What can you do about pet dander and asthma?

Answer 1

AnswerIf you have pet dander induced Asthma attacks your best bet is probably to not have a dog at all. There are different types products on the market (shampoos,wipes,etc.) that you can acquire at a number of pet shops as well as through your vet. There are also a number of naturals products that may help. Tea Tree oil is a product you can find it in your local health food store that helps to control pet dander when used on a regular basis.

Pets should be bathed and groomed at least once every couple of weeks (more often for longer haired dogs or dogs that like to get dirty). Regular vacuuming and dusting of carpets and furniture also helps control the amount of dander in the house. If you don't already have a dog and are looking to get one try getting a dog that is considered "hypo-allergenic". This does not mean that you are guaranteed not to have a reaction, it only means that you may be less likely to have one.

Work with your physician to try to figure out what it is about the dog that you are allergic to because if the reactions you have are severe your best bet may be to not own a dog at all.

AnswerIf you have asthma extremely bad or one of your children has it, then unfortunately there isn't much you can do. Asthma, as you know, is not to be played around with, especially in children. All dogs and cats have pet dander (even though some breeds don't shed.) Just like humans, we are constantly losing dead cells off our bodies and so does the pet.

If the asthma is mild, consult your doctor first. If he/she says it's OK to get a non-shedding dog, then you will need to keep your floors clean every day, not to mention vacuuming every day and that means the sofas as well. Bichon Frises are great little dogs that are robust, comical, love kids and very sturdy. These little dogs don't shed, nor do poodles. Cairns hardly shed at all (have owned both Bichon Frises and Cairns) and small pets are easier to bathe (approx. once every 2 months in the summer and once every 3 months in the winter.) These are indoor dogs and not meant to be left outside with the exception of "doing their business" and playing. The larger the dog the more dander. Don't get very small dogs if you have children. These smaller dogs are meant for lap dogs and carrying around and not able to play as boisterously as mid-sized dogs.

It's very difficult for especially children wanting a pet to know they can't have one. The good news is, in many cases the child can grow out of asthma. They simply don't know why, but all science knows is our bodies change every 7 years.

Also, when your child washes his/her hands (goes for adults as well) do it with warm water and SOAP and NOT ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS! Antibacterial soaps are not only drying to the skin and will cause cracks in the skin causing infections, but, it takes the good bacteria off the skin and people are more apt to pick up colds, flues, etc. Good old warm water and soap is the best thing for everyone. Let the body do what it does best ... heal.

There are good air purifiers out there and well worth the cost to give you and your family some good clean air and perhaps this will also help with the pet dander.

Still, check with your doctor first.