As heating begins in early winter, the number of sneezes and itchy eyes among pet owners suddenly increases. Many people think this is due to 'fur', but the actual cause is often the environmental changes that increase dry indoor air, fine dust, and various allergy-inducing substances. In early winter with pets, we will accurately examine what the real causes of allergies are.
It’s not the fur, but ‘dandruff and protein particles’ that cause allergies
The main causes of dog and cat allergies are skin dandruff and protein particles in saliva and sebum rather than fur, and when heating lowers indoor humidity, these allergens become much easier to disperse. When indoor humidity drops below 30% in winter, the airborne duration of dandruff particles increases, and the likelihood of them sticking to clothes, carpets, and bedding and continuously irritating the respiratory system increases. In fact, studies have reported that dandruff particles can linger in the air for several hours, causing strong reactions in sensitive individuals. Many cases show that simply maintaining humidity at 40-50% can improve symptoms.
Coughing and nasal congestion are often due to ‘heating dust and dryness’
The reason for sudden coughing and nasal congestion in early winter is not so much due to pet fur, but rather the combined effects of heating dust, fine dust, and dryness. When a heating filter that hasn’t been cleaned for a long time is turned on, the accumulated dust is released all at once, irritating the bronchial tubes, and if the mucous membranes are dry at this time, they become much more sensitive to irritation. Especially in living room environments where the wind directly hits, respiratory symptoms can worsen more easily. Cleaning the filter before operating the heater, ventilating 2-3 times a day, and maintaining humidity can significantly reduce respiratory irritation.
Dogs and cats have different ‘intensities of allergy-inducing substances’
In the case of cats, a specific protein secreted from the sebaceous glands is a representative allergen, which spreads quickly in the air and has a long airborne duration, causing stronger reactions in sensitive individuals. Dogs also have specific proteins that can induce allergies, but the degree of induction varies depending on breed, bathing frequency, coat condition, and environmental management. In particular, it has been reported that unneutered male dogs have higher concentrations of allergy-inducing substances.
Regular brushing is more effective than frequent bathing of pets
Many people wash their pets weekly to prevent winter allergies, but frequent bathing can actually damage the skin barrier, leading to an increase in dandruff. The ideal frequency is once every 2-3 weeks, and instead, regularly brushing to remove old fur and dandruff is more effective. Additionally, using a HEPA filter air purifier can reduce the concentration of airborne dandruff and protein particles, and shaking out bedding, rugs, and cushions once or twice a week can also help.
People with severe allergy symptoms should be cautious of ‘this habit’
During dry and dusty periods like winter, controlling the environment has a much greater effect than distancing from pets. Reports suggest that basic management such as restricting access to the bedroom, washing bedding at high temperatures above 60℃, shaking off clothes after going out, maintaining indoor humidity at 40-50%, and managing the heating filter once a week can reduce exposure to allergy-inducing substances. It is advisable to remember that the allergy symptoms of pet owners in winter depend on how they manage their environment.
