Pet dander in the home is a very common allergy trigger. Over 70% of households in the U.S. have a cat or dog, and 10% – 15% of the population is allergic to animals. About a third of people that are allergic to cats live with at least one!
Pet dander in the home comes from dead skin flakes that the pet sheds, and is the primary cause of pet related allergies. While the length of a pet’s hair does not affect how much dander it produces, longer hair can attract other indoor allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust, and others. The more indoor allergens there are in your home environment, the worse allergy and asthma symptoms can be.
Let us help you. Have a AirAdvice for Homes™ indoor air quality test done today in your home – it’s simple, easy, and is typically offered at low or no cost to you, the homeowner.
AirAdvice indoor air quality tips: Short of finding a new home for your pet, there are some things you can do to minimize your exposure to pet dander in the home:
- Wash pets regularly.
- Wash hands after handling pets.
- Keep pets outdoors, if practical.
- Limit exposure to, or replace, materials that attract pet dander and other allergens: cloth curtains, carpets, fibrous furniture, etc.
- Most importantly, install proper filtration, and possibly ventilation.
To find an IAQ expert in your area, click on the Find an Expert button at the top of this page. They can measure what’s in your home’s air (including indoor allergens like pet dander), and recommend a solution based on your specific needs.