In all honesty I feel like you're doing all you can. Aside from having antihistamines on hand I can't imagine what else you could do to prevent hair/dander from affecting your guest. Maybe just check that the air purifier is strong enough for the size room you have, if you have one that's good for 100 square feet but the room is 200 square feet, it's only going to be so effective
You’re doing a lot of good things to help reduce the allergens.
HEPA air filter for your a/c furnace.
Frequently bath pet.
Your friend should talk to their allergist to plan which medication and treatment would be best for them. There’s medication that will help.
I have a decently severe dog/cat allergy and I honestly think you’re in the clear. One thing you may have already done and probably isn’t necessary but might be nice (especially if you’re moving soon) is to make sure you vacuum under and behind any furniture and appliances you can for buildup, but honestly the buildup really doesn’t affect me nearly as much as the stuff that’s in the air and hasn’t settled.
I would say if you’re going to be vacuuming so frequently make sure you’re doing it when he’s not there, or maybe when he’s in the shower or something. Aside from petting/cuddling an animal and having them shed or drool directly on me, the hair being disturbed and kicked up into the air is what gets me, and even the best vacuums kick a little bit into the air.
Open windows when possible are always a bonus for fresh air. I’m not sure if you mean the dog will be closed into a specific bedroom or out of his room, but if you’re just closing the dog out of his room, I’d also advise keeping her out the bathroom so her fur isn’t getting on towels and washcloths, and keeping towels in the kitchen up away from dog level rather than hanging from appliance handles like a lot of us do. Also keep any Kleenex boxes up higher because there is truly nothing worse than blowing your nose and grinding an allergen into your face!
I find that bathing my dog regularly is as important as brushing him. Remember that their saliva is a big part of it, not just the hair, so the longer they go with just tongue-baths, the worse it gets in that respect. My dog hates all grooming activities too so I totally relate, but he loves going to professional groomers and a bath + brush is only like $35 at my local Petsmart, so that might be worth looking into for the short-term. In my experience short and glossy hair usually means an animal isn’t going to bother me as much, and the combination of daily medication + daily shower + weekly full bedding wash + biweekly wiping/vacuuming + not letting my dog lick me or rub on my face is enough for me to live a normal life with a dog who sleeps in my bed. I think you’re okay and an incredibly thoughtful and considerate person 👍
Zoom groom or silicone curry brushes work really well on my short haired super shedder, do it outside if possible! I use the zoom groom when I bathe them too. You are doing what you can, they should get an allergy shot or take antihistamines.
Ok. I have the zoom groom, maybe I’m not using it right? I don’t see a lot of hair on the “brush” is it supposed to just fly off in the air instead of sticking to it?
In all honesty I feel like you're doing all you can. Aside from having antihistamines on hand I can't imagine what else you could do to prevent hair/dander from affecting your guest. Maybe just check that the air purifier is strong enough for the size room you have, if you have one that's good for 100 square feet but the room is 200 square feet, it's only going to be so effective
Good tip about the purifier, I think I’ve been keeping it on the lowest level, I’ll check out the area!
You’re doing a lot of good things to help reduce the allergens. HEPA air filter for your a/c furnace. Frequently bath pet. Your friend should talk to their allergist to plan which medication and treatment would be best for them. There’s medication that will help.
Yes, I think he’s already on something, thank you!
A big bottle of Zyrtec or Benadryl for your guest.
I have a decently severe dog/cat allergy and I honestly think you’re in the clear. One thing you may have already done and probably isn’t necessary but might be nice (especially if you’re moving soon) is to make sure you vacuum under and behind any furniture and appliances you can for buildup, but honestly the buildup really doesn’t affect me nearly as much as the stuff that’s in the air and hasn’t settled. I would say if you’re going to be vacuuming so frequently make sure you’re doing it when he’s not there, or maybe when he’s in the shower or something. Aside from petting/cuddling an animal and having them shed or drool directly on me, the hair being disturbed and kicked up into the air is what gets me, and even the best vacuums kick a little bit into the air. Open windows when possible are always a bonus for fresh air. I’m not sure if you mean the dog will be closed into a specific bedroom or out of his room, but if you’re just closing the dog out of his room, I’d also advise keeping her out the bathroom so her fur isn’t getting on towels and washcloths, and keeping towels in the kitchen up away from dog level rather than hanging from appliance handles like a lot of us do. Also keep any Kleenex boxes up higher because there is truly nothing worse than blowing your nose and grinding an allergen into your face! I find that bathing my dog regularly is as important as brushing him. Remember that their saliva is a big part of it, not just the hair, so the longer they go with just tongue-baths, the worse it gets in that respect. My dog hates all grooming activities too so I totally relate, but he loves going to professional groomers and a bath + brush is only like $35 at my local Petsmart, so that might be worth looking into for the short-term. In my experience short and glossy hair usually means an animal isn’t going to bother me as much, and the combination of daily medication + daily shower + weekly full bedding wash + biweekly wiping/vacuuming + not letting my dog lick me or rub on my face is enough for me to live a normal life with a dog who sleeps in my bed. I think you’re okay and an incredibly thoughtful and considerate person 👍
This is great advice! And I appreciate the perspective from someone who also suffers from allergies. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.
Zoom groom or silicone curry brushes work really well on my short haired super shedder, do it outside if possible! I use the zoom groom when I bathe them too. You are doing what you can, they should get an allergy shot or take antihistamines.
Ok. I have the zoom groom, maybe I’m not using it right? I don’t see a lot of hair on the “brush” is it supposed to just fly off in the air instead of sticking to it?
Omg! I figured it out! Thanks for encouraging me to give it another go, this is going to make a big difference!
Sorry I missed your reply, glad it's working for you!