We want you to keep your fur kids! The following will give you tips on decontaminating your pet and improving your home environment!

Improving the Immediate Environment
•Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
•Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments. You can also cover your furniture with sheets or blankets which you can remove and wash regularly.

•Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
•Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
•Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless.
•Clean the litter box frequently. Use low-dust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
•Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
•Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.

Decontaminating Your Pet
•Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
•Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
•Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
•Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible.

It is also important to take care of yourself!

You might want to ask a member of the family who is not allergic to brush and wash the dog, clean the cat’s box or – if nothing else – wear a dust mask. Also, be sure to wash your hands after every animal contact!

To learn more go to ASPCA website and read up on all the best methods of keeping your home allergen free!