Just because we love our pets doesn’t mean we love everything that comes with them. If you have allergies to pet dander, you know that baggage better than anyone. Pet dander can ruin your indoor air quality in ways you might not expect.
What Is Pet Dander?
Despite what many people think, pet dander isn’t just found in your pet’s hair. It is comprised of skin flakes that come off of your pet, so even birds carry it around. You won’t find it in scaled animals, so you don’t have to worry about your pet iguana being a carrier.
The Role of Pet Dander in Your Indoor Air
Pet dander adds lots of allergen proteins to your indoor air. Since it comes off the skin, your home is often full of dander even if you have done an immaculate job cleaning and dusting. Not only is it small compared to other particulates, but it has a jagged shape. This makes it easier to stick to clothes and upholstery. As a result, it can be a problem, even if you don’t have any pets right now.
Not only does dander trigger allergic reactions, but it can lead to asthma attacks in sensitive people. Some people notice a reaction as soon as they get near a dander-covered pet. Others react after entering rooms where dander has accumulated over time, such as living rooms or bedrooms.
How to Cope With Indoor Dander
Removing pet dander from your home is easy whether you have a pet or not. If you have one, brush it a few times a week. Brushing your pet, even if it’s a bird, removes loose hair and dander before it goes everywhere. If you can, brush your pet outside or in an area of your house that’s easy to clean. Bathing will help as well, but you’ll need to check with your veterinarian as to how often your pet should be bathed. If they are bathed too often, their skin becomes irritated and sensitive, making them shed more dander.
As for the dander already floating and sticking around, vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture regularly. Also, replace your HVAC and air purifier filters at least once a month. Improving ventilation is also a good idea by using your AC or opening windows, but be sure that the outdoor air quality’s good. If it isn’t, you’ll just bring in humidity, pollen and pollution.
Pet dander comes with having a pet, but as long as you stay proactive, you can overcome it! When you need indoor air quality services in Denver, CO, contact Absolute Electrical Heating & Air.