Pet Allergies
-January 19, 2010-Comments (0)
Thinking about adopting a pet? If so, be sure not to miss Christi McGuire's article "Can We Keep Him?" in the January 2010 issue of ParentLife. However, approximately 10 percent of people are allergic to animals. If someone in your family suffers from allergies, be cautious when choosing a pet. Consider the following tips.
- Choose pets that do not have hair, fur, or dander.
- Know that large fish aquariums can add humidity to your home, causing molds and dust mites to increase.
- Be aware that turtles can spread salmonella (a highly contagious bacterial disease).
- Keep animals outside or at least out of the bedroom of the allergic child.
- Do not hug, kiss, bathe, or pet animals if you are allergic.
- Restrict indoor pets to only a few rooms.
- Use a central air cleaner to remove large amounts of pet allergens from your home.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs often.
- Wash the pet with water often.
- Contact your child’s pediatrician if you suspect your child developing an allergy to animals.
Do you have a child who suffers from pet allergies? What kind of pets do you have? Do you have any tips for families looking to adopt a pet?
