Pollen, Pets, and Purifiers– Oh My!

Regular grooming can significantly reduce the hair and dander your pet releases into the environment. Brushing your pet outside keeps those allergens out of your home and gives you quality time with your pet.  

Professional grooming services can also help, especially for breeds with high grooming needs. Remember that it is not the hair that is allergenic, but rather the dander. Dander can stick to hair, as can other allergens. 

So keep your pet’s hair cut short!  Long hair might look cute or be the norm for a particular breed, but that does not mean that your pet must have long hair.  Hygiene is much more manageable with short hair!

It is important to know that dogs and cats are pollen and fungal spore mops when they are outside, and they bring it all inside with them. Dogs sniff the ground and bushes; if they have long hairy ears, the hair acts like a dust mop for pollen and spores, which are then delivered into your home and onto you.

Pets look cute when they are rolling in the grass and running through a field, but think about the consequences of pollen and mold spores on your pet’s body being brought into your home and your dog then gives themself a good shake. 

Frequent baths for your pet can help reduce the amount of dander. However, overbathing can dry out their skin, leading to more dander. Find a balance that works for your pet, or consult your  veterinarian for the best advice.

Human dander allergies in pets are caused by contact and inhalation of the billions of tiny flakes of skin that we shed each day. Any human dander can trigger pet allergies, no matter how clean we are.  Humans shed about 200 million dead skin cells per hour!  Still, good personal hygiene helps reduce the dander load in our homes. Remember also that any dander is food for dust mites (yuck!).

Investing in a good air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly improve the quality of your home’s air. These devices don’t just filter out dander; they’re also great for capturing pollen, fungal spores, and other airborne allergens. Place an air purifier in key areas where you and your pet spend most of your time.

Note: One of Pet Health Harbour’s founders has had both human and pet family members with seasonal allergies, including a cat allergic to humans and many other allergens. A quiet, high-quality air purifier is a 24/7 workhorse that is totally worth the expense, as it can make a silent but huge difference in relieving the misery caused by environmental allergies. Make sure to get one that has a child lock on it, because cats like to sit on the unit and accidentally (we think?!) press the control buttons.

Indoor air recirculating in your house can be two to five times more polluted than outside air, so remember to change the air filter in your home’s HVAC system every three months. And an often overlooked home maintenance item is the cleaning of your home’s HVAC air ducts every 3 to 5 years by a licensed HVAC and indoor air quality contractor, who can also check for any duct leaks. Mold and other allergens can build up in the ducts.

By implementing these strategies, you can dramatically reduce the allergens in your home, making it a more comfortable and healthy place to live. It’s possible for you and your pet to share your lives without the misery that environmental allergies can cause.