Do You or Your Children Suffer from Allergies?

Pet Allergies 

Household pets including cats, dogs, rodents, and birds can present special problems for people with allergies.  Many people with cat allergies think they are allergic to the animal's fur.  It is actually a protein within the pet's saliva and dander (skin flakes) that is the cause of their trouble.  When cat's groom themselves, they deposit saliva onto their fur and skin.  Large amounts of dander become airborne when the animal rubs against furniture and when you brush or pet them.  This substance is very difficult to remove from an environment.  Dander also contributes to another allergy problem.  It serves as a food supply for dust mites.  Although the fur of a dog or cat is not a major allergen, it will collect pollen, dust, mold, and other irritants.  Someone with allergies or asthma should NOT keep a pet in their house.  Although it is both physically and emotionally difficult, finding the pet a new home, is the best solution!  Even isolating the pet to a small area or keeping the pet outdoors, does not guarantee a dander-free home.  Air currents, from central heating and air conditioning or fans, will spread pet allergen throughout the house.  Dander can also be brought back in on the body and clothing of other people. 

1. Find the pet a new home!  
2. If this is not possible, keep your pet outdoors.  
3. Never allow the pet into the bedroom of the allergic individual!  
4. Wash the pet every week to reduce the amount of airborne dander. 

Because dander can remain in carpets and upholstered furniture for many months, even after the animal has been removed, it is best to have everything thoroughly cleaned.

Pollen Allergies

Pollen, a very common allergen, is the cause of "seasonal allergic rhinitis" or "hay fever."  During the seasons when plants are pollinating, people who are sensitive will develop allergic reactions.  Most pollens are light enough to be windborne and can penetrate anywhere, indoors and out.  The hay fever season can be a different time of year for different people.  This is because trees, grasses, and weeds produce pollens during different seasons.  Symptoms from pollen allergies include a stuffy and watery nose, redness, swelling and itching of the eyes, and itchy nose, throat, and mouth, and itching of the ears.  By avoiding substances that cause reactions, it is possible to control hay fever.  You can still enjoy times of high pollenation by using a few simple precautions:

1. Keep windows closed and run the air conditioner.
2. Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly.
3. Avoid exercising outdoors especially during the early morning hours when pollen counts are highest.
4. Use a clothes dryer instead of drying your clothes outdoors.
5. Take a shower and was hair each night.  This will remove pollen, keeping it off your pillow.
6. Wear a pollen and dust mask when working in the yard and garden.
7. Keep the landscaping around your home neat and tidy as pollen and mold will accumulate on weeds and other debris.

Other Solutions:

Have Varney Clean Care clean your furnace and vent system; place window filter screens on all windows to allow fresh filtered air into your home.