Wipe down pets after they come indoors

What to Do

Wipe your dog or cat down with a damp cloth or pet wipe after every outdoor outing during allergy season, focusing on the face, paws, belly, and back.

Why It Works

Pet fur is an effective pollen vector. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology confirmed that pets carry significant pollen loads indoors. Wiping or brushing them removes trapped pollen before it transfers to furniture, carpets, and your hands when you pet them.

Tips

• Brush pets outdoors to remove loose fur with trapped pollen
• Bathe pets weekly during peak pollen season with pet-appropriate shampoo
• Keep pets out of the allergic person's bedroom — fur pollen transfer to bedding is a major overnight exposure source
• Pet wipes from Burt's Bees or Earthbath are convenient for quick cleanups