How to be with your pet without unleashing allergies

How to be with your Pet Without Unleashing Allergies
Allergies no longer have to prevent pet ownership. By taking a few simple precautionary steps, it is possible to comfortably live with both pets and allergies. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Shut the door. Keep cats or dogs from your bedroom—and not just when you are sleeping. If you keep the door closed, it will prevent cat or dog hair from drifting in during the day. This also applies to a guest room if you happen to be hosting a guest with allergies.

• Keep pets off the furniture. You can do this by placing a plastic cover on the furniture or by placing pieces of aluminum foil on areas where pets settle. They find the noise disturbing. Or you can try orange peel; cats dislike the smell.

• Ditch the carpets. Pet hair tends to stick to carpets, especially soft, shaggy carpet. Try area rugs on tile or wood floors. They are convenient because they are portable and usually machine washable.

• Bathe pets. Use an allergen-reducing shampoo. Clean dogs at least twice a week.

• Clean the air. Remove irritants with an air cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

• Vacuum and dust frequently. Use a vacuum designed especially for pet owners. These include features such as an odor-absorbing filter and powerful suction for pet hair, while still capturing and retaining the dust and dirt that can trigger allergies and asthma.

The recently introduced Cat & Dog vacuum, by the creators of the first HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner, is built with a sealed system designed to prevent dirt, dust and allergens from escaping back into the air. Floor care innovator Miele engineered the upright model specifically for cat and dog owners to deliver the powerful suction and airflow necessary to remove stubborn pet hair. Plus, it’s so quiet it won’t disturb your pet’s mid-afternoon nap!

The vacuum’s versatile brush roller automatically adjusts when transitioning from hardwood to high-pile carpet. This feature ensures proper airflow to remove pet hair in one pass. SwivelNeck technology allows the entire brush roller to limbo under chairs and tables and to dance around lamps and other objects, including pets.