Product Search

Pet Dander:

Apparently more than seventy percent of US households own a dog or cat.  While pets provide love and you love them back, they could also be the cause of pet allergies of ten percent of people in these households.  By identifying the main course, typically dander, people can live to continue loving their pets and managing their allergies.

Pet dander is composed of skin flakes which are constantly being shed, causing allergic reactions in the form of sneezing, wheezing, runny eyes and nose.  Older animals tend to produce more dander than younger animals.  Dander, the old skin scales, are tiny, lightweight, and can remain in the air for hours on end.  For instance, you may be in the grocery store and sense someone in front of you on line has a cat.  The pet dander, especially from cats, is easily transportable and can transport itself easily even when you know there’s not a cat in the grocery store!  Note: dander allergens are sticky and tend to “attach” themselves easily to clothing.

In your home, there are countless permeable areas in which the dander can also stick and stay entrenched for a long time such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and draperies.

Other types of animal dander exists.  For instance, feathers and droppings from birds can increase exposure to pet allergens. Pet dander is also produced by other caged animals including gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice.  Although the hair itself may not be a significant allergen, the hair or fur has the ability to collect pollen.  Not to mention dust, mold, and other allergens. 

Once you’ve identified if you or a family member have allergic reactions to the dander, there are several things you can do.  The first is avoidance.  If it gets so bad that you need to remove your pet and have another family member or neighbor take care of him, keep in mind it takes up to six months for the dander to completely remove itself. Remember, it’s an unwanted guest that likes to linger!

If removing the pet is too emotional and is not an option, another option is to at least keep your dog or cat outside of the bedroom.  To reduce the pet dander floating in your home, it’s suggested to limit the rooms in which your pet has access to.

Litter boxes should be placed in an area unconnected to air supply within the home and this should be avoided by people allergic to your pet.

As for a few other tips, don’t pet, hug, or kiss your pooch or feline if you are allergic and always wear a protective mask and gloves when grooming him or her.  Always wash your hands after grooming or playing with your pets.

For more information about pet dander and managing allergies, or food allergies - click here!