Pets are a welcome addition to many homes; they’re loyal, playful, and full of unconditional love. However, they also shed hair and dead skin cells wherever they go. For asthma and allergy sufferers, this dander could easily trigger an attack. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the presence of pet dander to help you create a healthier living space for your family. Check out these 4 ways to prevent pet dander in your home.
Keep Your Pets Clean
Bathing your pets rids them of the excess dander just waiting to litter your home. You’ll want to clean them with a high-quality pet shampoo so their fur and skin don’t dry out. Schedule a bath for your furry friends at least once a week to keep them clean and maintained. If they shed constantly, consider bathing them every few days to prevent dander from piling up.
Brushing your pet’s coat is also a helpful way to gather up loose hair before it can fall on your floor and come in contact with your skin. Just remember to brush them outdoors so you avoid leaving a mess inside your home. If you do need to brush them inside, be sure to use a good vacuum for pet hair.
Maintain Your Home
You’ll want to stay proactive in fighting off pet dander by cleaning your home regularly. For the best results, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on any furnishings and materials that your pets frequently come in contact with, including pillows, blankets, rugs, and pet beds. It’s also a smart idea to wipe down surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to trap any dander and dust mites left behind.
If you’re housing other animals besides dogs and cats, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, even keeping them in a cage might not be enough. To prevent dander and urine from prompting an allergy or asthma attack, clean these cages out at least once a week or as needed.
Preserve Your HVAC Units
If you schedule regular HVAC maintenance, you’ll extend the lifespan of your unit while improving your home’s indoor air quality. Your system’s air filter is responsible for trapping airborne pollutants, so keeping it clean can help you reduce the chances of pet dander disrupting your family’s health. You’ll want to check it once a month to see if it’s dirty or clogged with pet hair.
Dander can also find its way into your home’s duct-work, so consider having your ducts professionally cleaned if you notice a lack of efficiency with your heating and cooling systems. If pet dander is still a big concern, install an air purifier to help you clear out any pesky contaminants.
Designate Pet-Free Zones
It’s best to keep your pets outside if you are allergic to their dander to avoid unwanted dander altogether. But, if they’ve grown accustomed to frolicking inside as they please, at least restrict them from going into rooms where allergy or asthma sufferers reside. You’ll also want to keep your furry friends away from your bed, upholstered furniture, food preparation areas, and any other sensitive spaces.
As much as we love our pets, we don’t enjoy the dander they leave behind. Follow these tips to prevent pet dander from wreaking havoc in your home.
Leave a Reply