Pet Dander

Fee Fee the Poodle, Max the Germen Shepherd, and Fluffy the cat are all animals that can win your heart. People get so attached to their pets they see them as one of the family. Truly some family pets have a loving, playful, and caring side to them, but are they really man’s best friend. For some, I believe they are, but for many others, animals cause health problems. Animals release an allergen into the air, which is called pet dander. It’s estimated that 10% to 15% of the entire population may be allergic to animals, and more than 70% of United States households have a dog or a cat living inside their home. Pet dander is the main cause of pet allergy symptoms. To learn more about pet dander please read on.

What is pet dander? Dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and even our pet birds produce dander. Pet dander is dead skin cells. When an animal shakes or scratches, dead skin cells (lying in their fur and feathers) are released into the air, triggering allergies in people. It doesn’t matter how long or short your pet’s hair is. What matters is how much dander your pet’s skin produces. Your pet's fur and/or feathers can collect all types of allergens like pollen, dust, and mold spores from the environment they live in. Having these other types of allergens present in your home can cause other types of pet allergies as well. Other types of pet allergies come from the pet’s saliva and urine.

What are the symptoms of pet allergies? When any of the pet allergens mentioned above comes in contact with your skin, they can cause an allergic reaction. Pet allergy symptoms can cause: sneezing, congestion, runny noses, itching, watery eyes, coughing and wheezing, eczema or rashes, and in some cases it can cause an asthmatic to suffer tremendously. 

Where are these allergens found? Animal allergens are found mostly in homes where pets live. One thing that everyone should know is that pet allergens are also found in places where pets do not live. Such places are schools, workplaces, and other public establishments. Since pet allergens are sticky, they can be brought to these places on the clothing of their owners. Also, while dander on a smooth surface can be easily wiped clean, materials such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and clothing can have the dander exist on it for long periods of time. That’s why people need to take special steps in cleaning it up or else pet dander could remain in a home for up to six to eight months after the pet has been removed.

What steps can one take to clean up this type of allergen? For people who are not allergic to animals, their concern to have the allergens cleaned up is not as alarming as one who is allergic. For someone who is highly allergic, the best solution is to find a new home for your pet. However, for milder pet allergies, there are many steps you can take to reduce your exposure to animal dander and other pet allergens. If possible keep your pet outdoors or in the garage and do not allow them to come inside the home. Install a HEPA filtered air purifier inside your home; perhaps even two of them to remove the airborne animal dander out of the air you are breathing. Wash your pets on a weekly basis with dander reducing shampoo. Giving your pets a bath on a regular basis can reduce the level of allergens by as much as 75%. Vacuum frequently using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner that removes and permanently traps airborne allergens. Use high-efficiency furnace filter on your home climate control systems to prevent the dander from circulating throughout your home. Place vent filters over register vents, and change all filters on a regular basis. Keep pets off all furniture and clean your furniture on a regular basis. Clean cloth curtains, blinds, and carpeted floors on a regular basis; and wash your hands thoroughly after playing with your pet. By doing all of this you will cut down on the many allergies that are produced by animals.