Latest news with #HayMax
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
The 'allergy time bomb' lurking in your wet pup's fur and making your hay fever worse
Scots owner may not have realised that wet dogs are making their hay fever worse this spring Scotland might be losing the spring sunshine for a few days, after the Met Office predicted a dip in temperatures after basking in a mini heatwave. Unfortunately it doesn't mean hay fever or seasonal allergies will disappear. In the UK, one in four people suffer from hay fever every year. The symptoms, including sneezing and irritated eyes, are often worsened for pet owners, as their four-legged friends bring pollen from the outside world into the home. During the nice weather, families have been flocking to the seaside for a relaxing retreat with their four-legged friends. However, as pollen clings more easily to wet fur, it could be making their hay fever much worse. Luckily, pet door suppliers have shared six expert tips to combat hay fever hell this spring. 1. Bicarbonate of soda when washing pet bedding and accessories Owners should wash their pet's bedding and accessories, including all collars, harnesses, leads, and outside clothing, every two to four weeks. This is because the fabric can deposit pollen and dirt throughout the home. To clean them effectively, soak pet bedding and accessories in warm water and washing up liquid for at least 20 minutes. If odours and stains persist, put them in the washing machine with a gentle, pet-friendly detergent. Bicarbonate of soda is a saving grace for dog owners suffering from allergies. If in doubt, add two teaspoons to warm soapy water when soaking. Owners can also create a paste with two teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of water to target stubborn fabrics. 2. Discover every owner's 'miracle' balm Owners can use allergen barrier balms to avoid hay fever disasters. For example, there are balm products aimed at humans that trap allergens when applied around the nostrils and orbital bone. There are a range of such balms available on Amazon at varying prices, but one we have spotted that comes with three different balms is the HayMax Allergen Barrier Balm Triple Tin which costs £16.98. There are also lesser-known products aimed at pets. When applied to a pet's paws and coat, nourishing balms act as a protective layer against pesky pollen. This reduces the risk of allergens being transferred throughout the home. 3. Store pet-friendly cleaning products in the car Hay fever symptoms worsen in enclosed spaces. Driving in a car after a dog walk, for example, is the ideal time for allergens to spread, especially as owners are hesitant to open the window and allow more pollen inside. As such, owners should stock their cars with adequate cleaning supplies, such as a vacuum and pet-friendly wipes. A quick hoover or wipe-down can help reduce the risk of allergy attacks while getting from the park to the sofa.3 4. Invest in allergy-blocking gadgets Every pet owner should invest in high-quality grooming tools, especially if they are eager to reduce the symptoms of hay fever as pet fur can spread pollen and other allergens found outside. Electrostatic grooming tools are a great way to remove allergens from pet fur. Whether people prefer using brushes or vacuums, these handy gadgets can help make homes pollen free this spring. Electromagnetic mats are also useful for reducing the spread of allergens as they collect stray pollen and dander found on pets. It's best practice to place these mats by doors, couches and pet beds. Wear pollen-repelling clothing The clothing owners and pets wear when leaving the house can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. Owners should avoid dog coats made from cotton, for example, as pollen gets easily caught in the fibres. Instead, prioritise clothing made from smooth materials, such as nylon and polyester, as these are easier to wipe clean after time spent outside. It's important to choose breathable fabrics as the warmer months approach. Correctly wash your pet Owners should wash their pets to remove allergens such as pollen and dander. The frequency depends on the animal, with dogs needing to be bathed approximately once a month unless dirty. However, some owners are doing this wrong. It's important to avoid over washing pets as this can lead to them developing dry and sensitive skin. Instead, owners should focus on rinsing paws and using pet-friendly wipes on fur after encountering pollen and other allergens. By following these steps, owners will significantly reduce the risk of worsening their hay fever symptoms this spring. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. 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The Sun
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Cheapest way to buy hayfever tablets – you could make a huge saving of £27 this summer
THERE is a way to get the same allergy relief medication for almost a quarter of the price of big name brands. As hay fever becomes more rife moving into summer, this could mean a saving of £27 over the months of June, July and August. People generally know that buying branded medications are almost always more costly than their generic equivalents. On top of that, most over-the-counter drugs have the same medical properties no matter the brand, price or form it comes in. The Royal Pharmaceutical said: "Whether they are branded or generic, all medicines are the same so you can be reassured your medicine is safe." The key thing to look out for is the "active" ingredient of the remedy, which manufacturers may change. So once you have found the right active ingredient, you can start looking for the best deal to purchase your medicine. For effective relief from allergy symptoms, people often turn to Cetirizine, which the NHS describes as an "antihistimine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies". It can be used to treat things like hay fever, conjunctivitis, and eczema, and comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Common stores like Boots, Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco sell Cetirizine both through brands as well as with their own equivalents of the medicine. Among the more well-known brands of Cetirizine are Piriteze and Zirtek, which can cost £11.55 for a 30-pack of the tablets from a pharmacy like Boots. However, buying the generic Boots version of Cetirizine costs just £2.75, meaning a saving nearly £9. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms And over the three months of summer, this could bring a saving of £27. Similarly, the Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco medications can also provide savings of around £8 when bought instead of the branded equivalents. In the past, PharmacyFirst has been seen to offer the cheapest deal for Cetirizine online, oferring 120 tablets all for £2.75. Chemist4U has also proven to be a cheap option, where 180 tablets have gone for £7.54. These cost-saving findings come after research revealed hay fever sufferers spent more than £3,600 on medication over their lifetime. A poll also found 62 per cent of people with these allergies go through up to two boxes of antihistamine tablets a month. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.'
