Furry pets not good for everyone

Many families choose a cuddly cat or dog for their family pet; however, these animals can be trigger factors for some people with asthma. In general, cats produce more severe allergic reactions than dogs. Other pets and animals, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice and horses also carry allergens that could trigger asthma.

Research suggests early exposure might be protective

Recent research has shown that exposure to cats and dogs and farm animals in early life might reduce a child's risk of allergic disease. However, more study is needed in this area.

If a child or person has developed allergic asthma, however, then it is important to minimise exposure to the allergen (ie, if asthma is brought on by an animal or pet, or other trigger factor).

What is it about pets that can cause asthma?

Allergens are found in the pet's saliva, hair, urine and dander (dead skin flakes). A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. These pet 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 house dust mite.

If a pet comes inside, its sheddings become part of the house dust and are present even when the animal is outside. In these circumstances, it may be difficult to recognise it as an allergic reaction that is due to the animal.

What happens if I am allergic to animal dander?

Symptoms may occur within minutes of being exposed to the animal. For some people, however, symptoms may build up over several hours and be most severe 12 hours after initial contact with the pet. For some people, this may even be life threatening.

Reducing exposure to animal dander

To reduce exposure to animal dander, the ideal solution is to remove the pet from the home and, wherever possible, avoid contact with other pets or the homes they inhabit.

Keeping a furry pet is discouraged if it triggers asthma. However, if this is not an option, there are ways to minimise exposure to its allergens (below).

Keep the pet outside

• Have the pet live outside the house. Provide pets with comfortable and safe housing outside the home. Birds should be kept in an outside aviary away from the house.
• 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 or your child's 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.

Clean the animal

• 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 animal's litter box or cage should be cleaned out regularly (a task for a non-allergic person). Urine is the source of allergens in rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and 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.

Use surface coverings

• 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 fabrics, 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.

Check vacuum system

• 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 (high efficiency particulate air) filter system may help prevent the release of the allergen.
• Remember when using a vacuum cleaner to change the filter regularly.

Choose a hairless pet

The best pets for an allergic person are those that do not have hair. These include turtles, frogs or fish.

Related topics

Also see: Asthma triggers and Keeping your asthma under control

Original material provided by The Asthma Foundation of New Zealand, 2010. Edited by everybody, November 2010.