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Please review these tips with your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

• There is evidence that bathing your pet at least once a week will reduce the amount of allergens it emits.
• If possible, have someone other than the person with asthma bathes your pet(s).
• Brush your pet outside regularly. If possible, avoid having the asthma sufferer do this. Clean your pets litter box, cage, etc. on a regular basis.
• Cover your fabrics, furniture, pillows, and mattresses with plastic covers. If you can’t do this, clean furniture every few days to limit pet dander.
• Immunotherapy can be helpful. However, there can be side effects with this treatment, so consult with your doctor.
• When pets are in the home, there is no avoiding the fact that there will be dander, hair, and contaminates emitted from their feces in the air your breathe. In which case, an air purifier is a good idea if you must have them, preferably one that does not rely on a filter to clean the air. Plus, if you get an air purifier that uses negative ions and ozone instead of just a filter, it will effectively reduce odors, which can also trigger asthma, aside from the fact that they are unpleasant.
• Flu shots for everyone in family. Asthmatics are at a greater risk of suffering asthma attacks when they are around others with colds or the flu, or when they contract a cold or the flu. Other than school, the home is one of the most common places to catch a cold. Remember, 90% of colds are caught while inside, so it is also important to have an air cleaner inside.
• Allow fresh air to enter your home. Super-insulated homes have 200% higher allergen level than ordinary homes. This is due to the natural air-cleansing agents found in fresh air that are lacking in indoor air. However, it is not always possible to have your windows and doors open. Plus, if you live in a polluted area, this will do you no good. In which case, use an air purifier that recreates these natural air-cleansing agents.
• Avoid using aerosols, floor polish/wax, insecticides, pesticides, and other chemical solutions. Use biologically-based housecleaners and pesticides.
• According to Dr. Doris Rapp (M.D., I.A.A.A., I.A.A.P.), author of the best seller Is This Your Child, every sufferer of asthma and allergies should have at least one environmentally-safe room, which would include an air cleaner, while incorporating many of the tips listed on this page.
• Use perfumes, candles, nail care products, and sprain medications moderately, if at all.
• Keep your basement dry and clean. Basements are prime breeding grounds for molds and fungi.
• Wash rugs and furniture often
• Discard moldy and mildewed items.
• Do not use wood burning stoves or fireplaces.
• Vacuum frequently. Having central vacuuming is the best way to help remove airborne pollutants through vacuuming. It is important to make sure that your system draws particulates directly outside, and not near anything that could draw it back into your home, such as a window or an intake vent. HEPA vacuums are better than regular ones, but are not nearly as effective as central vacuuming.
• Use (havens for dust mites) 100% cotton pillowcases stuffed with 100% cotton towels. Definitely do not use feather-stuffed pillows.
• Use 100% cotton or wool bedding and 100% cotton curtains.
• Enclose bookcases and toy boxes. Only bring stuffed animals that are 100% cotton into your home. Avoid synthetic toys.
• If possible, replace carpeting with vinyl, hardwood, or tile flooring.
• Replace or remove moldy and dusty wallpaper, buy solid wood furniture instead of plastic furniture, and wipe walls and hard floors with a damp cloth regularly.
• Install air conditioning in your home if you haven't already, and keep windows closed during high pollen season. But do have windows that open since outdoor air can refreshen the air in your home.
• When outside in the cold air, keep a scarf wrapped around your mouth and nose. This will warm up the air you breath.
• Drink lots of water.
• Monitor the Relative Humidity in the home with a moisture meter

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