A Guide to Understanding Indoor Allergens: Is Your Pet the Culprit?

Learn effective ways to manage pet dander and improve indoor air quality.

Pets aren’t just animals, they’re cherished members of the family. Whether you share your home with a dog, cat, or another beloved creature, these furry friends bring unconditional love, companionship and, occasionally, the challenge of pet dander. In U.S. households, 45.5% own a dog, 32.1% own a cat, and a combined 8% own a fish, reptile, bird, small mammal, or rabbit.¹

Managing animal dander starts with identifying if your pet is a source, followed by staying proactive in maintaining good indoor air quality.

What is pet dander?

Pet dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin that animals shed, often carrying proteins from their saliva, sweat glands, or urine. While many assume that fur is to blame, it merely serves as a vehicle for the microscopic allergens, which can settle on furniture, floors, and clothing, and circulate in the air for months.

Animal dander culprits

Mammals
Most animals with fur or hair produce dander. Cats and dogs are the most common culprits, but small mammals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits also shed dander. Cat allergens primarily come from saliva, which sticks to their fur during grooming, as well as from skin glands and urine, particularly in male cats. These allergens are lightweight, allowing them to stay airborne easily. Similarly, dog allergens are found in their dander, saliva, urine, and blood. While allergen levels can vary by breed, all breeds, even hairless or hypoallergenic dogs, can produce dander.²

Birds
Birds shed their own version of dander, which includes flakes of skin and a fine powder called feather dust. Feather dust comes from birds as they grow and maintain their feathers. It’s actually made from the keratin sheaths that cover new feathers. When these sheaths dry out and break apart, they release dust into the air. Some birds, like Cockatoos, Cockatiels and African Greys, make an extra fine keratin powder called powder down. It helps keep their feathers waterproof while they’re grooming themselves (preening). When birds fluff, shake, or preen, feather dust gets kicked up into the air and spreads around your home.²

Reptiles, amphibians, and fish
Animals without fur, like snakes, lizards, fish and turtles, don’t produce dander like mammals. Instead, they shed their skin in larger pieces, which usually doesn’t become airborne.³ However, proteins in their saliva, urine, or feces could still be present.

Tips for managing pet dander
There are some practical tips to help keep dander under control while still enjoying the companionship of your beloved pets.

Groom your pet regularly

• Brush your pet to remove loose fur and dander (ideally outside), and wear a face mask and gloves.⁴
• Give your dog a full bath — including a wet down, shampoo, and rinse — anywhere from once a week to a few times a year, depending on breed and coat type.⁵
• Cats, generally speaking, require fewer wet baths, as they groom themselves.
• Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to remove dander or environmental allergens like pollen from their coat and paws after returning from outside.⁴

Establish a cleaning routine

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap fine dander particles.
• Damp mop hard floors regularly instead of sweeping to prevent dander from becoming airborne.
• Periodically steam clean carpets, curtains, and upholstery to remove deep-set dander particles.
• Wash pet bedding, blankets, and toys weekly to eliminate trapped dander.
• Keep bird cages clean and clear away feather dust as often as possible.

Change HVAC filters regularly

• Replace HVAC filters as recommended for your air filter (at least every 90 days for a 1″ filter or 12 months for 3″ to 6″ filters).
• Start with the Filtrete™ MPR 1000 Allergen Defense Air Filter, available in 1″ and 2″ – 6″ thickness.

Control where pets go

• Restrict pets from certain areas, especially bedrooms, to minimize dander exposure where you sleep.
• Create a designated space or zone for your pet that can be cleaned easily.

Pet dander doesn’t have to come between you and your beloved animals. By understanding which pets are likely to produce dander and taking proactive steps to reduce its presence, you can keep both your home and allergens under control.

Sources

1. “U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics.” American Veterinary Medical Association.
2. “Pet Allergens.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
3. “Pet Dander.” American Lung Association.
4. "Pet Allergy."Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
5. “How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?” PetMD.