Valley Life
Paw Prints: Bathing pet weekly can cut allergens by 84 percent
Pets are wonderful companions, but for some, having a pet is next to impossible because of allergies. According to studies, 15 percent of the population is allergic to either cats or dogs (or both). Even though one-third of Americans (approx. 2 million people) are allergic to cats, they have at least one in their home anyway. Most people believe the benefits of owning a pet outweigh the difficulties of allergies.
There are no “non-allergic” breeds of cats or dogs. Even the hairless breeds can cause allergies to flare up. A poodle or Bichon Frise can cause fewer allergy problems than some other type of dog breeds due to their soft and continual growing fur. Any dog or cat of a particular breed can cause more or less allergy suffering than another from that same breed.
The source of the allergy problem is in the glands of the animal’s skin which secrete allergens. The allergens are present in the animal’s saliva and can become airborne from drying on the fur. The severity can vary from person to person and can range from sniffling or sneezing to asthma. If the allergies are not life-threatening, there are steps that can be taken to help make living with a pet more bearable. For instance, have an area in your home that is allergy-free, such as the bedroom.
Do not allow your pets in this area. Use impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows.
Using a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner throughout your home can help.
Avoid dust-collecting furnishings, fabric draperies and carpets. Clean thoroughly and frequently. Wash sofa covers, pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a microfilter bag in the vacuum cleaner to help catch the allergens.
You can reduce the allergens on your pet 84 percent by bathing your pet weekly.
Products sprayed on your pet to help reduce allergens are not as effective as bathing.
You shouldn’t assume it’s your pet’s fault if you have allergies. See an allergist to be specifically tested for pet dander. Allergy sufferers are usually sensitive to more than one allergen and not to just pets.
You will need to address the causes of the total allergens in your living area and not to just pet allergens. Allergy shots can improve but not eliminate the allergy symptoms.
Other treatments for pet allergies include steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays or pills. In order for an allergic person to be able to successfully live with a pet, it usually requires a combination of behavioral changes, medication for symptoms, good housecleaning, and allergy shots. With children, sometimes the allergy is outgrown, but few adult allergy sufferers become accustomed to the pet that they are allergic to.
- Valley Life
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Terre Haute once built 'finest minor league baseball park'
Only a select few saw Memorial Stadium from Ernie Woods’ vantage. Under the summer sun, he roamed the outfield for the Terre Haute Phillies in 1950. The ballpark turned 25 years old that season.
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Military notes: March 14, 2010
Milissa Strickland Fowler of Cheyenne, Wyo., daughter of Bob and Mary Strickland, formerly from Clinton, was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in the Wyoming Air National Guard on Jan. 21.
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‘The Aristocracy of the Plains’ on tap at library
Come to the Vigo County Public Library from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Thursday for the Brown Bag Program “The Aristocracy of the Plains: An Immigrant Experience.”
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Audubon Society meeting to Return to the Wild
The March 17 meeting of the Wabash Valley Audubon Society will feature six real live birds of prey from Return to the Wild.
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Bridge column: March 14, 2010
Most of our players have under 1,000 master points. Top player of this group this year is Tom Roberts, but his lead over Don Reuland is a scant 0.06.
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Engagements: March 14, 2010
- Waters-Stewart
- Edwards-Victory
- McKinney-Isbell
- Sutton-Burns
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Weddings: March 14, 2010
- Emmert-Kinnebrew
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GRAPE SENSE: Chenin Blanc dominated white wine scene until late ’70s
Specific wines come in and out of vogue every few decade. There’s been much debate about the movie Sideways’ impact on Pinot Noir and Merlot sales.
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Willa Cather comes to life at library brown bag
Betty J. Steinshouer will bring Willa Cather, this year’s Big Read author, to life at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday during the Vigo County Public Library Brown Bag Program.
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Bridge Column: March 7, 2010
Terre Haute Bridge Club president Joanna Hebermehl urges all members to attend the annual membership meeting on Tuesday. The evening starts with a potluck carry-in at 5, meeting at 6 and bridge game at 7.
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