The Impact of Pets on Indoor Air Quality in Augusta, GA

Pets make wonderful companions, but unfortunately, they can adversely affect the indoor air quality of your home in Augusta, GA. Here’s some information about the multiple ways that animals negatively affect your home’s indoor air, and what you can do to counteract it.

Pet Dander

Dander is the skin flakes of pets, cats and other animals with fur or feathers. Dander is tiny. While some bits are visible with our eyes, most particles are microscopic.

Approximately 10-15% of people have allergic reactions to pet dander, which accumulates on the furniture and the flooring. Symptoms of dander allergies can include stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, general respiratory discomfort and rashes.

A prolonged allergy attack by pet dander can result in a secondary infection such as an ear infection or bronchitis. It can also trigger asthma.

You and your family might be fine, but you don’t want any guests experiencing allergic reactions when they visit your home. Vacuum your floors and wipe down your furniture frequently. You can look into getting an air purifier so that pet dander particles get captured and removed from your indoor air.

Contaminants From Outside

If you have a dog or cat that likes to play outside, expect it to bring back air pollution. Their fur makes them a mop for any combination of substances, including bacteria, spores, dust and pollen. Some of these, particularly pollen, might provoke an allergic reaction in someone.

You can try bathing your pets regularly to lessen the issue. Give them a thorough bath every week and use special pet shampoo to keep their fur clean from outdoor contaminants. You call also wipe them down when they come in from outside.

Bird Mites

Birds have mites living on their feathers. When these parasites molt, they release sheddings into the air. This is an allergen for many people, so you’ll want to look into treatment options if you have pet birds.

Are you concerned about the effects of your pet on your family and home? Call Doc Savage for an indoor air quality inspection today, and we’ll offer solutions to keep your air clean and comfortable.

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