Second-hand pet dander

March 26, 2003

I just bought a used jeep and after I purchased it I found out (quite quickly) that he had his dogs in it often, and I had a bad allergic reaction. I've tried shampooing the carpet, cleaning everything with regular cleaner, but nothing is completely working. I break out in minutes after getting in the jeep. What would you suggest i do to get rid of the dog dander? -- Kevin, Florida

Pet dander is almost impossible to avoid. If your neighbor's pets run through your yard, you are tracking in pet hair and dander. If a customer at work has a pet and comes to your workplace, they are bringing pet dander to you on their clothes. Pet hair or dander clings to shoes, clothing, furniture, and anything else it comes in contact with.

Research has shown that children who do not have cats in their homes will have more cat dander on their clothing at the end of the school day if there are cat-owners in the classroom. The amount of cat dander found on clothing of children who do not own cats increases according to the number of cat-owners in the classroom.

These children who do not own cats bring the dander to their own homes on their clothing and it can even get into their mattresses. Having children change clothes in a room near the entrance of your home (never in their bedrooms) immediately when they come home from school may help.

The type of clothing worn can also have an impact on the amount of pet dander it attracts. Woolen clothing attracted the most pet dander in one research study, and freshly-washed cotton T-shirts attracted the least amount of pet dander.

Using a ventilation system that brings fresh air into a car or home and exhausts indoor air can help remove dander. As spring approaches in the Western Hemisphere, it is an ideal time to "air out" your home. If you have an attic fan, open the windows and turn on the fan. In a car, simply roll down the windows and open the vents to air out the interior.

Those allergic to pollen will need to do this at a time when pollen counts are low. Windows should be kept closed during heavy pollen seasons.

Using HEPA filters can capture allergens in your home. A portable HEPA air cleaner that plugs into your cigarette lighter can help eliminate allergens in an automobile (see links below).

When relatives who have cats visit you, suggest that they wear freshly washed cotton clothing. Better yet, keep freshly laundered clothing for them at your home and provide a room near the entrance for them to change before they begin their visit. Vacuum carpet and upholstery immediately after their visit.

It is possible that pet dander is trapped in the duct work of your home. Have your air ducts cleaned regularly by a professional air cleaning service.

I asked Mike McMahon with AirCleaningServices.com what the chances are that pet dander or other allergens could collect in an automobile's ventilation system. Here is his reply:

"As far as the actual dander in the ducts of the car I could only think it to be very minimal due to the air force of the fan through the ducts on high. It is a lot of air movement. The blower could always be removed and cleaned or replaced. The duct could be disassembled and cleaned."

No matter how hard you try, you will probably be unable to get all the dander out of carpets, upholstery, etc. A product which neutralizes pet dander and mite allergens can be a real benefit for those who are exposed to second-hand pet dander. It can be sprayed on carpets, upholstery, or anywhere cat dander may adhere.

Our sponsor National Allergy Supply provides a product to neutralize pet dander.

While there, you can click the aqua "True HEPA air cleaners" link in the left menu to see various HEPA filters which may help. You can even get a portable air cleaner for your automobile.

Even though you eliminate pets from your home, you still are likely to have second-hand pet dander in your home or auto from time to time. Following the suggestions above can help to minimize that exposure.

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