How Do you Keep Your Home Healthy With Pets?

@msedge (4011)
United States
September 18, 2008 5:01pm CST
There's no doubt about it — pets add joy and contentment to a home. In fact, numerous studies have shown that people who live with pets report they are happier and healthier than those who don't. And yet there are health factors those who keep furry friends inside should heed — such as managing the shedding, fleas and ticks, accidents, and other issues indoor pets can bring. And with 70 percent of U.S. households home to a dog or cat, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, that includes just about everyone. Approximately 10 to 15% of people are allergic to pets. Cat allergies outnumber dog allergies two-to-one. "There really is no allergy-free pet," says Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America spokesperson Angel Waldron. "There are just pets with less dander." Dander, a common source of pet allergies, is dead skin shed by pets on a daily basis. Urine and saliva are other typical sources of pet allergies. Still, about one-third of Americans allergic to cats decide the benefits of animal companionship outweigh the downside of allergy symptoms and decide to keep cats anyway. In such cases, there are steps one can take to minimize the reactions, says Waldron. And allergies aren't the only reason to think about your pet's affect on your environment. Keeping a pet-friendly and easy-to-clean home is beneficial to your health — allergies or not.
1 person likes this
2 responses
• Chatsworth, California
21 Oct 08
I had a bunny once. She lived in my bathroom (the cage was to small) I had to clean the thing out at least 3 times a day for her.
@msedge (4011)
• United States
10 Feb 09
Bunnies are cute.I love them.Yes, cleaning is the best way to keep us all healthy.
@ellie333 (21016)
22 Sep 08
Hi MsEdge, I have always lived with animals in the home since I was a young child myself, my cats have never ever suffered with fleas as I put an ameythest crystal in their drinking water bowl and this deters more than any expensive treatments, no one has ever suffered asthma in the family although my son does sneeze a lot around the rabbits so we don't let him handle them often. The only major thing any of the animals has done is chew through the telephone line which was easily replaced and that was a rabbit so they are no longer allowed indoors unless on a lap. I am a happier person through having my pets. Huggles. Ellie :D
@msedge (4011)
• United States
15 Oct 08
Oh i love pets,ellie and they always make us happy.