How to Eliminate Dog Dander

All dogs shed dander, but it's possible to eliminate most of it

All dogs produce dander. Dead skin comprises dander that sheds from a dog into is environment. It floats in the air and spreads around your house and sticks to surfaces. Although difficult to eliminate completely, dog dander can be controlled well with basic grooming and rigorous cleaning practices and techniques.

Instructions

1. Wash all furniture that your dog touches. Shampoo upholstery; dust furniture with a wet cloth; clean drapes, carpets, rugs and curtains with hot water and soap; wash bedding with hot water and all-natural detergent and use dander impermeable coverings for mattresses and pillows.

2. Vacuum your floors every day. Even if your dog does not wander into certain rooms, be sure to vacuum or mop those floors as well. Dander, like hair, travels far from where it originated. Use HEPA vacuum filters, HEPA air purifiers and install HEPA air filters in your central heat and air conditioning to trap airborne dander. A HEPA filter removes more than 99 percent of indoor airborne particles, including pet dander, according to Alen Corporation.

3. Groom your dog every day. Brush your dog outside to avoid dander and hair from spreading around the house.

4. Bathe your dog once every six weeks on average. Use shampoos specifically designed for dogs. Do not bathe your dog too often, as doing so will dry out the skin, deplete healthy oils and lead to irritation and scratching, according to The Partnership for Animal Welfare.

5. Limit where your dog can lie in your house. Avoid letting your dog on couches, chairs, pillows, etc. This limits the amount of dander transferred from your dog to you and other places in the house.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog has unusually dry skin, it's best to see a vet. There may be an underlying condition or allergy affecting your dog.

• It's best to ask your vet how often to bathe your dog, if you're unsure. Double-coated dogs, such as German shepherds, can go longer without bathing than smooth-coated dogs.

References

• Allergy Be Gone: About Pet Dander Allergies
• Vet Info: Controlling Dog Dander Allergy Reactions
• Alen Corp: Alen Air Purification
• Global Healing Center: How to Eliminate Pet Dander
• Paw Rescue: Bathing and Shampooing your Dog