Re/max Innovative Properties
Jessica Jussif
Jessica Jussif, Re/max Innovative PropertiesPhone: (603) 490-4914
Email: [email protected]

Avoiding pet allergies: How to get rid of pet dander

by Jessica Jussif 03/19/2023

dog

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:

Pet dander & allergies

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.

How pet dander spreads

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.

How to clean your house of pet dander

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:

  • Have your HVAC system professionally cleaned and fitted with special filters.
  • Invest in a certified air purifying device containing a HEPA filter.
  • Keeping up with brushing your pets, especially during the warmer months.

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.

About the Author
Author

Jessica Jussif

With over 18 years of experience, Jessica is licensed New Hampshire and Massachusetts. A proud member of the National Association of Realtors, Jessica values the highest code of ethics and standards expected of her. As a seller’s agent, she uses the most current market information to properly value the property. In addition, with her experience she is able to assist sellers on the best ways to improve homes so they can solicit the highest offers. Jessica works with a cutting edge marketing & social networking firm to obtain the maximum exposure for all of her listings. Known for her negotiating skills, she has a passion for working with buyers providing knowledge of what to expect & peace of mind throughout the process. In addition to what Jessica provides as a buyers agent, she works closely with a team of experts so it’s a “one stop shop” for all her buyers. In addition to her real estate career, Jessica is also a licensed loan originator in N.H. Combined with her expertise in both real estate, mortgages and finance, Jessica has a full understanding on the home buying and selling process. In today's real estate market it is so important for sellers and buyers to work with an agent who has great skill set and experience.