Dog and cat owners are often at odds with the challenge of how to get rid of pet dander in their homes. This allergen is difficult to detect, but accounts for many pet allergy symptoms.
If you’re interested in how to improve your indoor air quality and combat pet dander, here’s what you need to know:
While the common misconception is that pet hair causes allergic reactions, the true culprit is often dander. But what is pet dander, exactly? Dander is the almost microscopic dust made up of dead skin cells shed by your pets during everyday life.
Those with immune systems sensitive to pet allergens can react to the harmless proteins contained in dander, leading to a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchy skin or eyes.
It’s almost impossible to prevent the spread of pet dander, just like it’s almost impossible to prevent other types of dust from accumulating in your home. However, understanding the ways pet dander can spread can help you limit its prevalence at home.
Some common ways dander spreads are through brushing, grooming and normal hair shedding. Dander accumulates in fabrics and natural fibers, and can be spread around by common cleaning activities like vacuuming or sweeping.
While it might seem like a hopeless fight, there are ways to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home - while still keeping your furry friends. Some great tips to limit and eliminate pet dander are:
Allergies can be an issue for many pet owners, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up your pets. With careful cleaning and strategic use of air filters, you can help everyone in your home breathe more easily.
Kimberly Kelly decided to get her real estate license when she moved to South Orange with her family and fell in love with the classic, period homes of the area. Having worked in the city for many years for LexisNexis, Kim understands the appeal of an easy commute to NYC. That’s why she specializes in towns along the Mid-Town Direct train line, offering welcoming communities, good schools, and space to grow.
Very active in her children’s school PTA, Kim knows firsthand how important a school system is to parents looking to make the move to the ‘burbs. She volunteers with fairs, fundraising, and other activities that bolster support for education. Kim also believes involvement in the greater community enriches us all and has sat on various boards & associations throughout the years.
Kim Kelly has lived many places throughout her life, from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but has found New Jersey to be the ideal place to raise her family and put down roots. She loves nothing more than helping others discover their special place as well. Kim’s extensive knowledge of the area, combined with her sense of community, offers clients a personalized guide to finding the right house - and town - to call home.
