When I was younger we had a dog that every time I would come home to visit from school my allergies would go crazy. Itchy, red eyes, itchy throat, and sneezing were common reactions I had when I was around my dog. After being home and around my dog for at least a week, my symptoms would disappear. If you are not lucky like I was and continue to have allergies around your dog, you may feel at a loss of what to do to make your symptoms better. An air purifier for dog allergies can be a great option to help decrease your symptoms.
This post will look at common dog allergens, how they affect people, what an air purifier is and how it can help you if you suffer from dog allergies, what to look for when choosing an air purifier for your home, maintenance and usage tips, and some available options of air purifiers on the market.
Table of Contents:
Related: Best Undercoat Rake For Your Shedding Dog, Skin Allergy Treatments For Dogs, Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin, The Best Handheld Vacuums For Dog Hair, Best Robot Vacuum For Dog Hair
What Are Common Dog Allergens?
When it comes to managing allergies specific to our dogs, it is important to understand the culprits behind the symptoms. Here are some common allergens and how they can affect people.
- Dander: Your dog’s skin cells shed and become airborne, much like human dandruff. This is one of the most common allergens.
- Saliva: Proteins found in your pup’s saliva can trigger allergy symptoms when they lick themselves and the saliva dries on their fur.
- Urine: Like saliva, the proteins present in your dog’s urine can become airborne when dry.
These allergens are not restricted to any specific breed. Even dogs that are considered hypoallergenic can still produce allergens, although usually in lower quantities.
How Do Dog Allergens Affect Humans?
When you come into contact with these allergens, your immune system may identify them as a threat, leading to an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from minor irritations, such as itchy eyes or sneezing, to more severe reactions like asthma.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are indicators of your body reacting to inhaled allergens.
- Skin Reactions: Contact with allergens can result in eczema or hives on your skin.
The severity of the symptoms often depends on each person’s sensitivity and the level of exposure to the allergens.
What Is An Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a device you keep in your home which captures microscopic particles that cause allergies. By capturing these particles, they are no longer in the air around you and in turn, your symptoms are less likely to occur.
Do Air Purifiers Help With Dog Allergies?
Yes, air purifiers can be an effective part of managing your dog allergy symptoms. Dog allergies are commonly triggered by dander, which is tiny flakes of skin that our pups shed along with fur. These allergens can remain airborne and easily inhaled, causing allergic reactions.
As mentioned above, an air purifier can capture these fine particles, which can also include pollen and dust mites.
An air purifier can help you if you suffer from dog allergies and using one:
- Reduces Allergens: It circulates air through a filter, capturing dander and other allergens.
- Maintains Clean Air: By trapping these particles, the purifier prevents them from spreading throughout your home.
- Improves Air Quality: In addition to removing allergens, purifiers can also clear out general pet odors and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It is important to note that while air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergens, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other allergy management strategies, such as frequent vacuuming, regular bathing of your dog, and keeping your pup out of your bedroom to create an allergen-reduced zone for better sleep.
Can Air Purifiers Get Rid Of Dog Smell?
Yes, air purifiers for dog allergies can also help reduce or eliminate dog smells in your home. When considering an air purifier for pet odors, specifically dog smell, look for units containing True HEPA filters and activated carbon filters.
- True HEPA Filters: These filters capture 99.9% of pet dander, which often contributes to the overall dog smell in a home. Microscopic particles from dogs are trapped here, thereby, reducing allergens.
- Activated Carbon Filters: These filters absorb odors and volatile organic compounds which can stem from pet odors, providing a cleaner-smelling environment.
When using a purifier specifically for dog odors, consider the room size you wish to put it in and be sure to get one appropriate for that room.
Regular maintenance of the air purifier and its filters is important to ensure it continues to perform well in reducing pet smells.
What Should I Look For When Choosing An Air Purifier For Dog Allergies For My Home?
If you suffer from allergies to your dog or other pets, an air purifier can be a big help in decreasing your symptoms, but what should you look for to find the best choice for you and your home?
When considering air purifiers for alleviating dog allergies, look for models that incorporate features specifically designed to target pet dander, hair, and odors. These include HEPA filters, Activated Carbon Filters, Quiet Operation, Washable Filters, Filter Indicators, Fan Speed, and Timers.
HEPA Filters
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are an important component in air purifiers for combating dog allergies. These filters can capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes pet dander – one of the primary triggers for dog allergies.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated Carbon Filters are highly effective in absorbing pet odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This filtration layer acts like a sponge, trapping gasses and odors that come from dogs, thus providing a fresher and more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers.
Quiet Operation
If you will be using the air purifier in a bedroom, you will definitely want one that operates quietly so as not to disturb your sleep. A quiet purifier also has a less likely chance of scaring your pup, since some dogs are afraid of loud noises.
Washable Filters
Some machines have a multiple filter system that includes both washable and non-washable filters. Make sure you have funds available to buy replacement filters for those that need to be replaced.
Filter Indicators
A filter indicator will let you know when it is time for you to change or clean your filters.
Fan Speed
Look for a purifier that has multiple fan speeds so you can adjust it when needed. Some machines have smart fans that change speed when it senses it needs to.
Timer
If you want your air purifier to run at specific times of day, choose one with a timer on it. This can also be beneficial if you want to clean the air before you get home from work or other outing.
Can You Use An Air Purifier Around Dogs?
It is safe to use an air purifier around a dog. Air purifiers do not emit harmful substances or noises that can negatively affect dogs, however, if a machine is too loud, some dogs may not like to be around it. Keep the air purifier in a location where your dog cannot knock it over to ensure you and your pup’s safety.
Maintenance and Usage Tips
To ensure that your air purifier effectively combats dog allergies, follow the maintenance regimen according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, including filter replacement, placement of the purifier, and cleaning procedures.
Regular Filter Replacement
- HEPA Filters: Replace every 6-12 months or as indicated by the manufacturer. Timely replacement is important for maintaining air quality.
- Carbon Filters: Change every 3-6 months to keep odors at bay.
Optimal Placement
- Avoid Corners: Keep air purifiers at least 15 inches from walls or furniture for maximum airflow.
- Elevation: Place the purifier about 3-5 feet high, if possible, to promote even air distribution.
Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures
- Exterior Wipe-Down: Gently clean the outside with a dry cloth weekly.
- Interior Cleaning: Follow the user manual instructions for cleaning internal components to avoid damage.
Best Air Purifiers For Dog Allergies
Here are some options of air purifiers for dog allergies. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Medify Air MA-15 Air Purifier
- For medium sized rooms.
- Tabletop.
- Uses a dual HEPA H13 filter with 3 layers of protection:
- Pre-filter.
- True HEPA H13 filter.
- Active carbon composite.
- Removes dust, pollen, allergens, pet dander.
- Removes 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns.
- 133 m3/h clean air delivery rate.
- 0-8 hour timer.
- 3 fan speeds.
- Sleep mode.
- Filter indicator.
- Touch controls.
- Child lock.
Coway Airmega AP1512 HH Mighty
- 4 stage filtration.
- Automatic speed control.
- Eco-Mode.
- Filter change indicator.
- Includes a green true HEPA filter.
- Removes 99.9% of airborne contaminants.
- Pre-filter captures pet hair and dust and is permanent and washable.
- Activated carbon filter captures odors including pet odors.
- Vital Ionizer reduces ultra fine particles.
- Dual sided air intake pulls in contaminated air and pushes filtered air out of the top.
- Real time monitoring adjusts the level of purification as needed.
- Quiet operation.
- Real time air quality indicator.
- Timer.
Winix 5500-2
- 4 stage filter.
- Pre filter washable fine mesh.
- Washable carbon filter to reduce pet odors.
- True HEPA filter catches 99.9% of airborne allergens like pet dander down to 0.003 microns.
- PlasmaWave air cleaning technology.
- Air quality indicator.
- Smart sensors adjust fan speed as needed.
- Quiet operation.
- Operates in quiet sleep mode when lights dimmed and returns to normal function when lights are up.
- AHAM Verified.
- Energy Star Certified.
- UL Certified.
- Filter replacement indicator.
BlueAir Blue Pure 211i Max
- Contains HEPAsilent technology combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration to capture 99.9% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns.
- 5 fan speeds
- Large rooms.
- Child lock.
- Brightness control.
- Filter change reminder.
- Air quality readings via an LED color indicator.
- Goes on standby when you leave home and turns back on when you are close to home.
- Uses voice control.
- Quiet operation.
- 5 washable Pre filters catch pet hair.
Rabbit Air A3
- 6 stage filtration.
- Pre filter traps pet hair.
- Medium filter traps large particles of pet hair and dander.
- Activated carbon filter reduces odor.
- Includes BioGS HEPA filter targets the smallest and dirtiest particles down to 0.1 microns.
- Custom filter option for you to tailor the system to your own needs including a specific pet allergy filter to trap and reduce pet dander and allergens.
- Negative ions which latch on to airborne particles and weigh them down so they are more easily trapped onto the air purifier.
- Certified asthma and allergy friendly.
- Can be wall mounted if needed.
- Quiet operation.
- Energy efficient.
- WiFi and Bluetooth compatible with the app.
Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier
- 3 stage filtration.
- Vortex Air technology increases air circulation and filtration efficiency.
- Dust sensor scans the air for particles.
- Displays the amount of particles in the air detected by the sensor.
- Neutralizes pet smells.
- Quiet operation.
- Phone app to control settings and receive air quality updates.
- Voice control.
- Air quality indicator.
- Check filter indicator.
- Sleep mode.
If you suffer from allergies to your dog or other pets in your home, an air purifier can help. Air purifiers can help to decrease allergens in your home caused by your dog, such as dander and other microscopic particles that may trigger an allergic reaction. They can also assist with decreasing that “dog smell” in your home. Just be sure to clean and maintain your air purifier for optimum performance.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.