Adopt, Don't Sneeze: Celebrating Shelter Dogs with Allergy-Friendly Air Purifiers
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a time to celebrate the loving companions waiting in shelters and encourage adoption. For the millions of Americans who suffer from pet allergies, however, bringing a new furry friend home can seem like an impossible dream.
The good news is that with the right air purification system, even allergy sufferers can experience the joy of dog ownership. Let's explore how Coway air purifiers can help create a healthy home environment for both you and your new canine companion.
The Challenge of Pet Allergies
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 3 in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Pet allergies are triggered by proteins found in an animal's dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. These microscopic allergens can remain airborne for long periods and settle into carpets, furniture, and bedding.
For dog lovers with allergies, this presents a heartbreaking dilemma. The desire to provide a loving home for a shelter dog conflicts with the very real health concerns of allergic reactions. Symptoms can range from mild (sneezing, runny nose) to severe (difficulty breathing, asthma attacks).
How Air Purifiers Can Help With Dog Dander
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, high-quality air purifiers can dramatically reduce the amount of pet allergens in your home. Our line of Airmega air purifiers are specifically designed to tackle even the tiniest airborne particles, including pet dander.
The multi-stage filtration system in Airmega purifiers includes:
- Pre-filter: Captures larger particles like pet hair and dust
- Activated Carbon Filter: Absorbs odors (great for that "wet dog" smell!)
- Green True HEPA™ Filter: Traps 99.97%² of particles as small as 0.3 microns!
- Bipolar Ionizer: Further reduces ultra-fine particles (available on some models)
This comprehensive filtration approach ensures that pet allergens are removed from the air, allowing both you and your new dog to breathe easier.
Customized Filtration for Pet Owners: Our Custom Pet Filter
For those considering adoption but concerned about allergies, we offer a specialized solution: custom filters. These filters are designed specifically to address the unique air quality challenges that come with pet ownership.
Learn all about our custom filters here.
By using a Pet Filter, you're not just making your home more allergy-friendly – you're creating an optimal environment for bonding with your new shelter dog. Clean, fresh-smelling air can make the transition easier for both you and your pet, allowing you to focus on building your new relationship rather than worrying about allergies or odors.
It's important to note that our Pet Filter is currently compatible with the Airmega Mighty AP-1512 HH and Airmega 200M models. When choosing your air purifier, consider opting for one of these models to take full advantage of this specialized filtration technology.
5 Tips for Allergy-Friendly Dog Adoption
In addition to using an air purifier, consider these tips when adopting a shelter dog:
- Choose your pup wisely: While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds tend to produce fewer allergens. Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Schnauzers are often good choices for allergy sufferers.
- Groom your pup regularly: Frequent brushing (outdoors!) and bathing can help reduce dander. Consider professional grooming services for those extra complicated coats.
- Create an "allergy-free" zone: Keep at least one room, preferably your bedroom, as a pet-free area.
- Clean diligently: Vacuum and wash pet bedding weekly.
- Consider allergy treatments: Consult with an allergist about medications or immunotherapy options if the above tips aren’t working.
Here’s to the Human-Canine Bond
The benefits of dog ownership extend far beyond simple companionship. Studies have shown that having a dog can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase physical activity
- Improve social connections
- Provide a sense of purpose and routine
For shelter dogs, the benefits of adoption are even more profound. Each year, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters. By choosing to adopt, you're not only gaining a loyal friend but also saving a life and freeing up space for another animal in need.
It's also crucial to remember that adopting a dog is a serious, long-term commitment. Unlike a product you can simply return if it doesn't work out, a dog is a living, feeling being that depends on you for its wellbeing. Returning a dog to a shelter can be traumatic for the animal and should be avoided at all costs.
Before adopting, you’ll want to carefully consider your lifestyle, finances, and living situation–including your allergies. While air purifiers can significantly help, they're just one part of the solution. So, take the time to research different breeds, visit shelters multiple times, and perhaps even foster a dog before making the final commitment. Remember, the goal is not just to provide a home for a shelter dog, but to create a lasting, loving bond that enhances both your lives.
With careful planning, the right equipment, and a full understanding of the commitment involved, adopting a shelter dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. The love, loyalty, and joy a dog brings to your life are truly priceless–and knowing you've given a deserving animal a forever home makes it even more special.
Take Action This October
This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, don't let allergies hold you back from experiencing the joy of dog ownership. With our advanced air purification technology, you can create a healthy home environment for both you and your new furry friend.
Visit your local animal shelter to meet dogs in need of homes. Take the time to interact with different dogs to gauge your allergy response. Many shelters allow short-term fostering, which can be a great way to test the waters before committing to adoption.
Remember, bringing a dog into your life is a long-term commitment. Be sure you're ready for the responsibility before making the decision to adopt. With proper planning, the right air purifier, and a lot of love, you can provide a forever home to a deserving shelter dog–without the sneezing!
Browse our full line of Airmega air purifiers today and take the first step towards making your dog adoption dreams a reality. Your perfect canine companion is waiting!
Sources:
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
National Humane Education Society
ASPCA - Pet Statistics
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
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