Daisy Sawtelle
Canine Reporter

As a dog, I know dander and dog allergies. We all have it but don’t always know what to do about it. Below is information and suggestions for mitigating it.

Dander allergens are really dead skin cells that are also present in dog’s saliva and the dog’s coat when they lick their fur.  However, cat allergy is far more common, which may be related to the higher potency of cat dander as an allergen, as well as the fact that cats are not generally bathed at the same frequency as dogs.

For some people, allergens present in dog saliva and skin cells (dander) can cause allergies.  Generally speaking, poodles shed less hair and dander, and therefore cause fewer allergy symptoms.  Cat and dog dander, or skin flakes, as well as their saliva and urine, can cause an allergic reaction, sneezing, wheezing, and running eyes and nose.  Since dander allergens are sticky, they can be brought to these places on the clothing of pet owners.

Also, while dander on a smooth surface (such as a wall) can be easily wiped off, in soft materials, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and clothing, it can persist for long periods of time.  That is why, unless special steps are taken, pet dander can remain in a home for up to six months after the pet has been removed.

Keep pets off furniture, especially upholstered furniture where animal dander can be transferred.  Always wash your face, hands and arms after grooming or playing with pets to remove animal dander.

Allergic reactions may be triggered by proteins in dog dander (small flakes of skin), as well as proteins in dog saliva, blood or urine.

It is not the cat or dog hair itself that causes the allergy, but the old skin cells (dander) that are constantly being shed.  A major problem for those genetically predisposed to allergies occurs when cat dander or dog dander becomes airborne.  Inhaling animal dander may cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, watery and itching eyes, hives, coughing and constricting of bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult.

Long-term exposure to animal dander causing frequent allergy flare-ups can hinder a child’s success in school and can lead to permanent lung damage.

Use a room air purifier brand such as:

• Taskmaster or Pleat-A-Static high-performance allergy-free electrostatic air filter in your central air conditioning and heating system to extract animal dander.
• Panasonic vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency HEPA filter and a Micro-lined Vacuum Bag to trap and hold animal dander.
• Delonghi Steam Mop that attract and keep animal dander from becoming airborne.
•  Lightning Air or
• Surround Air in the bedroom to remove airborne animal dander.

Some breeds, in general, appear to have less dander and these include Poodles, Terriers and Schnauzers.

Dog allergic people can fight the rashes, stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes of their immune system’s response to dog saliva and skin dander.  If you have non-carpeted floors everywhere, and your furniture is not covered in fabric, cleaning up dog dander will be a lot easier, and the carpets and furniture will not be big allergen reservoirs.

Puppies don’t throw off as much dander as full-grown dogs, and apparently males throw off more dander than females.  Wash dog bedding frequently to avoid build-up of dander, drool, dust, or hair.  Some people are so allergic to cats and dogs that they experience allergy symptoms in schools and other public places from pet dander brought in on other people’s clothing.

A good HEPA air filter may help keep airborne dander under control, but you will need to maintain a rigorous grooming schedule if you want to prevent dander at the source.  Bad news is, even if you find your dog a new home, you will still be living with his hair, dander, and saliva.

Get leather furniture instead of fabric I cover my leather family room sofas with sheets to help prevent dog dander deposits on them, these sheets are washed frequently and my dogs are allowed on the sofas. Always wash your face, hands and arms after grooming or playing with pets to remove animal dander.

Leather is the ideal sofa material for allergy sufferers. You can also use sofa slip covers (see allergy products) for a neater look.

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