Although many people are allergic to animals, especially those with asthma, Pew Research reports that roughly 6/10 American households still have a pet. But as cats, dogs, parakeets and parrots, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and horses can all cause allergic reactions, it can be quite challenging if you love animals.
If you are one of the 10% to 20% of the global population who has a pet allergy, you’re not actually responding to the animal’s hair, fur or feathers. You are hypersensitive to the protein found in their dander. Their feathers, hair and fur collect this dander and can also carry other antigens like pollen, dust mites and mold. When these get into your airways, eyes, mouth or nose or settle on your skin, your allergic symptoms get triggered.
If you’re concerned about allergies and want to find out how to get rid of pet dander, this guide is for you.
What is pet dander?
Pet dander comes from skin cells shed by animals. Animals that don’t have fur, like amphibians, fish and reptiles, don’t shed dander, so fewer people are allergic to them. Pet dander is by far the most common source of allergic reactions in people, but you may also be sensitive to the proteins found in your pet’s feces, saliva or urine.
What effects can pet dander have on you?
Allergens from cats, dogs and other animals can land on the membranes that line your eyes and nose, causing you to react. You may even breathe in dander so that it goes straight into your lungs. If you’re hypersensitive, your symptoms may include:
- An itchy nose or mouth irritation in your eyes and/or ears
- Coughing
- Eye swelling
- Hives
- Postnasal drip, where mucus runs from the back of your nose down into your throat
- Red, watering eyes
- Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, where you’ve got a clear, thin discharge coming out of it
- Rhinitis, or a stuffy nose, where you can’t breathe through because of nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
You may find that your eyes get itchy after you finish petting an animal and then brushing your hands against your eyes. Plus, a scratch or lick from an animal could cause the area to become reddened and itchy. You may even get hives.
You could be so unlucky as to have a pet allergy trigger an attack if you’re asthmatic—this is called allergic asthma and can be dangerous.
People who are allergic to pets will all have a different level of sensitivity to dander, with some having only very mild symptoms and others having more severe ones. Plus, if allergen levels are low, you may not even see the symptoms until a number of days after you’ve had contact with the animal.
How to get rid of pet dander
Knowing how to get rid of pet dander can help you live a healthier, happier life and make spending time with your pets even more enjoyable and therapeutic.
1. Brush and bathe your pet regularly
Grooming regularly with products like Burt’s Bees Pet Cat Dander Reducing Wipes or HICC Pet Deodorizing Pet Glove Wipes for Dogs and Cats is the most effective way to minimise the spread of pet dander.
Make a point of brushing your pet’s coat often. This will remove loose fur and skin flakes before they have a chance of spreading throughout your home.
Bathing can also help, especially if you use a shampoo created specifically for reducing dander. But don’t do this too often, as over-bathing can dry your pet’s skin out. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to find the balance where your pet is comfortable and clean.
2. Improve your home’s air quality
The quality of the air indoors plays a big role in taking care that pet dander doesn’t affect you. Start off with an air purifier that can absorb smells and catch dander and other allergens in the air as well. Put it in the rooms where your pet spends the most time for maximum effect.
You can also add pet-friendly air-purifying plants to your home, such as areca palms, snake plants or spider plants. Having fresh-cut flowers in a vase will also help to purify the air naturally and create the healthiest possible indoor environment.
3. Wash bedding and fabrics frequently
Your pet’s dander will quickly stick to soft surfaces, so take extra care of your bedding, curtains and furniture.
Wash your pet’s bedding at least once weekly in the hottest water possible to kill allergens. The same goes for any other fabrics your animal comes into contact with often, including cushion covers and throw blankets.
4. Vacuum and dust often
Regular cleaning of your space is important because pet dander will settle into rugs, upholstered furniture and rugs. Find a vacuum with a HEPA filter, as this has been designed to catch microscopic particles and vacuum at least twice a week. Pay extra attention to the areas in your home where your pet spends a lot of time and use a probiotic pet stain and odor remover if necessary.
If you have hard floors instead of carpets, use a mop and damp cloth to catch dander, actually cleaning it without just sending it back out into the air. Dust all your surfaces with a damp cloth, not a dry one, because this way, the dander won’t spread but will rather be removed.
You should also invest in hypoallergenic covers for some of your furniture to make cleaning easier.
5. Create pet-free zones
Remove access to particular areas in your home for your pets, making a few animal-free zones to lower your exposure to dander. With your bedroom being a place where you spend time relaxing and using techniques to wind down and sleep, this is a good option for a no-pets zone.
You can use baby gates or close the door to keep your animals out and enjoy a good night’s rest without being exposed to dander.
When you adopt these five strategies, you’ll find it easier to eliminate pet dander, improve your air quality overall, and create a healthier environment for yourself, your pets and your family and friends.