Pet Allergies and Hardwood Floors

Pet Allergy-Friendly Home

To create a more pet allergy friendly home, there are several steps you can take to reduce the build-up of allergens.

Flooring and Allergies

Hardwood floors and other smooth-surface flooring does not collect and hold the particles that cause allergies.

Carpet is a continuous reservoir for dust mites, pet hair, and its oils, and other contaminants. Allergy sufferers should also avoid grooved wood or porous tile.

Dogs and hardwood floors get along quite nicely.

Furniture and Allergies

Leather furniture is ideal for homes with pet allergies. For the same reasons hardwood flooring is more suitable than carpet, leather holds fewer allergens than fabric.

In fact, avoid fabric as much as possible, to include items like blankets, decorative pillows, and chair cushions. Keep a seat for the allergy sufferer that pets are not allowed to sit on.

Beds and Bedding

All mattresses harbor dust mites. Even new mattresses brought home from the showroom will have significant dust mites.

The best solution is to fully enclose the mattress, and bedding when possible, with anti-allergen barriers. And of ‘course, make the bedroom areas a pet-free zone.

 

Window Coverings and Pet Allergies

Again, the fabric is a big culprit for harboring allergens. Avoid curtains, drapes, and other fabric window coverings. Instead, use wipeable vertical blinds or shades that collect less dust and are easy to clean.

Wall Coverings

Paint is your best option as wallpaper is essentially a fabric-like material that attracts and holds particles floating in the air. Water-based paint, rather than oil-based paint, is recommended.

Pets and Allergies

Frequent grooming and bathing of your pet with a mild soap to prevent over-drying their skin will reduce the dander that is one of the main causes of pet allergies.

Wash your hands after playing with a pet and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Since some individuals are also allergic to the saliva of pets, it would be sensible to train a pet not to lick people.

It is heartbreaking to discover that a family member is allergic to a pet in the home or to be denied a pet due to allergies.

Depending on the degree of symptoms and the allergic reaction itself, creating a home environment that is as allergy-friendly as possible may be a happy-ending solution.