THE HOUSE
Dust from cat littercan aggravate allergies. Plain clay litter is less irritating than brands with deodorizers. Try various brands to find the one that produces the least dust. Pour the litter into the pan slowly to keep the dust from permeating the air. Wearing a gauze mask will help when changing litter or cleaning a pet's bedding or cage.

Keep everything as clean and free of dust and dander as possible. Dust all surfaces regularly with a damp cloth and vacuum the floors instead of sweeping. It stirs up less dust. Change vacuum bags frequently. Wear a dust mask and open a screened window to help ventilation.

Avoid heavy carpets, ornately carved or overstuffed furniture, fabric wall coverings, textured wallpapers, dust gathering accessories and rough textured curtains or draperies.

The more washable surfaces in your home the better. Choose furniture with smooth wooden surfaces and simple lines, walls that can be washed easily, washable cotton curtains, blinds that wipe clean, and floors of polished hardwood, tile or linoleum.

Air purifiers can dramatically improve the quality of air inside your home. Look for one that contains a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The National Bureau of Standards states that air filtered by a HEPA unit is free of 99.97 percent of all contaminating particles.

Air conditioners and humidifiers are very beneficial during the appropriate season, but they also collect mold and can cause problems if they are not cleaned regularly.

Mold grows in damp and humid areas such as basements, bathrooms, closets, attics. Check the house for damp areas that might conceal molds. Throw out all old or unused newspapers, books, magazines, clothing and articles that are sources of mold and mildew.

Allergic persons are often supersensitive to odors that can trigger an attack at any time. Avoid perfumes, colognes and after shave lotions; make-up containing fragrance; bubble bath; scented facial or toilet tissues; deodorizing aerosols; hair sprays; insecticides and cleaning fluids. Scented fabric softeners and laundry detergents are especially irritating.

THE BEDROOM

If you can't "allergy proof" your entire home, then concentrate on the bedroom. Experts say that if you can breathe "pure" air for 8 to 10 hours each night, you can probably tolerate more exposure to allergenic substances during the day.

Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers. Use sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and bedspreads made of 100 percent washable cotton or cotton flannel, free of chemical finishes. Buy special non-allergenic pillows, or those filled with Dacron or polyester, not kapok, down or feathers. Air bedclothes outside in sunny weather. Keep pets away from pillows or anything else that comes into close contact with your nose and mouth.

Make your bedroom as free of allergen catchers as possible: the furniture clean and simple; pictures or hanging decorations at a bare minimum; no magazines, newspapers or clutter under the bed; no flowers or plants; no perfumes, scented cosmetics or stuffed toys. Books are notorious dust catchers. Keep them in glass enclosed cases. Store your clothing in clean closets. Shut the bedroom door when you leave.

GENERAL HEALTH

When possible, wash your hands after handling your pet. Try not to touch your face, especially your eyes, until you have.

Avoid undue fatigue, emotional upsets, or any kind of stress. These may weaken the immune system to the point of triggering an allergic attack.

Don't smoke. If you are the least bit allergic, smoking will make things worse and increase your chances of respiratory and other health problems, as well as lower your tolerance threshold to other substances.

THE PROFESSIONAL GROOMER

The Professional Groomer, whether part of a Veterinary Hospital or independent, can be your best friend when it comes to helping you take care of your pet. Most people think that professional groomers only bathe and trim dogs. They do these things, but these are only a few of the many services that they perform.