Understanding Pet Dander and Its Effects

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What is pet dander?

Pet dander comes from skin cells that are shed by animals with fur or feathers – cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, etc. Dander can trigger an allergy. Animals without fur, like reptiles, amphibians and fish, do not shed dander so they have less of a chance of triggering an allergic reaction.

How do you get rid of pet dander?

You can get rid of or reduce pet dander by: Grooming the pet to reduce the amount of dander infested fur. Vacuuming frequently. Use anti-allergen sprays. Limit where the pet goes. First, brush your pet regularly to remove dead skin cells and fur. Ideally, brush the pet outside. If you are highly allergic, wear a mask while you groom the pet.

Is pet dander a problem?

Pet dander is very tiny particles of skin that had been shed from animals with fur or feathers. So, foxes produce dander, parrots produce dander, and horses produce dander. Since most people don’t have these animals in their home, their dander is not a problem. The dander from cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and small rodents is a problem.

Are You allergic to pet dander?

Pet dander is the most common source of a pet allergy, but people can also be allergic to the proteins that are present in pet saliva, urine and feces. All animals shed bits of skin. Some of the bits are large enough to be seen with our eyes. Other bits are so small you can’t see them without a microscope.

Is dander a symptom of a pet allergy?

However, when they shed their hair or fur, dander often comes with it. The most common household pets are cats and dogs. While allergies to both exist, cat allergies are more common. However, you can also be allergic to other pets that live outdoors, such as horses. Pet allergy symptoms are similar to other types of allergies.

Do animals shed dander?

Animals without fur, like reptiles, amphibians and fish, do not shed dander so they have less of a chance of triggering an allergic reaction. Pet dander is the most common source of a pet allergy, but people can also be allergic to the proteins that are present in pet saliva, urine and feces.

How many people have pet dander allergies?

It’s estimated that up to 20 percent of people around the world have pet dander allergies [ 2 ]. And in the U.S., up to 3 in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs [ 3 ]. Here’s what causes those reactions, the symptoms to watch for, and how to keep dander at bay. What is Pet Dander?

What Is Pet Dander

1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-live-with-pet-allergies-if-you-have-no-choice
2. https://allergystore.com/blogs/news/what-is-pet-dander-and-how-do-you-get-rid-of-it
3. https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/us/en/living-with-allergies/understanding-allergies/pet-dander-allergy-what-causes-it-and-how-to-find-relief.html
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192

Pet Dander Information

1. https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/pet-allergy-factsheet/
2. https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/pet-dander/
3. https://www.dyson.co.uk/discover/insights/cleaning/pets/pet-dander-allergy-symptoms-causes-prevention
4. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander
5. https://www.verywellhealth.com/pet-allergies-5199216
6. https://www.buoyhealth.com/blog/allergies/pet-allergy
7. https://www.achooallergy.com/blog/what-is-pet-dander-and-how-to-fix-it/