Hobbies And Interests
Furry Pets
All furry animals produce dander, and the larger the animal, the more dander it produces. Dogs and cats are the most common sources of household dander, but any furry pet--even small pocket pets like hamsters and rabbits--generate a certain amount.
Infrequent grooming
Furry pets who aren't brushed very often will shed more frequently, causing greater amounts of dander. Long-haired animals produce more dander than short-haired animals.
Dry Skin
Older animals tend to produce more dander than younger ones since older animals tend to shed skin that is drier and more prone to flaking off. Washing pets frequently with pet shampoo helps remove dead skin cells, so pets who are washed less frequently can produce more dander.
Birds
Feather dust is a specific type of dander produced by birds through the everyday actions of preening, bathing, playing and molting. Several species in particular--cockatiels, cockatoos and African Greys--produce an additional kind of dander called "powder down," which can be a serious irritant to people with allergies and respiratory issues.