Avoiding pet allergies: How to get rid of pet dander

by THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo 07/14/2025

dog

Dog and cat owners are often at odds with the challenge of how to get rid of pet dander in their homes. This allergen is difficult to detect, but accounts for many pet allergy symptoms.

If you’re interested in how to improve your indoor air quality and combat pet dander, here’s what you need to know:

Pet dander & allergies

While the common misconception is that pet hair causes allergic reactions, the true culprit is often dander. But what is pet dander, exactly? Dander is the almost microscopic dust made up of dead skin cells shed by your pets during everyday life. 

Those with immune systems sensitive to pet allergens can react to the harmless proteins contained in dander, leading to a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchy skin or eyes.

How pet dander spreads

It’s almost impossible to prevent the spread of pet dander, just like it’s almost impossible to prevent other types of dust from accumulating in your home. However, understanding the ways pet dander can spread can help you limit its prevalence at home.

Some common ways dander spreads are through brushing, grooming and normal hair shedding. Dander accumulates in fabrics and natural fibers, and can be spread around by common cleaning activities like vacuuming or sweeping.

How to clean your house of pet dander

While it might seem like a hopeless fight, there are ways to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home - while still keeping your furry friends. Some great tips to limit and eliminate pet dander are:

  • Have your HVAC system professionally cleaned and fitted with special filters.
  • Invest in a certified air purifying device containing a HEPA filter.
  • Keeping up with brushing your pets, especially during the warmer months.

Allergies can be an issue for many pet owners, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up your pets. With careful cleaning and strategic use of air filters, you can help everyone in your home breathe more easily.

About the Author
Author

THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo

The Cuomo Team - 25 years experience serving South Florida's Real Estate needs!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Services - 

 Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.

Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.

Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene. 

The Cuomo Team has several agents, so that someone is always available to assist you with any of your real estate needs any time 7 days a week! Kim's husband, John, a retired firefighter from the Town of Palm Beach, works in the Commercial Division. Kim's son Matthew Cuomo works on the team, along with her daughter in law, Tasianna Cuomo. and Christine Cuomo Georgeou, her sister in law. 

You can contact Kim directly anytime at 561-339-3002, and she will be happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs! She looks forward to hearing from you!