Are Your Home and Pets Making You Sick?

Dog and cat looking through a window — Getty Images

Pets bring joy and companionship into our homes. They offer unconditional love, and we treat them like family. But while they add so much to our lives, they can also contribute to poor indoor air quality in ways most of us aren’t aware of.

As Mike Feldstein, founder of the air purifier company Jaspr, notes, “Pets are amazing, but they bring along fur, dander and allergens that can seriously affect your air quality. A lot of people don’t even realize it until they start feeling the effects.” If you’ve been experiencing sneezing, congestion or other allergy-like symptoms, your pets may be part of the problem.

How Dogs Affect Indoor Air Quality

While dogs are our best buddies, they’re also notorious for tracking the outside world into your home. Every time they go outside, they pick up pollen, dirt and even chemicals from lawns and sidewalks, bringing them straight into your living space. Even if you’re diligent about keeping your home sparkling clean, your dog may be introducing new allergens every time they come back inside. These contaminants accumulate over time, and that impacts the air you breathe.

Beyond external pollutants, dogs also produce their own allergens. Their fur sheds constantly, floating through the air and settling on furniture and carpets. There’s also pet dander; the microscopic flakes of skin that become airborne and can trigger allergies and asthma. These particles can linger in the air and settle in fabrics, leading to prolonged exposure. Even people who aren’t usually allergic to dogs may find themselves reacting at some point, thanks to the continuous presence of these allergens.

Another often overlooked factor is moisture. Dogs add humidity to a home through their breath and wet fur, creating an environment where mould and mildew thrive. If you’ve ever noticed a musty smell or condensation on your windows, excess moisture from pets could be a contributing factor. Mould spores, in particular, can be harmful when inhaled. This can lead to respiratory issues and worsen conditions like asthma.

woman sneezing beside a cat — Getty Images

How Cats Contribute to Indoor Air Issues

Cats, despite their reputation for cleanliness (and general awesomeness), present their own challenges when it comes to indoor air quality. In addition to shedding fur and dander, their litter boxes can be a significant source of airborne toxins.

Clumping litter, in particular, can release fine dust that circulates through your home, causing potential respiratory issues. This dust settles on floors, furniture, and bedding, so even people without direct contact with the litter box may be affected. Over time, inhaling these particles can cause irritation in the throat and lungs, particularly in those with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Another concern is ammonia, a compound found in cat urine. In high concentrations, it can irritate the lungs and worsen existing respiratory conditions. A poorly maintained litter box can cause ammonia levels to rise, leading to an unpleasant, funky smell and possible health risks. Even if you clean regularly, some of these volatile organic compounds can linger in the air, further reducing indoor air quality.

Additionally, because cats groom themselves so frequently, they ingest environmental contaminants that later get released into the air through their saliva and fur. When a cat cleans itself, allergens, dirt and other particles can become airborne, further contributing to indoor air pollution. This is especially problematic in homes with multiple cats, where the concentration of allergens tends to be much higher.

What You Can Do to Improve Air Quality

The good news is that there are several steps dog and cat owners (parents!) can take to improve indoor air quality. The first step is regular grooming. Brushing your pets frequently reduces the amount of fur and dander circulating in your home. Bathing dogs regularly and using pet-friendly, non-toxic shampoos can also help wash away allergens and nasty pollutants before they spread.

Frequent cleaning around the house is equally important. Vacuuming carpets, upholstery and pet beds with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can trap tiny particles before they become airborne. Washing pet bedding and household fabrics on a regular basis can prevent allergens from accumulating. For cat owners, switching to a low-dust, natural litter can reduce airborne toxins and improve overall air quality.

Air filtration is another highly effective way to maintain a healthy home environment. Investing in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove pet dander, fur and other airborne contaminants like mould and bacteria. These devices work best when placed in areas where pets spend the most time, such as living rooms and bedrooms. Some advanced purifiers also tackle odours using activated carbon, making the home feel fresher overall.

Ventilation also plays a crucial role. Opening windows periodically allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the concentration of indoor pollutants. If weather conditions make this difficult, using exhaust fans and dehumidifiers can help regulate humidity levels and prevent mould growth.

A Healthier Home for You and Your Pets

Living with pets doesn’t mean you have to suffer from poor air quality. Simple adjustments like regular grooming, routine cleaning and using an air purifier can make a significant difference in the health of your indoor space. Understanding how pets impact air quality allows you to take proactive steps to make sure your home remains a clean and comfortable environment for both you and your furry babies.

Jaspr’s Mike Feldstein emphasizes the role of air purification in maintaining a healthy home. “We’ve helped so many pet owners create cleaner, healthier homes by tackling those invisible issues, and they tell us so! With an air purifier like Jaspr, you can enjoy the company of your pets without worrying about the air you’re breathing.”