What Is Pet Dander? And How Do I Get Rid of It?

Pet dander consists of tiny—often microscopic—skin particles that are shed by animals. These particles become airborne and can linger in the environment, sticking to surfaces like furniture, bedding, and clothing.

While pet dander is most commonly associated with cats and dogs, any pet with fur or feathers, including rabbits, birds, horses, and even rodents, can produce dander.

Dander vs. Dandruff: What’s the Difference?

While they sound similar, dander and dandruff are not quite the same.

Dandruff is a skin condition that causes visible flakes of dead skin to fall off the pet’s body—much like the dandruff humans experience. These are larger flakes that you might notice on your pet’s fur or bedding.

Dandruff is often a sign of an underlying issue, such as dry skin, allergies, parasites (like fleas and mites), skin infections, or poor grooming habits.

Dander, on the other hand, consists of tiny dead skin cells that animals shed as part of their skin’s natural renewal process. As new skin cells form, old ones die and are shed as microscopic particles known as dander.

What does dander look like? Because it’s so small, it’s typically invisible to the naked eye.

When pet dander becomes airborne and comes into contact with people’s skin, eyes, or respiratory system (via inhalation), it can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to it.

An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to certain proteins, known as allergens—that are usually harmless.

For example, most people who are allergic to dog dander are reacting to a protein called Canis familiaris allergen 1 (Can f 1), explains Karen Hsu Blatman, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist and section chief at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Similarly, the major allergen in cat dander is Felis domesticus allergen 1 (Fel d 1).

It’s important to note that while dander is the most common source of a pet allergy, people can also be allergic to the proteins in pet saliva, urine, and feces.

Types of Pet Dander Allergic Reactions

People who are allergic to pet dander may experience a variety of reactions, including:

Nasal-Based Reactions

Nasal reactions occur when the immune system overreaction leads to inflammation of the nasal passages, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Sneezing
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• An itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat
• Itchy ears
• Postnasal drip
• Coughing
• Facial pressure and pain

Skin Reactions

For some pet parents, dander exposure can result in allergic dermatitis, a skin reaction caused by allergens coming into direct contact with the skin.

Symptoms of dermatitis can include:

• Hives (raised, red patches of skin)
• Itchy skin
• Eczema (inflamed, itchy, and often cracked skin)

Asthma

While it’s rare, some people can experience anaphylaxis—a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, rapid drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness—due to pet dander.

More commonly though, significant reactions manifest as asthma attacks. When pet dander is inhaled, it can irritate the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing. This can trigger asthma symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when exhaling
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness and pain

In severe cases of asthma, people can have trouble breathing or feel like their throat is closing, which can be a medical emergency, Dr. Hsu Blatman says.

“Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely remove pet dander from the home, but it can be reduced and managed in a few different ways,” says Danielle Rutherford, VMD, a veterinarian at Westside Veterinary Center, in New York, New York.

So, while it may not be realistic to expect to get rid of cat dander or dog dander entirely, here are some practical steps that can significantly help minimize dander and create a more comfortable living environment:

1. Vacuum and Clean Surfaces Frequently

Carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture are common spots where dander collects. Regular vacuuming of these surfaces can help control dander buildup.

For best results, Dr. Hsu Blatman suggests using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

“A controlled trial has reported lower allergen levels and clinical improvement in asthma measures in homes cleaned with vacuums equipped with HEPA filters, compared with vacuums without specialized filters,” she says.

Don’t forget to clean hard surfaces, such as floors, counters, and shelves, daily, and wash your pet’s bedding and other belongings frequently.

2. Replace Carpet with Hardwood Floors

While carpet may feel cozy, it tends to trap pet dander, dust, and other allergens. It’s also harder to clean thoroughly.

If possible, replace carpeted areas with hardwood, tile, or other smooth flooring. These surfaces are much easier to keep allergen-free, as they don’t trap dander like carpet does.

Regular sweeping and mopping can further reduce allergen buildup.

3. Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help reduce pet dander in the air, but not all models are equally effective.

“Use a room air cleaner with a HEPA filter, particularly one that directs filtered air toward the individual’s head during sleep,” says Dr. Hsu Blatman.

“In homes with forced air heating, consider installing a whole-house filtration system with disposable HEPA filters that are regularly changed,” she adds.

Additionally, when the weather permits, opening windows to ventilate your home can also help reduce the allergens in the air.

4. Create an Allergen-Free Bedroom

As much as you love cuddling with your pet at night, keeping them out of your bedroom can make a big difference in reducing pet dander allergies.

Because you spend several hours sleeping, reducing allergen exposure during that time can help minimize symptoms and give your body a break from dander overnight.

5. Regularly Bathe or Clean Your Pet

If you’re allergic to dog dander, giving your pup regular baths with a dog shampoo for dander can help control buildup.

“This may vary a bit by breed, but washing every one to two weeks is most helpful,” Dr. Rutherford says.

Because you’ll be bathing your dog quite frequently, it’s important to use a moisturizing shampoo so that their hair coat doesn’t lose its natural oils and become excessively dry, Dr. Rutherford advises. She recommends using a gentle pet shampoo, such as Virbac® Epi-Soothe®.