Measures that can be utilized to minimize contact with pet allergens and avoid pet allergies:
Avoid hugging and kissing pets if you are allergic to them.
Remove litter boxes from direct contact with allergy sufferers and place them away from areas of air filtration intake vents in homes with central heating and air-conditioning.
Wash hands after handling or touching a pet to help avoid spreading the dander.
Consider placing plastic covers on the couch or other upholstered furniture (which may harbor pet allergens) where the pet sleeps or rests.
Wash your pet on a weekly basis. Recent studies have indicated that some significant reduction in the amount of pet allergens occurs with weekly washing of dogs and cats. This activity appears to reduce the amount of dander that causes allergy symptoms. A number of shampoo products are available in pet stores that may neutralize or inactivate allergens present on the skin of cats and dogs.
A non-allergic individual should brush the pet regularly, outside of the home.
Speak with your pet's veterinarian to get a well balanced diet for your pet. This change in diet may help to minimize hair loss for the pet and this can reduce dander indoors.
Use a double or micro-filter bag in the vacuum to augment the filtration of the vacuum cleaner and, in turn, reduce the amount of pet allergen present in carpeting that leaks back into the room air.
A number of chemical solutions are available that may remove allergens present in carpeting. However, removing carpeting and rugs is the best way to reduce exposure.