What To Do If You Have Dander Allergies, But Want a Pet

Do you start sneezing uncontrollably when you’re around a cat? Perhaps your eyes start to water when you’re around dogs. You realize you probably have an animal dander allergy, but you really want a pet. How do you navigate this conundrum? 

Board-certified otolaryngologist Nilesh D. Patel, MD, specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders, which include the thorny problem of allergies. Check out these helpful strategies if you want a pet — but allergy symptoms seem to be getting in the way. 

Get tested to see if you’re allergic to animal dander 

The first order of business is to get tested for allergies to see exactly what allergies you have. If you’re allergic to pet dander and still want to proceed with getting a pet that produces dander, then you know you’ll need to take certain precautions. 

Why? Animal dander adheres to many things in your environment, including your clothing, carpeting, bedding, and floors.  

Choose a dander-free or hypoallergenic pet breed 

Look into types of pets other than cats or dogs. If you decide on a cat or dog, you’ll likely fare better with some breeds more than others. Try to spend time around the kind of pet you want to see whether getting it is a wise decision.

Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers don’t shed, which lessens dander. A Bichon Frisé only sheds minimally, as do Portuguese Water Dogs. Siberian and Russian Blue Cats are two feline breeds that produce only a small amount of the protein that contributes to major cat allergens. 

Invest in HEPA air filters

Install whole-house HEPA air filters to capture pet dander. They’re proven to be effective at removing dander, or the tiny skin flakes shed by your pet that trigger your allergies.

Keep carpets, floors, drapes, and other surfaces clean 

You’ll need to commit to a clean home if you’re allergic to pet dander. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter to help rid your floors and carpets of dander. Instead of heavy drapes, try installing shutters or blinds, which are easier to wipe down and keep clean. 

Make smart furniture decisions. Cloth furniture traps pet dander, whereas leather furniture has a smooth surface and is easily cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. You’ll need to keep your pet’s bed clean, too.

Make your bedroom an allergen-free zone 

Don’t allow your pet on your bed, and don’t let them sleep in your bedroom — a good night’s rest requires an allergen-free zone. 

Bathe your pet, but let someone else do the grooming

Clean your pet’s paws when coming in from outdoors, and bathe them often to help reduce dander. But don’t groom your pet, as doing so can stir up dander. Instead, leave that routine task to a professional pet groomer. 

Wash your hands after handling your pet 

Wash or sanitize your hands after petting, snuggling, or otherwise handling your pet to limit the spread of allergens. 

Try allergy shots to overcome your pet dander allergy

If oral sprays or pills don’t help with your pet dander allergy, we can administer allergy shots to help reduce — or in some cases, eliminate — your reaction. Allergy shots help desensitize your system to the specific allergen that triggers your symptoms. 

Do you have allergies that affect your quality of life? Call Nilesh Patel, MD, in Midtown, New York City, today, or request an appointment through our online portal at your convenience.