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Many pet owners view their furry or feathered friend as a part of the family. But what happens when you’re allergic to that furry family member? If you’re allergic to your pet but can’t imagine life without Fido, you can take a few precautions to reduce the impact your pet has on triggering asthma attacks.

One common pet allergy myth is that people are allergic to the pet’s fur. Pet dander and saliva are the real culprits triggering allergies, so trimming the pet’s fur won’t necessarily make a difference in reducing asthma attacks. If you have a bird, their feathers aren’t the problem, the dander they generate and the mites in the feathers are what triggers an allergic reaction.

To reduce the impact pets have on your asthma, keep pets out of the bedroom and vacuum frequently. Try to mop hardwood and tile floors weekly. If you have a bird, a family member without a pet allergy should be in charge of cleaning the cage since this is where most of the dander and dust mites will gather. HEPA filters – both in your home and in your vacuum cleaner – can reduce the number of allergens in your home up to 98%. These precautions won’t completely alleviate your allergy symptoms, so talk to your doctor about medications and additional steps to take. To learn more about pet allergies and asthma, check our asthma education page.