Are you allergic to cats, dogs or other pets? Unless your symptoms are severe, there are some ways you can keep a pet, despite allergies. Dr. Shawn Messonnier, a veterinarian writing about pet care for The dallas morning news and author of the book The Allergy Solution for Dogs: Natural and Conventional Therapies to Ease Discomfort and Enhance Your Dog's Quality of Life (The Natural Vet), offers these tips:

• Create an allergy-free area in the home, preferably bedrooms, where pets have no access.


• Wash hands after touching any animal and before touching your eyes or face.


• Vacuum daily to remove shedding hair. Wear a simple dust mask when you vacuum, and use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.


• Use furnace filters that trap pet dander. Change filters regularly to maximize efficiency.


• Use impermeable covers for mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other objects can penetrate and accumulate in them.


• Replace heavy curtains and drapes with fabrics you can easily wash regularly.


• Replace carpeting, furniture and drapes and clean walls to help reduce the dander level more quickly.


• Discuss with your veterinarian treatments for your pet that may reduce your allergic reaction. The best thing that has worked in my practice is using a homeopathic version of the tranquilizer acepromazine on the pet's food.

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