You love your pet, but you're allergic to it. But what exactly is making you allergic, and can you see pet dander?
Pet dander allergen particles range in size from 2.5 to 10 microns. Some Cat dander particles are even smaller, ranging from 1 to 20 microns. This is much smaller than a grain of sand– for comparison, one grain of sand is about 70-90 microns in diameter. So, unless you have super, immaculate vision, you aren’t going to see pet dander allergens. What you are most likely seeing is pet hair, which can hold the small pet dander particles, but pet hair is not directly the source of pet dander.
Now, what can you do about pet dander that you can’t see? Well, don’t fear; just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean you are out of luck. Here are three quick tips you can do:
-
Use Allergen Spray; our minerals are designed to encapsulate and neutralize these small particles in the air and on hard surfaces like tabletops.
-
Use an air filter and change it often. Make sure you purchase an HVAC filter that is MERV rated to filter pet dander. Caution: not all filters are the same.
-
Open a window once in a while, as long as you don’t live in a big city, and the pollen counts are low.
What is Pet Dander?
Pet dander is composed of tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals. Unlike pet hair, which is often visible, pet dander consists of microscopic dead skin cells that are not easily seen by the naked eye. These particles are incredibly small, like we mentioned above, making them easily airborne and capable of lingering in the air for extended periods. When inhaled, pet dander can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Pet dander often becomes a component of household dust, worsening respiratory issues for those with allergies or asthma.
Can You See Pet Dander? Particle Size Does Matter
The size of airborne particles plays a crucial role in determining their impact on health. Airborne particulate matter can vary from coarse particles to ultrafine particles. Ultrafine particles, which are less than 0.1 microns in diameter, make up more than 90% of all airborne pollutants. These tiny particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and small airways, posing significant health risks. Fine particles, which are 2.5 microns or smaller, can also get into the respiratory system, contributing to various air pollution-related health problems. Understanding the size and behavior of these particles is essential for effectively managing indoor air quality and reducing health risks.
Solutions for Pet Dander Allergies
If you or a family member suffers from pet dander allergies, there are several effective strategies to ease symptoms:
- One of the most highly rated solutions is Allergen Spray. You can spray it in the air, on surfaces, and on carpets and upholstery.
- Bathing your pets regularly and minimizing their access to certain areas of the home, such as bedrooms, can further reduce the presence of pet dander.
- Additionally, washing your hands frequently, especially after petting or handling pets, can help prevent the spread of pet dander throughout your home.
Pet dander is a common allergen that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
