Pet Allergies

There are many pet owners and pet lovers who suffer from non-life threatening allergies that actually live with pets despite having allergies for them. These people choose to live with their pets because the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages of pet allergies.

Most cats and dogs can cause allergic reactions for pet lovers. Cats tend to cause more reactions than dogs, even though some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. There are no “non-allergenic” breeds of cats or dogs. Even hairless breeds can cause symptoms.

Before you bring home a new pet, first consider whether you will be able to live with the symptoms. In the case of children, most tend to outgrow allergies.
Below is a list of five steps that can reduce pet allergenic symptoms:

1. Create an "allergy free" zone in your home—preferably the allergic person's bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner, and consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows.

2. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds.


3. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergy-causing dander (shed old skin cells) by as much as 84 percent. Cats can get used to being bathed, but it’s critical to only use products labeled for them; kittens may need a shampoo safe for kittens. Check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about safe bathing, it’s a good idea to use a shampoo recommended by your veterinarian or other animal care professional.

4. Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. Reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy.


5. Try treatments. Additional treatments for allergies to pets are include immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches—medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy—is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets.

(Information provided by humanesociety.com)
About Queen City Petsitting

Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, these pet care sitters promise to get it done!

To learn more about Queen City Petsitting, visit us at www.queencitypetsitting.com

Social Networking For Pets!

Social networking is steadily on the rise. These online sites connect people from different backgrounds, but with similar interests. Online networks targeting pet lovers are also very common. You and your pet can join one of many social networks built just for you.

Below is a list of social networking web sites for your beloved pet to play at. All were created to unite animal lovers from around the world. Visit each one and join the ones that you think best fit you and your pet.

Dogster
Catster
Hamsterster
Petster
Fuzzster
Pawspot
MyCatspace
Dogbook

About Queen City Petsitting

Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, these pet care sitters promise to get it done!
To learn more about Queen City Petsitting, visit us at www.queencitypetsitting.com

Queen City Petsitting - Pet Health Insurance

It is very important to make the best decision for your pet’s life. All pet owners should educate themselves on pet health insurance. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible before making a final decision concerning a pet insurance provider.

VPI Pet Insurance (a Nationwide Insurance company) has provided a pet insurance buyer’s guide for pet parents below. It can also be found at www.petinsurance.com.

10 Things to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance

1. Does the company receive veterinary recognition?
2. Does the company have stability and proven success?
3. Are renewable benefits included?
4. Are annual policies with clear renewal benefits offered?
5. Does the company provide broad coverage?
6. Are pre-existing conditions always excluded?
7. Does the company employ certified and trained professionals?
8. Are you limited to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify?
9. Is the coverage broad?
10. Does the company believe in routine care for your pet?

VPI Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage

Dog Insurance
VPI Major Medical Plan
VPI Medical Plan
VPI Injury Plan
CareGuard Coverage

Cat Insurance
VPI Major Medical Plan
VPI Medical Plan
VPI Injury Plan
VPI Feline Select
CareGuard Coverage

About Queen City Petsitting

Serving the Charlotte area, Queen City Pet Sitting offers an array of services worthy of any pet owners respect. Jump onboard the Pet Taxi for a ride to the veterinarian, order a quick grooming, or even ask for an errand run to return your late movie rentals. Whatever the case may be, these pet care sitters promise to get it done!

To learn more about Queen City Petsitting, visit us at www.queencitypetsitting.com