust mite and dander allergies is to fight these causes from all angles. A good vacuum
like the
Dyson Animal, combined with a good
air cleaning regimen which can include portable air purifiers and in-duct home filtration systems
helps a lot by removing allergens from the surrounding air.
It also helps to dust with specialized cloths and sprays that attract and hold the
dander rather than throwing it back in the air.
Allerdust Spray from Allersearch is
designed to adhesively binds mold spores, dust particles, pet dander and pollen
to your feather duster or cloth for more effective cleaning.
Some sprays, like
EcologyWorks anti-allergen spray
even go so far as to denature the protein in the particles to neutralize the allergens on contact.
Another spray,
Allerase, anti-allergen treatment contains
non-abrasive, sponge-like particles that contain a water-based cleaning solution and a powerful ingredient to deactivate
most allergens. Allergen sprays, vacuuming the furniture, showering just before bedtime and changing the
sheets often all cut down on exposure to dust mites and dander.
We also take things one step further and deal with allergens in our laundry too, which has proven to be quite helpful.
We personally use
Nature's Miracle laundry detergent.
Not only does it neutralize pet allergens and dust mites, but, it
also offers low sudsing convenience, cleans well, gets rid of odors and doesn't irritate our skin like other detergents can.
We don't know what we would do without it. Another product,
Allerase, can also be added to the rinse cycle
to deactivate the allergens on your clothes.
And last but not least, you can treat your pet directly to help reduce allergens. Several products are available including
Allersearch Pet+ Shampoo for bathing, and,
Allerpet solutions for application
to help cleanse the hair of dander and saliva between bathing. Allerpet is available for birds, dogs and cats.
To round out your battle against allergies be sure and visit with your doctor to see if there are any medications,
nasal sprays products or antihistamine meds that might help you feel better as well.
If homeopathic medicine is your first choice, Natra-Bio Homeopathics makes a
natural pet allergy relief product
to help with congestion, itching, sneezing, rashes and other symptoms related to pet allergies.