What Is Pet Dander and 3 Ways To Get Rid of It

Do you suffer from allergies or asthma when you’re around animals? If so, then you may be dealing with pet dander. Pet dander is simply tiny flakes of skin cells shed by cats, dogs and other animals.

You don’t have to give up your furry friends in order to keep your home allergen-free. With the right approach and a few changes around the house, you can still enjoy all the benefits of having pets without worrying about your allergies. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from identifying the sources of pet dander to the best cleaning techniques for removing it.

What Is Pet Dander?

Pet dander is the microscopic particles of skin, fur and saliva that pets shed. All mammals shed small flakes of dead skin cells that can be extremely difficult to clean up thoroughly. And unfortunately, these particles may be a major irritant for those with allergies. In order to keep both your pet and your home clean and safe, it’s important to understand how to manage pet dander.

Three Ways To Get Rid of Pet Dander

1. Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming regularly is the easiest way to remove large amounts of dander. Use your favorite upright vacuum or consider investing in a robot vacuum for pet hair to give yourself a little break. Just make sure you empty all filters or bags as soon as they become full.

2. Clean Surfaces

Cleaning surfaces such as walls and countertops with a duster and damp cleaning cloth is also an effective way to remove pet dander from these areas.

3. Bathe Your Pets

Keep your pets clean by giving them regular baths with an appropriate pet shampoo and brushing them regularly to reduce shedding and dander buildup.

More Practical Tips for Keeping Pet Dander at Bay

1. Keep Pets Out of Bedrooms

Those who suffer from allergies should try to keep their bedroom a “pet-free” zone if possible in order to reduce the amount of pet dander present in the space.

2. Use Air Purifiers

Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce airborne levels of pet dander and lessen the chance of irritation or allergic reaction.

3. Wash Bedding and Towels

It’s also a good idea to wash and dry things like furniture upholstery, blankets, bedding and curtains regularly (around once a week is usually good) to help remove any lingering pet dander that may be present on them.

Final Note!

Having a pet can be a great source of companionship and joy, but it can also lead to a build-up of pet dander. It’s important for pet owners to understand the causes of pet dander and ways to keep it under control. With the right approach and a few changes around the house, you can still enjoy your sweet pets without worrying about allergies.