For anyone who has a beloved pet, you know the benefits are plenty. They bring joy, companionship, entertainment and love to a household. Unfortunately, they can also bring allergy-triggering pet dander.
It is important to understand the impact our pets may have on indoor air quality in order to ensure the health of all family members: humans and pets alike.
The Facts
Dander is one of the most common allergies in humans. If you own a cat or dog, dander is something to consider regardless of how sensitive you are to it. According to the Mayo Clinic, pet allergies occur when there is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. People suffering from pet allergies may experience a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes or signs of asthma such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Due to the microscopic size and jagged shape, pet dander can easily become airborne and stick to fabrics, furniture and bedding. While this does impact indoor air quality, there are steps you can take to lessen the impact of pet allergens in your home.
How to Combat Pet-Related Indoor Air Pollution
1. Clean:
Regularly cleaning your home is an effective way to keep pet dander at a minimum.
- Use a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter, weekly
- Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases in 130-degree water
- Wash area rugs, floor mats and mop floors regularly
- Regularly groom your pet to prevent dander buildup. Consulting with your veterinarian is important to determine how often your pet should be brushed and bathed to ensure they retain healthy levels of oil in their fur or hair.
2. Change your filter:
Dander and other pollutants build up in your air filters, and if you own one or more pets, you will most likely need to clean or replace it more frequently. When your filter is dirty, it can blow polluted air back throughout the home.
3. Buy an air purifier:
Air purification systems can limit the impact of common air pollutants in your home, including: pet dander, dust, germs, surface bacteria and viruses.
4. Have a “Pet Free Zone”:
If someone in your home is suffering from allergies, keeping pets out of certain rooms, such as bedrooms, can provide a respite from pet dander area.
Owning pets while having outstanding air quality is achievable; it simply takes a bit more effort! If you’re unsure if your home has poor indoor air quality, consider an air quality test.
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We hope you found this article helpful and look forward to continuing to ensure your comfort and safety. Thank you for choosing CPS.
If you are in need of more information or would like to schedule a free consultation, you can reach us at 508-460-6691 or fill out this form.
