Dander is material shed from the body of humans and other animals that have fur, hair, or feathers.
Through the air, dander can enter the mucous membranes in the nose and lungs, causing allergies in susceptible individuals, largely through the mechanism of allergy to proteins in the bodies of the dust mites that live on dander.
Dander builds up in carpets, curtains, clothing, mattresses, bedding, and pillows.
Dander build up can be a cause of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, in humans.
An old etymology[clarify] describes dander as a dialect synonym of dandruff, possibly from Yorkshire in England.