Pet Allergies? 9 Ways to Better Indoor Air Quality

How Pets Contribute to Deteriorating Indoor Air Quality

Pet dander is made up of minuscule particles of skin that are shed by animals with fur or feathers. It also is one of the leading causes of allergies in the United States, as pet dander contains a specific type of protein that can trigger allergic reactions. This protein is also found in the urine and saliva of many household pets, meaning that pets will often leave traces of this allergy-causing protein throughout your home. Every time your cat licks itself while bathing or your dog drools over its favorite toy, the protein is spreading throughout your home. This results in allergens floating in the air.

Since the protein molecules that cause allergies on cats are much smaller (1/10th the size of standard dust allergens), they tend to stay airborne for more extended periods of time. Thus, having cats inside the home often causes more severe allergies, though people with sensible allergies can also be affected by dogs.

While pet dander and saliva-based proteins are two common allergens, homes with birds such as parakeets, cockatiels, or parrots, should also be concerned about another allergen. Pet birds regularly harbor mites that live on their feathers and feed off of the dander they produce. Dust mites are another severe problem that affects indoor air quality and is closely related to having birds in the home. 

How to Mitigate Pet-Related Allergies

If someone in your household suffers from pet-related allergies, you do not necessarily need to get rid of your furry companions. Below, we look at four things you can do to maintain optimum indoor air quality for pet-loving homes. 

1. Don't Blame Pets for All Allergies

First things first, many allergy sufferers are not only allergic to pets. If someone in your home suffers from allergies, it's essential to receive a professional proper diagnosis. Understanding allergy sufferers' sensitivities is an essential first step.