How to Minimize Dog Dander

Even the most devoted dog lovers have to admit there's one thing about their pet that they find intolerable -- dog dander. Dander is dead skin that dogs involuntarily shed (See References 1). Dog hair is sometimes mistakenly blamed for instigating dog allergies. Yet people who are allergic to dogs are actually hypersensitive to harmless proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva or urine. While dog hair will not cause an allergic reaction, it can collect and harbor dander, which does. Minimizing dog dander will keep home air cleaner and make life easier for family members or visitors with dog allergies.

Things You'll Need

  • HEPA vacuum cleaner
  • Mild or veterinarian recommended dog shampoo
  • High quality, nutritionally balanced food (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fatty acid supplement for dogs
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the dog out of the allergic person's bedroom (See References 1). Most people spend eight hours a day or more in their bedrooms. Keep the allergic person's bedroom door closed at all times. Although dander can be tracked into a room on shoes and clothing, a closed door will prevent the dog from entering the bedroom, keeping dander in that room to a minimum.

    • 2

      Purchase a HEPA vacuum cleaner. A HEPA vacuum cleaner contains a HEPA or "high efficiency particulate air" filter that enables the vacuum to trap microscopic particles (See References 2). HEPA vacuum cleaners suck up pet dander and, unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, prevent it from escaping back into the air.

    • 3
      Brushing and bathing your dog frequently will minimize dog dander.

      Groom your dog diligently. Daily brushing and weekly bathing will minimize dog dander (See References 3). Use a mild shampoo or one recommended by your veterinarian to control dog dander.

    • 4

      Feed your dog a high quality, nutritionally balanced diet with appropriate amounts of fatty acids (See References 3) to maintain healthy skin. Dogs require linoleic acid (a fatty acid found, in significant amounts, in corn oil) in their diet (See References 4). Dogs also require, to a lesser extent, a-linolenic acid (See References 4). A-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found, in significant amounts, in flax seed oil (See References 5). Various amounts of fatty acids are found in different plants and cold-water fish. To promote healthy skin, dog owners might consider giving their dogs a fatty acid supplement from a reputable manufacturer.

    • 5

      Choose bare floors over carpeted floors if possible. Low pile carpet that is steam cleaned frequently, or washable throw rugs, will help minimize dog dander (See References 1).