Are you allergic to your beloved pet? Some people find themselves in an unfortunate situation: adopting a family pet only to find out they’re extremely allergic to it. In extreme cases, a pet owner’s allergies become so severe that they’re forced to rehome their furry companion. However, not everyone with pet allergies is doomed to live a pet-free existence. Experts say there are ways to manage pet allergy symptoms by minimizing exposure to allergens. One of the most effective ways to limit allergen exposure is running an air purifier for pet dander. Keep reading to learn more about pet dander allergies, their symptoms and tips for finding relief. 

At Air Oasis, we understand that some pets are too dear to part with. Luckily, there are effective ways to mitigate symptoms by reducing or removing pet dander. Visit us online today to find the best air purifier for pet dander. 

Pet Dander Allergy Symptoms

The primary culprit behind pet allergies isn’t an animal’s fur, but its skin. Pets with fur or feathers, including dogs, cats, birds and rodents, frequently shed tiny, microscopic flecks of skin called pet dander. Because pet dander is small and lightweight, it can hang suspended in the air like dust. When people who have pet dander allergies breathe it in or touch it, they can experience a host of symptoms, including the following: 

• Congestion
• Itchy, runny nose
• Sneezing
• Facial pressure
• Post-nasal drip
• Blue circles under the eyes
• Restless sleep
• Itchy, raised skin
• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Asthma attacks

 

Additional pet allergens include proteins found in saliva, urine and feces. Dried saliva and dust from dried feces can also become suspended in the air and inhaled by someone with pet allergies. High-quality air purifiers can reduce allergens in the air that may cause some allergic reactions. 

How Long Do Pet Allergy Symptoms Last?

The length of time that pet allergy symptoms last depends on a variety of factors. Some allergy-sufferers can find immediate relief from pet dander symptoms by taking a daily antihistamine, steroids or other medications. Others continue to experience symptoms even after pursuing treatments. The lifespan of symptoms generally depends on a few factors:

• Severity of the pet allergy
• Presence of medicinal interventions
• Level of exposure

Generally, people with pet dander allergies will continue to experience symptoms until they find effective treatment, reduce or remove the allergens from their living spaces. One way to remove allergens is by using a high-quality air purifier for allergies. Air Oasis air purifiers not only trap or deactivate allergens such as pollen, mold spores and grass, but can also reduce pet dander. 

Conditions Worsened by Pet Allergies

Although scientists have observed pet-triggered allergic reactions for over a century, their understanding of how pet allergens interact with our immune systems remains somewhat limited. Studies suggest that exposure to certain pet-specific microbes in childhood may decrease risk for developing pet allergies later in life, a finding that holds promise for future therapies. Scientists do know that pet allergies can exacerbate immune conditions, including seasonal allergies and rhinitis, asthma and allergic dermatitis. 

Pet Allergy Tips

For those struggling with serious pet allergies, everyday can feel like the flu — an exercise in exhaustion amid mounds of tissues and medications. When your symptoms become debilitating or dangerous, you may need to remove the pet from your home. If your symptoms are more of a nuisance than a danger, there are ways to improve your quality of life without rehoming your pet. Try these pet allergy tips: 

• Keep pets out of your bedroom
• Keep pets off of upholstered furniture
• Ask someone who doesn’t have allergies to brush your pet outside on a regular basis
• Use air purifiers to remove pet allergens from your home’s air
• Remove carpeting and rugs that trap dander
• Clean your floors and carpets often
• Open windows to allow for natural air flow

You may need to employ more than one strategy to find relief. If you’ve exhausted these options but aren’t willing to rehome your pet, you may be able to reduce allergy symptoms by making your pet an outside animal. 

Best Air Purifier for Pet Hair

When it comes to trapping small airborne particles such as pet dander and other allergens, Air Oasis’ iAdaptAir® HEPA Purifier is extremely effective. It leverages a true HEPA filter with four other technologies: carbon filter, ultraviolet light and our proprietary silver ion and Bi-Polar® ionization technologies. 

For physical removal of pet hair, there’s no better option than Air Oasis’ IonicAir™ UV Purifier.

Whereas HEPA filters trap contaminants, ionic air purifiers release ions that interact with contaminants and deactivate them. Air filters can only trap what they draw in, but ionic air purifiers can actually clean surfaces and counters by releasing ions that seek out and remove contaminants. 

Difference Between Pet Hair and Pet Dander

Contrary to popular belief, pet hair is not an allergen; it’s merely a vehicle on which pet dander and other allergens travel. Additionally, experts say there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic pet” — there is only the question of whether you’re allergic to the proteins in its dander, saliva and feces. However, pets that shed hair excessively can make allergies worse by spreading more pet dander, dried saliva and outdoor allergens. 

Best Air Purifier for Pet Dander and Dust

If you’re searching for the best air purifier for pet dander and dust, you’ll want an air purifier that leverages more than one technology. All of Air Oasis’ air purifiers utilize multiple research-backed technologies proven to reduce airborne contaminants and leave you with cleaner air. To reduce pet dander and dust, we recommend the iAdaptAir® HEPA Purifier and the IonicAir™ UV Purifier, the best air purifiers on the market. You don’t have to take our word for it, though — check out our customer reviews. 

“Great product so far. Air is much cleaner. I can breathe well at night instead of dog dander impacting my breathing overnight.” - Matthew M. 

“Outstanding!! This product delivers on its promise. The air quality is exceptional. It removes allergens, smoke, dust, odors, pollen and dander. You breathe cleaner air. No filters to replace. This is a smart energy efficient purifier.”  - Priscilla N. 

At Air Oasis, we know that good health starts with clean air. We also know that some of the best things in life can carry unwanted airborne contaminants, allergens and viruses into your home. Our high-quality air purifiers clean your air so that you can focus on what matters most — living a full, happy life. For questions or concerns, contact us online or give us a call at 806-373-7788.