34 The Courier SUN • pets • may 29, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com pets How to reduce pet dander and dust mites Now that school is in full swing, children are spending less time on the playground and more time indoors with each other. With the constant interaction of classroom projects, gym class and story time, one important concern that is often overlooked is indoor allergens from pet dander s and dust mites. More than half the population tests positive to one or more allergens, according to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Reducing indoor allergens from cats, dogs and dust mites in the home and classroom creates a clean, comfortable environment for your family. Parents and teachers should be mindful of what indoor allergens from pet dander and dust mites their children might be exposed to in their classrooms, recommends Dr. Paul Ehrlich of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. “Children spend more than six hours a day in their classrooms; it is inevitable that with all of the dust-collecting hot spots, such as bookshelves and planters, indoor allergens from cats, dogs and dust mites will be circulating,” Ehrlich said. The federal government’s National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing shows that dog and cat allergens are universally present in American homes, whether a pet lives in the home or not. Homes with pets tested significantly higher for pet allergens than homes without pets, but even pet-free homes harbored pet allergens, according to the survey. Children are indirectly exposed to the allergens from pet dander and dust mites, which can easily cling to children’s clothes, bringing these allergens from home into the classroom. Ehrlich suggested that parents and teachers take the following steps to help reduce allergens in the classroom and the home: Have your child change clothes once home from school. Allergens from pet dander and dust mites can easily cling to a child’s clothes, bringing these allergens from the classroom into the home. Remove dust collectors, such as piles of unused books, from common spaces, including play areas or bedrooms. Use an electrostatic duster to swipe over desks, chairs and windowsills daily. Swiffer 360 Dusters help to reduce up to 90 percent of common household allergens from cats, dogs and dust mites. Thoroughly clean your child’s cubby or toy storage bin every week, as it can collect dust and pet dander from weekly usage. Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) Filter in high-traffic areas and common rooms to reduce allergens, making the air cleaner for your children. – Courtesy of ARAcontent How to keep your pets healthy and happy Dry skin, winter weight gain and the common cold - humans aren’t the only ones to struggle with winter woes. Cold weather can affect our pets’ health, too. While you can put in some extra time on the treadmill and layer up for the cold weather, pets rely on their human companions to help them stay healthy all year long. As temperatures drop and snow starts to fall, keep these simple safety tips in mind to help keep your pets safe and healthy this winter: Dress to impress ... and stay warm With thick coats and hardy constitutions, some animal breeds are made to stand up to Old Man Winter. But most domestic dogs will feel the cold, so it makes sense to outfit them for the weather. Sweaters, booties and other winter essentials aren’t just fashionable, they’re functional; they can help protect your four-legged friends from extreme cold, snow and ice. So be sure to dress your pet appropriately for the weather. Keeping ID tags up-to-date and secure on your pet’s collar is also a crucial part of any pet’s winter wardrobe. Dogs especially can lose their way in snow-covered landscapes that mask familiar scents and scenery. It’s best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure it is wearing an ID tag at all times to keep Fido safe and secure all season. Avoid toxic temptations Common products around your house can sometimes pose a threat to pets. For example, antifreeze can keep your vehicle running when temperatures drop, but it can stop your pet in its tracks if even a small amount is ingested. Be sure to keep all jugs of antifreeze, and other household chemicals, tightly sealed and stored on a high shelf away from pets. Clean up spills as soon as they happen to avoid accidental ingestion.- Always keep an eye on your pet’s behavior.- If you notice anything out of the ordinary, consult a veterinarian immediately. Get safer sidewalks and happy paws Ice and snow can make winter walks anything but wonderful.- It’s essential to keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow to prvent dangerous slip and fall accidents. While salted sidewalks and streets are important for winter safety, they can irritate pets’ paws. Using a pet-friendly ice melter can clear the way but still be safer for our furry friends. Most pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, and the majority (70 percent) think about their pets when they prepare for winter, according to a recent survey. But only about one in four pet owners use a pet-friendly ice melter during the winter. Choosing an ice melter that is both salt- and chloride free is a great way to put your best paw forward. Take a bite out of winter weight Like people, pets are less active in winter and burn fewer calories. Keep up a regular schedule of outdoor excursions - weather permitting and assuming your pet is properly dressed for the cold. In addition, consult your veterinarian about proper diet during “hibernation” season and adjust your pet’s diet accordingly to avoid winter weight gain. While the elements may not always be on your side, with some precautions and preparations, your pets can weather the winter season - and be happy and healthy heading into spring. Courtesy BPT
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