ASPCA offers spring cleaning tips

As the snow melts and flowers bloom, The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) reminds pet parents of simple ways to prepare as peak allergy season approaches.

“Many seasonal allergy sufferers are unable to appreciate the joy of springtime because their symptoms interfere,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Animal Health Services, which includes the APSCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Ill. and ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan. “Pets suffer from allergies as well, but by following a few simple steps, surviving the springtime allergy season with your furry friend can be a breeze.”

Here are some of the ways animal lovers can make this coming allergy season sneeze-free for humans and pets alike:

Don’t Blame Your Pet! If you think that you or a family member has allergies, Dr. Hansen suggests visiting a specialist to determine the exact cause of symptoms and to help alleviate them. And remember – pets get seasonal allergies, too! “Dogs often get ‘atopy,’ where they inhale allergens that cause excessively itchy skin, known as ‘pruritis,’” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “Medications and immunotherapy (de-sensitizing shots) can allow you and your companion animal to live happily together.” Dr. Murray reminds pet parents that animals can also suffer from non-seasonal allergies, such as allergies to house dust and certain proteins in their food.

Keep your home clean. Be sure to clean the litter box regularly. “Vacuum frequently by using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag,” says Dr. Murray. “An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can also make a big difference in removing allergens from the air, and remember to still let in some fresh air daily.”

Clean your pet, too! Dr. Murray encourages pet parents to bathe their pet in order to remove allergens that accumulate in fur. “Be careful, though, not to do this too often,” she says. “Frequent bathing can dry out your pet’s coat.” Products formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment are also available, but be sure to ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves. Brushing or combing your pet frequently also helps to keep allergens at bay.

Create an allergen-free room. Dr. Hansen recommends using the bedroom as the most practical choice. “It’s smart to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials,” he says. “Allergen removing central air and furnace filters are another smart option.” If you do have pet allergies, keeping pets out of the bedroom can be very helpful in minimizing symptoms.

Limit fabrics in your home. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit them in your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics as part of your décor, steam-clean them regularly.


About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters in North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited, animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.