Asthma sufferers and parents or care givers of asthmatic kids should be aware of the risks to an asthmatic or conditions that can trigger an asthmatic attack. While most families do take in to account factors like smoke, pollution, dust, food allergies or temperature changes, many choose to ignore the dangers that pets pose to an asthma sufferer. Asthma patients themselves often choose to disregard advice against pets because the decision to get rid of a pet is untenable and akin to giving up a family member.


Many find this choice unacceptable and are forced to live with the consequences. In some instances other family members may be unwilling to part with their pets.

These choices are a lot more complex than many doctors and researchers like to take into account, and decisions to keep pets can not be regarded as displaying a lack of concern or disregard for the well being of the asthma sufferer, or for personal health.


This said it would be best for the health of the asthma patient to part with the pet if possible. Common pets like cats and dogs are a threat to the health of asthma sufferers, no matter what some may say. There are many myths surrounding pets that suggest that short haired breeds pose little to no risk or that hypoallergenic breeds are safe, but this is not entirely true. Being better informed could help you cope with asthma, whilst living with a pet.

The problem with pets is not with their fur, but with dander that is left behind and settles on almost all surfaces, from clothing and carpets, to beds and furniture. Dander is what triggers asthma allergies and attacks. A protein present in dog saliva also acts as a trigger.  According to one study, 80% of American pet owners keep their pets indoors, which accounts for many allergic symptoms like hives, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and watering or itching of the eyes. The symptoms only worsen with continued exposure. The findings of a study at The Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, suggest that the extent of a cat’s effect may be influenced by the color of its hair. Initial findings seem to indicate a substantially higher proportion of allergic symptoms on exposure to dark cat hair.

According to research conducted at the University of Sydney the range of effects of pet dander can also be influenced by your clothing. Wearing woolen sweaters can leave you exposed to ten times the amount of dander as compared to those with no upper body clothing. Those clad in freshly washed clothes were least exposed to dander.

In the end the decision to keep a pet is one that is not made overnight and if you do wish to live with one it makes sense to put things in perspective and take adequate safeguards, based on all available information.

Reference:

1.  Gifford-Jones, W. (1988), “Asthma and household pets”, Canada Free Press

2.  Your HealthStyle (1998-2009), “Pets and asthma: Myths vs. facts”