We love our dogs and cats, but they can aggravate allergies, making everyone miserable. Use these tips for keeping pet dander down in your home.
Pet dander can put a damper on any home. Even though you love your pets, they can still give you headaches, watery eyes, and runny noses. Luckily, there are ways to keep pet dander down so that the inhabitants of your home don’t suffer. Use some of these tips for keeping pet dander down to improve the air quality in your home.
Use Air Purifiers
Pet dander and allergens are lightweight and often airborne. This means an air purifier can easily capture them. Look for a purifier that has HEPA technology and that’s effective at removing ultra-small particles. Be sure to replace the filter as recommended for maximum effectiveness.
Upgrade the Furnace Filters
The simplest tip for keeping pet dander down is to upgrade your furnace filters. Every furnace has a standard filter that you should change monthly. Filters keep lint and dust particles from getting into the furnace, but they get dirty over time. Upgrading your filters to HEPA filters will scrub the air of pet dander, and it won’t cost you any more money.
Maintain Pet Diet
Some pets have food allergies that can make them itch. Overweight pets are also more prone to skin problems. If your dog is itchy and constantly scratching, dander occurs. If you notice constant itching, licking of paws, or chewing, take your pet to the vet and find out if your pet’s diet is to blame.
Remove Carpeting
Cloth and fabrics are dander magnets. Curtains, clothing, couches, and especially carpeting are pet dander hot spots. The pets roll around on the carpet and deposit everything they carry in their fur onto it. The dander will begin to pile up, and no amount of vacuuming will get rid of all of it. Consider tearing up all the carpet in the house and replacing it with hardwood or tile. The difference is stark, and you’ll notice it immediately.
Bathe the Animals
Regular baths might not be a pet’s favorite thing—especially for cats—but they’re necessary. Regular bathing does more than help them smell good and give them a shiny coat; it also helps their skin. Using a high-quality moisturizing shampoo will keep their skin soft and flake-free. Look for hypoallergenic shampoos made from mostly natural ingredients.