With spring just right around the corner, many people in the Greater Dayton area may be starting to experience allergies. In addition, if you own an animal, they will begin to shed their winter coat to prepare for summer. All in all, this adds up to poor air quality in your home. We at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air want to provide you with some tips on keeping your air quality higher than ever before this spring. We also want to inform you of the many allergens in your air that you may not have been aware of, and how to deal with them. If you are a pet owner looking for ways to relieve your pets of allergic reactions this spring, then you’re in the right place!
Step 1: Know What You’re Dealing With
According to Rosemary Jean-Louis and research done by ASPCA, “Unlike humans, dogs and cats won’t sneeze or cough excessively when they are allergic to pollen. They lick, bite and scratch themselves a lot. That’s because pollen falls on their fur, ears and the pads on their paws. The pollen is then absorbed into the skin through those areas. Allergic dogs and cats try to soothe themselves by licking, chewing and scratching those affected areas. Too much of this can lead to hair loss, scabbing and ear infections.” These are the symptoms you should look for in your pets. If they show any of these signs this spring, then you know that your air quality is subpar!
Step 2: Address the Problem By Cleaning
Many families participate in deep spring cleaning every year, and this year we have some tips to help you and your family members (including furry friends!) stay allergy free in your home!
Dust First!
By dusting first, you can ensure that you pick up the majority of the pet dander, pollen, and fur before stirring things up too much. If you haven’t cleaned in a while, consider dusting twice to ensure that any missed particles are picked up before moving on to other cleaning chores.
Bathe and Groom Next
If you brush your animals daily in spring, then you’re one step ahead of the game! On cleaning day, make sure to do so either outside or in an enclosed area where the dander particles and fur won’t travel too far. If you take your pets to the groomers, then consider cleaning your home while they are gone so as to maximize a fresh start when they return clean and allergen free!
Vacuum Last
While most families vacuum first, it’s a good idea to leave vacuuming for last on cleaning day. This is because when you clean, you are stirring up dust particles in the air. By vacuuming last, you’ll be able to pick up any fallen dust or dirt particles.
Step 3: Keep Good Habits!
If you have pets in the family, then it’s important to clean at least once a month. This is because animals produce and carry multitudes of allergens compared to humans, making things dirtier much faster. In addition, animals have heightened senses, allowing them to detect poor air quality sooner than humans. By making monthly cleaning a priority, you will save your family and your pets from a lot of allergic reactions this spring. And you’ll maintain good air quality in the process!
Have More Questions?
If you’re looking for more tips on keeping your air quality top notch this spring, or if you’d like to schedule some professional maintenance, then you can call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at 937-502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
