We all know that we have to change our air filters at home for us to breathe healthy air. But our pets stay home all day while we are at work and indoor air quality matters for all family members, even the small furry ones! The leading cause of itching and scratching in pets is allergies, says Linda Messinger, D.V.M., a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado in Englewood. She also states, "Allergies are also the most common underlying cause of ear problems in dogs.” Lisa Troutman, D.V.M., a veterinarian with the Food and Drug Administration, confirms that atopic, or inhalant, allergies are the second most common allergy in dogs and the third most common in cats – second only to flea allergies. “Just about every mammal can get allergies," she says. "So can hamsters, rabbits, birds, and some other pets." But dogs and cats are the pets most frequently seen with allergies. Breathing in or directly contacting airborne particles in the environment, such as mold spores, dust, tobacco smoke, and pollens, will activate these atopic allergies – causing significant discomfort for your pet. Unlike people with allergies, animals don't usually get stuffy or runny noses or watery eyes. Their main symptom is itchy skin, which can turn raw and red from scratching, licking, and chewing. Changing your air filters on schedule can make a difference! |
According to a survey by the American Lung Association, people in the US spend an average of 65% of their time inside AT HOME. In that same survey, 90% of Americans were not aware that poor indoor air quality could result in air born illnesses, allergic reactions, and long-term lung and breathing problems.
So what about your pet?
Most indoor pets spend less than 10% of their entire lives outside. According to leading veterinarians, cats and dogs have lungs that are even more sensitive to environmental contamination than ours. Seasonal changes mean different varieties of grasses, trees, insects, and other environmental elements, which can affect allergies.
Also, pet dander re-circulating in the air is a leading allergen. If the pet dander is not filtered out of your home’s air, it begins to break down. Researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animal's skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself. These will begin to re-circulate throughout the home and research has shown that indoor exposures to such pollutants pose a significant health risk for the pet if the air quality within your home is not clean and well maintained! Make sure you are changing your air filters on time by using the Fresh Air Club's air filter subscription service.
