Animal dander (dead skin)

Content provided by Healthwise

Animal dander (dead skin)

Animal dander is dead skin or scales from animals. Dander, urine, and dried saliva (especially from cats, but also from small animals such as mice and gerbils) are common allergens that can be spread throughout your home by indoor pets. Hair is often not the problem. Short-haired animals are no less of a problem than long-haired ones.

If your allergy symptoms are caused by your pet, you may want to consider finding your pet another home. You will have to decide the importance of your pet compared with the severity of your allergy symptoms. If you do decide to find another home for your pet, clean your home well to remove all allergens after your pet is gone.

There are some less severe alternatives to giving your pet away.

Keep your pet out of your bedroom.
Bathe your pet once a week.
Ask a family member who does not have allergies to clean your pet's litter box.
Keep a caged pet, such as a gerbil, outside your home in a garage or shed.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	July 11, 2007

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	July 11, 2007
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.