Knowing that dogs can trigger your asthma symptoms can be a hard reality to accept. This makes living with your pet a little more difficult. Since everyone with asthma has a different response to dogs, the steps for co-living with your furry friend could vary. Some individuals can reduce their asthma symptoms by making simple adjustments, while others have severe symptoms from brief exposure.
Hypoallergenic dogs have become very popular amongst the asthma community, but even hypoallergenic dogs can trigger asthma symptoms. With this being said, it’s important to make simple adjustments to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of asthma symptoms.
Here’s how to live with your dog if you have asthma:
How Do Dogs Affect Asthma
Dander is what causes asthma symptoms. It’s composed of the shedding of a dog’s saliva, hair, urine, feces, and skin cells. Dander is usually a mixture of these components. When you come into contact with a dog or spend time in a place where a dog has been, you can be exposed to dander. This can cause a reaction in those who are allergic. Dander can cause symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Being a Dog Owner and Managing Asthma
If you have asthma, there are ways to reduce the number of pet allergens in your home. This will also help to reduce your risk of dog-induced asthma symptoms.
- Bathe your dog 1-2 times per week or take them to the groomer
- Vacuum regularly
- Don’t let dust build up around your home
- Don’t let your dog in your room
- Keep dog off furniture and carpets
- Invest in an air purifier
- Wipe your dog with a wet cloth every day
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Hypoallergenic dogs are dog breeds that claim to be less likely to trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. According to research, female dogs cause fewer asthma symptoms than male dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs include:
- Portuguese Waterdogs
- Airedale Terriers
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
Managing your asthma and living with your furry friend can be a difficult task. Although it can be more work to keep your home clean, it will help provide you and your dog with a more comfortable living environment.
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