pets

Pets and asthma

Many families choose a cuddly cat or dog for their family pet. However, these seemingly harmless pets can trigger asthma in some people.

Allergens can be found in the saliva, hair, urine and dander (dead skin flakes) of our pets. These allergens are carried in the air on very small particles. The pet's dander, which is shed on carpet and upholstery, is also a food source for the dust mite.

Symptoms may occur within minutes of being exposed to the pet. For some people however, symptoms may build up over several hours and be most severe 12 hours after initial contact with the pet. If a pet comes inside, its sheddings become part of the house dust and are present even when the animal is outside. In these circumstance, it may be difficult to recognise it as an allergic reaction that is due to the animal.

In general, cats produce more severe allergic reactions than dogs. Cats are the second major source of indoor allergens, and the allergens they produce tend to stay in the house for long periods. They are not a good choice of pet for families with members who have allergies.

Other pets do not seem to produce such potent allergens, but other pets, such as birds, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice carry allergens that could trigger asthma.

What to do

The ideal solution is to remove the pet from the home and, wherever possible, avoid contact with other pets or the homes they inhabit. Never allow pets into the bedroom and if possible, keep them outside.

If you visit friends or family who have furry animals take extra medication beforehand, or ask them to visit you. People will understand if you explain why.

Although keeping a furry pet is discouraged if it triggers asthma, there are ways to minimise exposure to its allergens.

  • Have the pet live outside the house. Providing pets with comfortable and safe housing outside the home. Birds should be kept in an outside aviary away from the house.
  • Always ensure pets are kept out of the bedroom. Many hours are spent in this room sleeping, and keeping the pet out at all times will reduce your exposure significantly.
  • Try to keep the pet out of any other rooms in which a great deal of time is spent. Remember pets will leave allergens behind after they have left the room.
  • Ask a non-allergic friend or family member to brush the pet outside. This will remove any loose hair and allergens from the pet, reducing the amount shed indoors. The animals litter box or cage should be cleaned out regularly. Again, this is a task for a non-allergic person. Urine is the source of allergens in rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs or mice.
  • Washing the cat or dog weekly will significantly reduce the amount of allergen released into the environment. Consult a veterinarian for advice regarding the pet's skin care to prevent excessive dryness due to frequent washing.
  • The allergen accumulates in areas such as carpets, mattresses, cushions and curtains as well as horizontal surfaces. The allergen particle is so small that it passes through fabric, so it is suggested that mattresses and cushions be covered with suitable coverings to prevent the release of allergens when squeezed.
  • Have the pet sit on a washable sheet that should be changed and washed daily.
  • Vacuuming has little effect on these allergens as it does not reach the lower levels of the carpet where the tiny particles settle. It may even disturb the small allergen particles, causing them to become airborne. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system may help prevent the release of the allergen, but the best solution is to have polished floors, or floor coverings such as lino, slate or tiles. Remember when using a vacuum cleaner to regularly change the filter.
  • The best pets for an allergic person are those that do not have hair, like fish.