Pets and Asthma
For many people, pets are considered members of the family. However, allergy sufferers may face more of a challenge—pet dander (the flakes of skin), dried saliva, or urine can be a trigger for asthma symptoms. With roughly 60% of American households having a pet, this trigger can be hard to avoid.
Did you know?
Evidence suggests that children exposed to dogs early in life are at lower risk of asthma.
Pet Dander
Pet dander is generally harmless and goes unnoticed by most people. But if you’re allergic, it can make you pretty uncomfortable—even if the animal is not in your presence. It’s microscopic; can linger in the air, in clothes, and in furniture; and when inhaled, can trigger a variety of symptoms: congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, sneezing, and itchy eyes and skin.
If you have pet allergies and suffer from asthma, several precautionary measures can help reduce your exposure to this trigger. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms around pets, contact your doctor.
Tips for Managing Pet Allergies & Asthma
Get tested for pet allergies
Avoid close contact with pets
Keep pets out of the bedroom
Use air purifiers to minimize dander in the air
Talk to your doctor about options for medicine or immunotherapy
