Living with Pets at Home
We believe there is always a way to improve life. Therefore, we are committed to producing comprehensive solutions to improve indoor air quality. In this article, we introduce the allergens shed by our furry friends and provide tips on how to avoid them.
So, what exactly is pet dander?
Your immune system protects you against foreign invaders such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause infections. However, in individuals with allergies, the immune system confuses a substance that is normally harmless for most people with something dangerous and attacks it. One of these substances is the proteins found in pet dander.
Let's take a closer look
Pet dander consists of small, even microscopic, pieces of skin shed by furry or feathered animals like cats, dogs, rodents, and birds. These particles, especially in individuals allergic to them, can trigger reactions. However, it's not just the skin of your furry friend you should consider. Proteins in their saliva, urine, and feces can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Pet allergens can become airborne when a pet is petted or groomed, or through activities like dusting, using a vacuum cleaner, or other household chores. Due to their small size, they can remain suspended in the air for a long time.
Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no, as cat saliva, urine, and dander carry allergens regardless of fur length. Some cat breeds, such as Siberian and Russian Blue, are thought to be less allergenic, but there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat.
Did you know that approximately twice as many people are allergic to cats compared to dogs?
How can I prevent pet dander?
Pet allergens, due to their microscopic size and rough shapes, can easily adhere to furniture, bedding, fabrics, as well as many items brought into and out of the house. Therefore, pet dander can spread easily in homes, even those without pets. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from pet dander with these tips:
- Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner and vacuum all surfaces of your furniture at least twice a week.
- Wash couch covers with allergy-friendly laundry detergent every few weeks.
- Wash rugs frequently with hot water. Dry cleaning can also be beneficial.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom, and tightly close the bedroom door to prevent pets from entering.
- Take your pet to a groomer or wear a face mask while grooming them yourself.
Sercair Smart Window Ventilation Systems, iç help improve indoor air quality. Running the ventilation system regularly and bringing in fresh air from outside can reduce the accumulation of pet dander.
References
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander
https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/
Adrian Morris. ABC OF ALLERGOLOGY. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology, June 2008 Volume 21, Number 2
B.-M. Bellach. Der Bundes-Gesundheitssurvey 1998. Gesundheitswesen 61 (1999) Sonderheft 2 S55–S56. Robert Koch Institute, Berlin.
Environmental assessment and exposure control: a practice parameter—furry animals. J. Portnoy et al. / Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 108 (2012) 223.e1-223.e15
