If you have pet allergies, you're not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals. Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies. These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children. What can you do if you, your child or someone in your family has pet allergies? This edition of the Allergy Control Products series on ?The Secret to Living with Allergies? covers top allergy relief action steps for help with pet allergies.

Step 1: Understand where Pet Allergens are found and the Hurdles in Tackling Pet Allergies

Pet allergen, the allergy-causing material from dogs and cats that triggers allergic reactions, is not actually the pet hair but instead a protein present in the animal dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva). Pet allergens are particularly small and ?sticky?. These allergens are found to the greatest extent in homes with pets, however, their sticky nature means that they often travel on clothes or in other ways to places where pets have never been allowed (such as offices, schools, and other public places).

Depending on individual factors including the severity of the pet allergy, you may face the very difficult decision of finding a new home for your pet. If this happens, removing pet dander will require thorough cleaning as pet dander is difficult to eliminate throughout the home, and it can take as long as 20 weeks for pet dander to no longer cause allergies. If you keep your pet, it is important to take the action steps outlined in Steps 2 ? 9 to help reduce your exposure to pet allergens.

Step 2: Don't Allow the Pet in the Allergic Individual's Bedroom

To reduce exposure to pet allergens, keep the pet out of the bedroom. This room is where we spend much of our day while sleeping and is where the greatest levels of allergens can be found. Hands and clothing should be washed after any contact with your pet.

Step 3: Cover Pillows, Mattresses and Box Spring with Allergy Encasings

Protect yourself from pet allergens that have built up in the bed by covering pillow, mattress, box spring and even the comforter with allergy encasings. Choose an encasing with a small pore size (under 5-6 microns) that will effectively block the small pet dander particle and keep allergens contained within the bed.

Step 4: Wash Linens and Any Un-Encased Bedding Every Week in Hot Water

Any linens, pillows, blankets or comforters that aren't encased should be washed weekly in hot water (130-degrees F) to remove allergens. If you have had to remove your pet, consider replacing bedding items with new purchases that are free from pet allergen build-up.

Step 5: Remove or Treat Carpets to Eliminate a Large Allergen Source

Allergens fall into the weave of the carpet, accumulating to create a large allergen source. Remove the carpet to prevent continued exposure, or treat carpets to denature allergens and vacuum thoroughly.

Step 6: Clean Your Carpet with a HEPA Filtration Vacuum, Designed to Contain the Small Pet Dander Particle

The tiny pet dander particle can pass through the standard bag of many vacuum cleaners and exhaust back into the air. HEPA vacuums, with high filtration bags and superior containment of allergen particles, should be used.

Step 7: Use HEPA Air Cleaners and Purifiers to Capture Airborne Allergens

Although large dust and mold allergens can settle to the ground more quickly, small pet allergens remain airborne longer. HEPA air cleaners and air purifiers are particularly good for these allergens.

Step 8: Use Central Furnace Filters or Place Filter Media Over Vents in the Bedroom

Filter air with a central furnace permanent or disposable air filter. Airborne allergen particles are captured by the air filter before circulating throughout the house. Cover vents in the allergic person's bedroom with filter media that further traps airborne particles before entering the room.

Step 9: Reduce Dander by Giving Your Pet Frequent Baths

Although studies have demonstrated that washing pets with water removes some surface allergen, the effects are temporary and may not last long enough to reduce symptoms. Specially-formulated pet shampoos can be used to help remove dander.