Pets, especially cats and dogs, can be a source of allergens. Through their skin flakes (dander), saliva and urine. For people with asthma, exposure to these allergens may increase the liklihood of symptoms worsening. This can include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. 

However, with proper management including regular cleaning, possible medication and sometimes limiting close contact, many peoepe with asthma are still able to safely live with pets.

Below are a few tips for a pet-friendly healthy home

Keep pets out of bedrooms

Your sleeping space should be an allergen-free zone

Wash hands after touching pets

This helps prevent allergens spreading toyour face or bedding

Regularly groom your pet

Bath pets regularly to help reduce dander and brush them outside

Vaccum often

This helps to trap pet hair and allergens. Remember to include fllors, sofas and curtains.

Wash pet bedding

Choose a washable bedding and wash at 60 degrees

Choose hard floors oover carpet

Carpets cantrap dander and dust, consider using rugs ona hard floor surface.

Air out your home daily

Fresh air helps to reduce indoor allergen build up

Use air purifers

These are great for rooms where your pets spends a lot of time

Asthma Risks from Common Household Pets

Furry Animals (including dogs, cats, guinea pigs and hamsters etc)

Trigger source : Dander (skin flakes), saliva, urine protiens and hairs (as a carrier)

Birds (budgies, parrots, cockatiers, canaries etc)

Trigger source: feathers, dried droppings and feather dust

Fish and Reptiles (turtle, lizards, snakes etc)

These are usually low risk, but their environement maybe a problem. Mould from damp tanks and their food maybe an allergenic

Did you know??

It's not pet hair itself, but the dander, saliva and urine proteins that are the real  triggers

Pet allergens are sticky! They can  stay in the home months after a pet has gone

YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN PETS AND BREATHING WELL!!

With a few daily habits, you can manage asthma and still enjoy life with your pets!