There have been a large impact on peoples’ personal and professionals lives this year due to the emergence of COVID-19. Many find themselves living, working and learning from home. This impact has driven a wide array of activities and new purchase patterns. One interesting example—an uptick in pet adoptions!
In fact, a new phrase has emerged—pandemic puppy—a nod to the many families deciding to add a pet to the family as they spend more time together at home. “As quarantines have become more and more restrictive, interest in pet ownership has seemingly ballooned” (The Atlantic). Animal shelters, pet stores, and breeders noted large increases in adoption interest at the start of the pandemic. Petfinder.com's adoption inquiries between March 15 and April 15 jumped 122% when compared to the month before (New York Times). Adoptions are up too, with more than 1500 people applying for ASPCA’s foster pet adoption programs in New York City and Los Angeles—a 500% increase!
COVID or Pet Allergies?
With so many focusing fretfully on COVID-19 related symptoms like coughing, congestion, chest tightness and runny noses, there may be a certain sense of relief in finding that those symptoms may well stem from another cause—pet allergies.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), pet allergy symptoms can include sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; facial pain from nasal congestion; coughing check tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing, water, red or itchy eyes; and skin rashes or hives.
Fortunately, those suffering from pet allergies don’t have to make a choice between breathing freely and the love and companionship of a four-legged friend. The right air purifier can effectively clear your home’s air of pet dander—and pet odors—as well as other pollutants.
Air Purifiers to the Rescue
Pet dander is created by the skin flakes that pets shed and their saliva. These particles get into the air and lodge around the home in various places including rugs and carpeting, furniture, and clothing. Unlike pet hair, dander is often invisible. Those who suffer from pet allergies, though, certainly know that it’s there. In fact, it’s the dander and not the dog’s hair that causes sufferers’ sneezing and sniffling.
Unfortunately, that dander can be hard to get rid of. Vacuuming isn’t enough. Clean air is good for all of us! The right air purifier can mean that you and your pets can cohabit the same space comfortably.
What To Look For in an Air Purifier
What should you look for when seeking an air purifier to help with the impact of pet dander? Look for an air purifier that uses HEPA filters. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters can remove "at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns" (EPA).
The Wynd Max air purifier generates 537 cubic meters of air an hour and cleans 200 square feet every 5 minutes (up to 1200 square feet). Its HEPA filter uses three effective layers to kill germs and remove particulates and gases from the air—like the particulates created by pet dander. It’s the most powerful purifier in its class. It can be an important tool in your personal arsenal for protection from pollutants and allergens in the air around you.
An air purifier won’t mean that you can give up vacuuming for good. But the right air purifier—a Wynd air purifier—does mean that you can breathe easier as you share space with your dog, cat or other furry friend.
