Prevent Pet Allergies with These Handy Tips

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Use these tips to help your pet during allergy season.

A recent spring cleaning survey from the Soap and Detergent Association reveals that 60 percent of Americans believe that spring is the best time to rid the house of dirt and clutter. This is especially true for pet parents, who may need to put some extra “oomph” into their annual ritual to eliminate allergy causing dander. Luckily, pet lifestyle expert Sandy Robins has put together her tips for a successful and pet-safe cleaning session.

Grooming

Grooming is the most essential method in helping to control pet dander and allergies. Dander is the cause of most pet-related allergies for people, and depending on breed and coat type, some dogs will have more than others. The frequency of grooming depends greatly on these factors, so it’s always best to speak to with a professional groomer before starting any at-home grooming routine. In most cases, the average dog should be groomed every four to eight weeks.

FURminator grooming solutions

Robins suggests utilizing a grooming tool like the FURminator for dogs and cats, which helps to get rid of excess fur and flakes. She says “I love these tools because they reduce shedding and quickly remove loose hair. Plus, grooming your pet at home is a great way to bond with them.”

Bathing pets will also help to eliminate dirt, debris and dander from a pet’s coat. Choose a fragrance-free, exfoliating shampoo to remove dead skin from the coat and allow more moisture to stay locked in. After washing, dry effortlessly with the Furminator Fur Dry towel. “The wet pet smell can be overpowering.

There’s no more “wet pet smell” with the FURminator Fur Dry Towel.

This towel utilizes unique microfiber technology to draw water away from a dog’s coat for a quick dry and cut back down on that dreaded smell,” says Robins. In addition, she suggests using a water bottle to mist down a pet’s coat, especially in the dryer months. “This will help keep the skin hydrated and cut down on dander.”

Keep your pup smelling great between baths.

In between baths, use a shed control conditioning spray to keep dogs smelling good and tangle-free. This will moisturize, sooth and leave a dog’s coat and skin soft, shiny, healthy and shed-free. Robins says, “I love Shed Control Conditioning Dog Spraybecause the clean cucumber melon scent smells amazing and the fact that it is an alcohol-free formula means it is safe to use as often as needed.”

Nutrition

Another key component to fighting pet dander and ultimately reducing allergies is nutrition. What a dog or cat is fed is reflected in the condition of its skin and coat. “Premium or natural dog food is ideal for a healthy coat and many food brands offer a sensitive skin or allergy line,” advises Robins. Also, there are many supplements available, such as Omega 3′s that can help control dry skin.

Shed-X can reduce shedding in about two weeks.

“Shed X makes supplements  for both dogs and cats that work with your pet’s own bio-mechanisms to reduce shedding within two weeks,” says Robins. She also recommends asking an expert to help find the right solution.

She says, “I love going to Petco because they have a team of Certified Nutrition Advisors who can help guide pet parent’s decisions about their pet’s nutrition, especially when it comes to allergy season.”

Refresh Old Products

Hair and dander can live on pet throws and beds no matter how clean a pet is.  Robins says, “As part of a spring cleaning routine, it is especially important to change out these products and refresh them with a newer counterpart.”

Reduce hair and dander build up by regularly replacing beds and bedding.

Pets need fresh beds and blankets because sleeping in a pet parent’s bed or bedroom is not recommended for those with allergies.

“We all like to curl up in bed with our pets, but people who may be allergic may not be doing themselves any favors,” says Robins. Your airways are more  susceptible to irritants at night, partly because when you’re lying down, you’re closer to the ground where particles settle. Instead, teach pets to sleep in a separate room nearby with their nice, new comfy bed.”

Keep a Clean House

It’s very important to clean any excess hair or dander left by furry friends. Vacuum floors, dust counters and wash carpets in order to reduce the amount of allergens. “I despise pet air all over my house when guests come over so I especially love the new Roomba Vacuum Cleaner Pet Series 564,” says Robins.

The Roomba Pet Series 464 Cleaning Robot helps banish fur from your floors.

“The Roomba gets rid of dirt, pet hair, allergens, and the cat litter from carpets and hardwood floors and cuts down on the time you spend cleaning since it is easily maneuvers around the house on its own.”

Use pet-safe cleaning products like PawGanics.

For those who prefer something less futuristic, Bissell makes a handheld pet hair vacuum that is specifically designed for pet hair pick-up with a rubber nozzle that attracts pet hair.

When spring cleaning, it’s important to use a pet-safe cleaner. Much like children, dogs will put their mouth on things or even lick the floor so using a cleaning product that is safe and effective is extra important. In addition, cats walk on these surfaces and then lick their paws. “I recommend Pawganics, a line of cleaning and grooming products that are pet safe, baby safe and earth safe,” says Robins. “For those who are extra cautious, leave Fluffy or Fido tucked away in a separate room with an enticing toy while you clean to keep them super safe from toxins.”

Pet lifestyle expert and author Sandy Robins

About Sandy Robins

As one of the country’s leading multi-media pet lifestyle experts and author, Sandy Robins documents the wonderful relationship we have with our pets, highlighting trends and innovative ideas as they happen. Sandy documents this industry every step of the way. Her award-winning work is very visible on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com and TodayShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national publications such as Dog Fancy, Modern Dog and Cat Fancy and host of her own radio show, Pawsitively Pets Radio. Sandy is an avid campaigner for no-kill animal shelters and laws that protect animals everywhere.

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