What Causes Pet Dander?
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Pet Dander
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Common household pets like dogs, cats, gerbils, hamsters and birds have an epidermal layer of skin that sheds. The stratum corneum, or the outermost layer of skin, is composed entirely of dead skin cells. Flakes of skin (mostly microscopic) pull off the top layer and mix into the pet's hair or feathers. When the pet scratches or cleans itself, the flakes spread into the air and disperse throughout the home. This is called pet dander.
Allergies
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Animal hair by itself is not an allergen. However, hair collects pet dander, dust and pollen, which can all cause allergic reactions. Recently, there has been a trend in hairless pets or "hypoallergenic pets," but it's important to note that it's the skin itself that causes allergic reactions. Therefore, no species of dog or cat are 100 percent allergen-free.
Some people are not allergic to an animal's pet dander, but will have an adverse reaction to the pet's saliva or urine. In both cases, follow the steps below to remove allergens and reduce allergy attacks. -
Non-Allergenic Pets
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Amphibians and reptiles are a safe bet. Unlike mammals, their stratum corneum is permanent. Reptiles only shed their skin in brief periods of massive growth, otherwise known as molting.
Steps to Reduce Pet Dander
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If the allergic reaction is quite severe, the safest and simplest solution is to remove the pet from the household. Note that this will not immediately solve the problem. Removing dander from the home can take up to six months.
Regular baths will remove the dander from your pet before it's released into the air. Wear rubber gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with the dander. If you own a cat, veterinarians carry foam-based soaps that don't require water. If the cat is young, it will get acclimated to baths quickly. Either way, since the skin sheds on an ongoing basis, treat your pet to baths at a minimum of twice a week for optimal results.
To further reduce allergies, restrict your pet to as few rooms as possible. Litter boxes and dog kennels should be stored in out-of-the-way locations (ideally outside). Coatrooms and laundry rooms should be off-limits for pets. Keep in mind that pet dander sticks to clothes, bedding and upholstered furniture.
HEPA filters, both in your HVAC system and in your vacuum cleaner, will remove a great deal of pet dander from the home. They are made by a variety of manufacturers, and any filter that removes 99.97 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter qualifies as a HEPA filter.
Finally, avoid direct contact with the pet as much as possible if you're sensitive to pet dander. However, if you do wish to play with the pet, then offer playtime immediately after the pet's bath. Once playtime is over, thoroughly wash your hands, face and arms.
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References
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- Photo Credit Flickr, Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc., HTA.hk
