How to Get Rid of Pet Dander

To an animal lover, nothing is more heartbreaking than discovering that a family member is allergic to a beloved pet. But developing an allergy doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up your animal companion. Eliminating other allergens in your house and reducing the amount of pet dander may be all it takes to live comfortably with your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • High-efficiency HEPA air filters
  • Impermeable mattress and pillow covers
  • Vacuum cleaner equipped with an ultra-fine HEPA filter
  • Vapor steam cleaner
  • Duct filters
  • High-efficiency media furnace and air conditioning filter
  • Tannic acid
  • Greyhound or flea comb
  • Fish oil or derm caps
Show More

Instructions

  1. Reducing Dander in Your Home

    • 1

      Create an animal-free zone, preferably the bedroom. Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in the room, and put impermeable covers on the mattress and pillows to prevent dander that comes into the room, such as on clothes, from accumulating in your bedding.

    • 2

      Avoid dust- and dander-catching furnishings, such as heavy drapes and carpeting. Having as many washable surfaces as possible in your home will reduce the amount of pet dander that collects and causes allergic reactions.

    • 3

      Vacuum at least twice a week using a vacuum cleaner with an ultra-fine HEPA filter.

    • 4

      Clean carpet and upholstery with a vapor steam cleaner every one to three months. It will kill the dander and other allergens embedded in the floor and furniture.

    • 5

      Air out your house. Opening the windows for just a few minutes a day and using an exhaust fan can decrease airborne allergens.

    • 6

      Place HEPA air purifiers and insert duct filters throughout your house.

    • 7

      Install a high-efficiency media filter in your furnace and air conditioning unit. Leave the fan on all the time to continuously filter the air in your home. Change the filter every three months.

    • 8

      Spray your carpet and upholstered furniture with a product that contains tannic acid, which neutralizes pet dander and other allergens so they no longer cause a reaction.

    Reducing Dander on Your Pet

    • 9

      Bathe your animal weekly or apply a product that reduces dander. The Humane Society of the United States says weekly baths can reduce the level of allergens on the fur by about 84 percent. A "sponge bath" works, too, as long as the water touches the skin.

    • 10

      Comb your pet often with a greyhound or flea comb outside. If combing inside, set a trash bag beside you. Clean the comb often, and put the hair in the trash bag.

    • 11

      Add omega-3 fatty acids to your pet's diet. They'll keep your animal's skin in good condition and minimize the amount of shedding and dander deposited around your house. Fish oil and derm caps are good sources of omega-3s. Health food stores sell fish oil. Most veterinarians sell derm caps.

    • 12

      Clean your pet's litter and sleeping areas weekly or more. Dander collects in bedding and scattered litter.