House Dust, House Dust Mite Allergy
and Your Pet

by Emily Rothstein, DVM

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology
Animal Allergy and Dermatology Service of Connecticut
Plantsville, CT

What is house dust?

Although there are many components in house dust that pets can be allergic to, the most common and important is the dust mite. Dust mites (Demodex) are microscopic insect-like creatures that are found in every home and live on all of us. They are species specific and are entirely harmless unless you or your pet is specifically allergic to them. They do not bite. Extremely few of us are allergic to the live mites which live on our skin, but the dead ones that are shed (dust mites) make up a large proportion of house dust and when inhaled can cause hay fever-like symptoms in people and skin allergies in dogs. There are certain particles, called allergens, associated with these mites, and it is these allergens that pets have an allergic reaction to. Unfortunately, these particles continue to cause allergic symptoms even after the mite that produced them has died. Mites  I agree with the recommendations for keeping their numbers down except that hot wash water is probably no more effective than cold at getting rid of the mites

Where do house dust mites live?

The greatest source of house dust mite exposure in the home is the bedroom. Because mattresses and pillows provide the optimum conditions of warmth, humidity, and food for their growth. Mites live in pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, and similar fabrics. Female mites can lay 25-50 eggs, producing a new generation every three weeks.

What can be done to control house dust mites?

Scientific studies have shown that taking steps to minimize house dust mite exposure in the home results in a decrease in allergic symptoms, thus reducing the amount of medication the allergic pet requires. Below is a list of steps you can take to help control your pet's allergy:

1. Wash all bedding, including pet blankets and beds every week. Avoid wool and down blankets.
2. Remove stuffed animals from your pet's sleeping area to prevent dust accumulation. Any stuffed toys your pet does play with should be machine washable, and should be washed frequently.
3. Do not allow your pet under beds, in closets, or in laundry rooms.
4. Vacuum the house as frequently as possible. Using with a vacuum cleaner with high allergen containment is preferable; otherwise, use a multi-layer dust bag and exhaust filter to reduce the escape of allergens into the environment.
5. Keep your pet outside while vacuuming and for at least one hour afterwards.
6. Remove as many carpets and rugs as possible, especially from poorly ventilated rooms such as basements, garages, and laundry areas.
7. Use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to keep humidity in your home below 50%.
8. Cover hot air vents with filters. Consider using a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEP A) filter to reduce indoor pollens and dust.
9. Avoid heavy curtains and Venetian blinds. If possible, use window shades instead. If you do have curtains, launder them frequently.
10. Aveho Biosciences makes products that can decrease environmental mites. These products are usually sold through veterinarians.

 

Mold Allergy And Your Pet

What is mold?

Molds are microscopic fungi, but, unlike plants, they are unable to produce their own food from sunlight and air. They are made up of clusters of filaments, and live on plant or animal matter, which they decompose for their nourishment. Molds are among the most widespread living organisms—there are tens of thousands of different varieties!

Not all molds are harmful. Some produce penicillin or other antibiotics, others are necessary for agriculture and food production. Here we are concerned with mold that produces potent toxins. Many molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air. These airborne spores, which then settle on organic matter and grow into new mold clusters, are far more numerous than pollen grains and can produce allergic symptoms in dogs and in people.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in most environments, and, unlike pollens, are often present all year long. But because their growth is encouraged by warm air and high humidity, they are most prevalent during the damp seasons of the year. Molds can be found both in the home and out of doors. Unless there is a covering of snow, they are even present in winter, both in the air and on the ground. They are especially prevalent in damp, shady areas and on decaying leaves or other vegetation. Mold spores produced outside spread widely through the air, and can enter the home. Other molds are produced in the home, especially in areas of high humidity, such as showers or basements.

What can be done to decrease mold exposure?

1. Keep mold-sensitive animals away from areas of high mold growth, such as basements, compost piles, fallen leaves, cut grass, barns, and wooded areas.
2. Be sure your house is adequately ventilated; tightly insulated houses prevent the escape of  the moisture that encourages mold growth.
3. Keep the humidity in your home down it by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers in the summer. Prevent over-humidification in the winter.
4. Using an exhaust fan to remove excess humidity caused by caused by showering or cooking.
5. Limit the number of house plants in your home.
6. Avoid live Christmas trees.
7. Good quality HEP A air filters remove mold spores from the air. Units that heat airborne mold spores reduce the spread of mildew.
8. Dry clothing immediately after washing and vent your clothes dryer to the outdoors.
9. Do not lay carpet or carpet pads directly on concrete basement floors. Try to keep your pet out of your basement, which is probably damp.

 

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