Winter brings about increase in pet allergies

Those of us with allergic reactions to pets can often find our symptoms flare up and become difficult to manage during the autumn and winter, as we begin to spend more time indoors.

Increased contact with indoor allergens can be the cause of these problems. But do not despair! Because there are  many ways to avoid the allergens so we can live happily with our pets.

Pet allergies are caused by tiny particles of dead skin and saliva which are shed by the pet, and subsequently become airborne. These microscopic particles are known as pet dander.

Indoor allergy symptoms caused by pets can feel similar to the more well-known hay fever symptoms. Common symptoms include sore, itchy, watery, red eyes, sneezing and wheezing, and cold like symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus pain. Many people believe they have a ‘winter cold’ when their symptoms are actually a result of spending more time inside amongst pet allergens.

In fact, this may be the first time someone realises they have a pet allergy.

Cats are generally more allergenic than dogs, as cat dander is smaller than dog dander and becomes airborne more easily and for longer. When these airborne particles enter the nose, they trigger lots of nasty symptoms.

So prevention is key with allergies. Stop the allergens getting in the body and the body won’t react. No home is 100% allergen free, but there are some simple ways to minimise the allergens around you. Here are some simple, easy to implement tips.

• Ensure your pet is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens.
• Keep pets off sofas and beds, and out of the bedroom altogether if possible.
• Vacuum regularly to reduce the amount of pet dander around the home. It may also be beneficial to install “Allergy Friendly” flooring.
• Damp dust regularly to reduce the amount of pet dander on surfaces, and to reduce the amount dispersed into the air.
• Use an organic, drug free allergen barrier balm. HayMax has been proven to trap pet and dust allergens before they enter the body [1]. Apply the balm around the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day, to trap pet allergens before they enter the body where they can cause symptoms. Less allergen, less reaction.
• Keep blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build up of allergens on them.
• Consider using an air filter/purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the pet allergen particles and cool and circulate the air.

Applying HayMax allergen barrier balm two or three times a day provides a highly effective, invisible barrier to pet allergens. It’s also highly cost effective, as one pot can last six months. It is suitable for the whole family; children, teenagers and adults, including pregnant and breast-feeding mums.

HayMax drug-free allergen barrier balms retail at £6.99 per pot and are available from Holland & Barrett; selected Morrisons, Waitrose and Boots; independent chemists, pharmacists and health stores; on 01525 406600 or direc from https://haymax.biz/.