Pet dander is tiny microscopic skin particles that can cause respiratory and other allergy problems for you and your family. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to them. People, especially kids, may not even know they are allergic. Not just dander but proteins in your pet’s saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin) cause irritation of the sinus and nasal cavity. The proteins cause the body to produce histamines, which result in sudden eye itches, wheezy breathing, or a rash. Dogs are bad but cat allergies are the worst.  How do you keep it in control?  It takes a lot of doing on your part to keep them at bay.  People do not realize you have to control it on a daily basis… not weekly or monthly.

Few simple tips to help you on the way:

  • Keep your pet in areas of the home that have hard floors that are easier to clean than carpeted floors.
  • Washing your pet frequently. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the amount of dander in your pet’s fur. Even cats eventually get used to baths. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to bathe your pet without causing you or your pet too much stress.
  • You must vacuum at least once a day.  It sounds like a lot but your family is worth it.
  •  Keep your pet outside of the house or at least out of your bedroom.
  • Dust your home weekly or more often.  If you can, do this when the person who has an allergy or asthma is not at home. Use a static cloth for dusting, and a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which helps keep dust off carpets and floors and out of the air.
  • Keep air registers closed if you have a pet. This will reduce the amount of animal dander moving through the house. If this is not possible, close the register only in the room in which you want to reduce the dander.
  • Change your air filters monthly
  • Do not allow your pet on carpets or upholstered furniture.
  • Wash regularly any rugs, pillows, pet beds, or other items the pet has contact with
  • Most importantly wash your hands after handling your pets
  • If possible, purchase a good quality air purifier for the more active rooms in your home
  • Having your air ducts cleaned is a great way to maintain your home air quality
  • Brushing your pet weekly will remove loose hair and dander attached to it
  • Be sure to empty your vacuum bag or canister often to ensure proper filtration
  • Don’t forget to call your local professional carpet cleaners every 3-6 months depending on your household.  Especially with kids and pets you must remove the dander and harmful bacteria from your carpets.  Make sure they do a hot water extraction to remove all the pet dander and allergies out of your carpets.  This is the only true way to remove the pet dander and harmful causing bacteria in your home.
  • Bottom line, reducing allergens caused by dander is very easy to do, it’s just a matter of doing it regularly and understanding the different ways to make a difference.