Don’t Let Pet Allergies Ruin Your Holiday

 

 

For people with pet allergies, holiday gatherings at homes with furry, four-legged animals can turn an otherwise good time into a nightmare of itchy, red, watery eyes, and endless bouts of sneezing—less “Ho Ho Ho!” than “Achoo Achoo Achoo!”

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[/one_fourth][three_fourth_last]Thankfully, whether you’re the host with a pet or the person with allergies, there are things you can do to alleviate unpleasant symptoms and keep your focus on enjoying the company of friends and family.

If you’re hosting people with pet allergies:

• Remove your pet from the home while people are visiting.
  If possible, remove your pet from your home before you begin to clean and set up for your gathering, and for the duration of the event. If you cannot remove your pet, confine him or her to one room before preparations begin.
• Clean, clean, clean.
  It’s a common assumption that pet hair is the cause of allergic reactions, but the main culprit is actually proteins in pet dander, tiny flecks of shed skin that settle onto wood floors, rugs and carpeting, furniture, and clothing. To reduce allergen levels in the home vacuum thoroughly. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends using a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Vacuum rugs and carpets extra carefully, and don’t forget to vacuum drapes, couches, and chairs thoroughly as well.
• Consider a room air filter.
  In 2010 an expert committee from the AAAAI published a review of studies on the effects of room air filters on allergies. The panel concluded there is evidence the filters provide some benefit to pet allergy sufferers, although improvements were generally seen after long-term use of the filters. Still, if you have an air filter it cannot hurt to place it in the main room where you’ll host your guests.
• Stock up on antihistamines.
  It may not be the sexiest gift, but your guests will appreciate it if they forget to bring their own!

• Be prepared.
  Don’t know whether a home you are visiting has a pet or not? Call and check with the hosts.
• Use the right drug.
  To prevent sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny nose, the best first line of defense is often an over-the-counter antihistamine such as cetir­i­zine (Zyrtec and generic), fexofenadine (Allegra and generic), or loratadine (Claritin and generic). A prescription steroid nasal spray, such as fluticasone (Flonase and generic), may be effective as well (ask your doctor).