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©2013 UpToDate ® Print Email Tips for avoiding animal allergens (urine, saliva, or dander) in your home If possible, remove animals from your home Keep any animals outside, in the garage, or in a kennel. Keeping them out of certain rooms in the house will not remove animal allergens from your home. After you remove the animal, clean your home thoroughly If you cannot remove the animals from your home, try these steps Use an air filter with a "HEPA filter," but keep in mind that air filters help only a little. Most of the animal allergens in your home are not floating in the air. Air filters remove only allergens that are floating in the air. Reduce the number of things in your home where allergens can build up. Examples include carpets, fabric-covered furniture, and drapes. Replace these with bare floors, furniture that is not covered with fabric, and window blinds. Every week, vacuum with a vacuum cleaner than has a "HEPA filter" If you are allergic to your dog, bathing your dog 2 times a week might help reduce your symptoms. If you are allergic to your cat, bathing your cat will probably not reduce your symptoms.