Think your pet’s hair is what’s making you sneeze? Think again! The real culprit is pet dander—tiny protein particles from your pet’s skin, saliva, and urine that can float through the air and stick to every surface in your home. Even if you clean regularly or don’t own a pet, these allergens can still make their way indoors. Understanding what causes pet allergies and how to reduce exposure is key. Along with cleaning, vacuuming, and filtration, Allergy Asthma Clean Allergen Spray by Allergy Defender offers an easy, fragrance-free way to control pet allergens both in the air and on surfaces—helping you enjoy time with your furry friends without all the sneezing.

Key Takeaways

  • Pet hair isn’t the allergen—pet dander, saliva, and urine proteins are what trigger allergic reactions.
  • Pet dander particles are microscopic, ranging from one to five microns, and can remain airborne for long periods.
  • Even if your pet leaves the house temporarily, pet allergens can linger on clothing, furniture, and air filters.
  • Regular cleaning, washing bedding in hot water, and vacuuming with a HEPA filter help minimize allergens.
  • Allergy Asthma Clean Allergen Spray by Allergy Defender is a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and family- and pet-friendly spray that binds to airborne allergens and keeps them from circulating—providing fast, natural relief.
It's not the hair!

1.) Do you know that pet hair isn't actually what's making you allergic?

Answers:

A.) No, I didn't know that!

B.) Yes, I always knew that!

C.) I don't care. I still love my pet!

If you chose B, you're on you're way to understanding pet allergies!

Most people assume that pet hair is the allergen regarding people's sensitivities around animals – but this isn't true! Pet dander, or tiny protein bits of skin, saliva, and urine released by animals into the air, is the culprit. Believe it or not, this microscopic mix of proteins can cause watery eyes, sneezing fits, and wheezing in those with pet allergies. It's the dander and not the hair:)

Brown poodle with a neat haircut against a plain background

Did you know?

2.) Do you know that you can't see pet allergens?

Answers:

A.) Yes, I was aware of that.

B.) No, I didn't know that.

A is the appropriate choice here.

Pet dander is much smaller than human hair, with particles measuring between one and five microns, while human hair measures on the bigger side at 60 to 100 microns. The small size of pet dander might make you wonder if the naked eye can even see it - and the answer is no - not without the help of an electron microscope! Comparing pet dander to human hair is like comparing a tiny pebble to a boulder.

living room scene
Pet allergens can stay active for months

3.) If you could take a break from your pet allergies by removing your pet for a little while, would you do it?

Answers:

A.) Yes, I would definitely remove my pet temporarily

B.) No, I wouldn't remove my pet because I love them too much

C.) I'm not sure if I would or not

If you chose B, that's good. Here's why:

If you suffer from pet allergies and believe brushing off your furry friend will eliminate your sneezing and watery eyes, think again! Removing your pet (even if it's just temporary) may provide some relief. Still, it won't clear the root issue or cure your allergies. No matter how far away you send poor kitty or pup, you're still gonna be left dealing with all kinds of symptoms when they come home. Best to try tackling those sneezes and wheezes with a multi-step approach! (See number 4 below for helpful ways to reduce the allergen load in your home).

women sneezing into a tissue
There is another way!

4.) Do you think taking allergy medication is the only way to relieve pet allergies?

Answers:

A.) Yes, there's no other way!

B.) No, I've tried other things, and they work just as well.

C.) I'm not sure; I've never really tried anything else.

Choose B and go to the head of the class!

Here are some other easy ideas to help reduce your allergic reaction besides just using allergy meds. Treating pet allergies is like solving an intricate puzzle - a lot goes into finding the right solution. To start, keep your pet out of the bedroom. Then, if symptoms intensify, you've got a place to relax, your pet-free zone. Vacuum daily, and wipe down surfaces more often (if you de-clutter your home, it will be even more manageable). Change your HVAC filter at least once a month. Invest in an air purifier for the home. Use an Allergen Spray to reduce allergens in your living quarters. And spray Allergen Spray on surfaces to keep allergens from floating in the air. With these straightforward steps, you can minimize pet allergies quickly and easily, like a pro!

True? Or false?

5.) True or False: Once allergens land on a surface, they stay put, and you won't have to endure allergy symptoms.

Answers:

A. True

B. False

B is the correct answer.

Pet allergens are some of the peskiest things around! They're tiny, come from our fur friends, and love to float around in the air (and reach your mucus membranes that start your allergic reaction). That's why controlling airborne allergens is vital to getting relief. When pets walk across the carpet, you move from one room to another, and allergens are released. Unfortunately, no matter how clean we try to keep our homes, these allergens have an extreme talent for finding their way into everything. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these airborne culprits, and one of the best ways is by spraying Allergen Spray in the air and on surfaces. It's very effective at drying up allergens and keeping them down.

Hot water is the trick!

6.) Do you need a laundry additive to reduce pet allergies?

Answers:

A.) Yes, it's a must!

B.) No, I don't think it's necessary

C.) I've never heard of that before

A or B could be the correct answer, and here are the reasons.

Hot water (over 135 degrees) does the trick without using a special laundry detergent. Still, it could be a good idea if you prefer to wash in cold water. Also throwing items in the dryer works great!

It can make it worse, for a bit.

7.) Does vacuuming increase allergens in the air?

Answers:

A.) Yes, it stirs up all the allergens and makes them airborne

B.) No, it collects all the allergens and traps them inside the vacuum cleaner

C.) I don't know

If you chose A, you're correct!! 

Fighting pet allergies can be a real challenge, but did you know that the right vacuum cleaner can help? Certain vacuum cleaners can reduce pet allergens and make breathing easier. So what kind of vacuum cleaner should you consider? First, opt for a quality HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter and an integrated sealed system. Next, consider a vacuum with a bag since bagless ones will create a dust cloud wherever you empty them. Finally, spray Allergen Spray generously in every room to ensure those allergens will not get airborne again.

bed with night stand in front of burnt orange wall
Cat dander is found in almost ever home

8.) Do you think your home may be harboring pet allergens even if you don't have a pet?

Answer:

A.) Yes, there's no way to avoid them!

B.) No, I'm very careful about keeping my home clean.

C.) I don't know, but I will find out!

If you chose A, you're on target to keep allergens out the door.

Believe it or not, pet allergens can sometimes linger in a home, even if there's no pet living there! That's because animal fur and feathers (which contain pet dander) can sometimes hitch a ride on our shoes and clothing, making their way into the house. Some people may consider this an unavoidable annoyance with owning a pet. Still, even visitors may cause pet allergens in the home. The moral of the story: —even if you don't own a furry animal—make sure to take your shoes off at the door- otherwise, your home may have some unexpected visitors!

As a side note, over 100% of US households contain cat dander, even if they don't own a pet!

EVERYWHERE!

9.) Do you know where your pet's dander is hiding?

Answers:

A.) Yes, I keep my pet well groomed, and it's only in one specific room.

B.) No, I had no idea! Dander is EVERYWHERE.

C.) It depends on the pet.

B is the obvious answer!

Pet dander can be sneaky - even if your furry companion is banned from visiting other rooms in your home, it can still find its way there. Pet dander loves to cling to clothing and bedding, hitching a ride when you stroll through the living room or head off for some shut-eye. Plus, surprise! Your air conditioning system might also play pet postal service by bombing all the rooms with pet dander via its air filtration system. But don't worry - while they may seem like tiny fugitive spies surfacing everywhere, there are ways to capture and contain pet allergens, so they don't spread! Regular vacuuming, frequent laundry, keeping carpets clean, and using Allergen Spray should help!