Living with Pets
We love our pets. They’re beloved members of our family and it’s proven they make us happier. Living with pets can lead to an increase in odors and pet dander. Use a portable or whole-home air purifier to maintain a Healthy Home while living with pets.
Living with Pets Can Affect Health Via:
- Dander
- Saliva
- Excrements
- Misc. Particles in Fur
We typically think of fur as the main culprit of pet allergies, when in fact, it's the small proteins found in your pet's dander, saliva, and urine that are the most common cause of pet allergies. These proteins attach to the pet's fur as it goes through its daily routine of cleaning, eating, playing, and sleeping. As the pet sheds, these allergens spread throughout your home.
Hypoallergenic pets often shed less than non-hypoallergenic pets resulting in fewer allergic triggers. So, even if you have a pet that is considered hypoallergenic, allergens are still present. If you have a hypoallergenic pet at home but find that your allergy symptoms still bother you, consider washing bedding and vacuuming more frequently and utilizing an air purifier.
Dos & Don'ts
Do
consider installing a whole-home air purifier to relieve your home of pet allergens
Whole-home air purifiers with MERV air filters can help reduce the accumulation of pet dander, hair, and odor in your home.
Don’t
underestimate the use of room air purifiers
Use a room air purifier in high-traffic pet areas to better control odors and dander especially if you or someone in your family is still suffering from allergy symptoms.
Do
maintain a clean Healthy Home
By continually cleaning your home, you're more likely to keep your home free of pet dander and allergens. Wash your bedding, vacuum, and dust often to limit exposure to pet allergens.
Don’t
allow your pets on furniture or in rooms where people are allergic
By keeping pet traffic to a minimum, you're more likely to increase Indoor Air Quality throughout specific areas of your home.
Do
bathe your pets often
Bathing your pets consistently keeps them clean and healthy, which, in turn, keeps you and your family clean and healthy.
Don’t
place litter boxes in high-traffic areas
If you own cats, make sure their litter boxes are covered and placed in low-traffic areas of the home. Likewise, be sure to clean the litter box daily to help reduce odors and dander. Litter can also result in higher amounts of dust too.
Do
the little things necessary to keep you and your family safe from animal-borne illness
Practice proper handwashing after interacting with animals or disposing of their waste. Limit eating or drinking when around animals. Take your pet for regular vet checkups and make sure to check your pets for ticks.
“Short-haired or hairless animals contribute dander and allergens to indoor air pollution just as effectively as long-haired animals do. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog or cat.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Living with a pet does not mean slogging through allergies or odors. With a whole-home or room air purifier, you can help capture those airborne pollutants that make living with a pet less than enjoyable. Simple routine maintenance helps keep your air purifier running efficiently and your home's air healthy and clean.
Locate a local Healthy Air Pro to install a whole-home system or shop for a room air purifier or replacement filter.
The information contained on the AprilAire website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. All information is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk.