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Pet dander
Concerns, Trigger Description and What you can do
- Poor Air Quality
- Tobacco Smoke
- Smoke from Wood Burning Stoves
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Pollen
- Molds
- Dust Mites
- Cockroaches
- Pet dander
- Poorly Maintained Appliances
- Traveling
Complete Solutions (PDF 196kb)
Trigger
Description and What you can do
Almost 70% of U.S. households have one or more pet. Older adults are among the almost 10 million pet owners who are allergic to their pets and must take extra precautionsiii. Older adults with COPD or asthma may suffer reactions from exposure to pet dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine. Hair and fur can collect pollens, mold spores and other outdoor allergens.
What you can do:
Keep your pets out of the bedroom or other sleeping areas.
Clean and brush pets outside of your home.
Keep pets off the bed linens, carpet and upholstered furniture.
Avoid visiting homes with pets. If this is not possible, take appropriate medication immediately before your visit.
Choose a pet without feathers or fur (such as fish).