Only about 10% of the general population has pet allergies, but
at least 30% of people with asthma are allergic to animals. So if
your child has asthma, consider whether your pet could be producing
allergens that are triggering asthma symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, your animal's fur probably
isn't the culprit. Allergies are caused by the body's
reaction to a protein found in the animal's dander (dead skin
flakes), saliva, urine, and feathers. Though pet hair itself
isn't the problem, this protein can cling to the fur when an
animal licks itself.
Also, an animal's fur can collect dust mites, pollen, mold,
and other
allergens
. And any animal that lives in a cage (from birds to gerbils) will
produce droppings that can attract mold and dust mites.
You may hear people say that certain breeds of dogs or cats,
particularly those that don't shed, won't trigger asthma,
but all warm-blooded animals shed allergy-causing proteins and are
capable of causing an allergic reaction.
If you're wondering whether your child is allergic to a pet,
consider having him or her tested for allergies. If your child
turns out to be allergic to your pet, you'll have to decide
whether to keep it or find it a new home. The best course is to
remove the pet from your home, though this isn't usually the
easiest or happiest solution. Your child, other kids in the family,
and even adults in the family may have a tough time with this
decision.
In some cases, your doctor may say that it's OK to keep a
pet if your child receives medicine or allergy shots. If you go
this route, you'll also want to limit your child's exposure
to the animal, such as by keeping the pet out of your child's
bedroom and play areas. Hard as this is to enforce, try to teach
your child not to hug or kiss the animal. Vacuum and dust regularly
and avoid rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in your
child's room.
Unfortunately, such measures may not be enough - because animal
allergens are airborne, heating and ventilation systems will spread
allergens throughout the house, even if the pet is confined to one
room. Keeping the pet in the yard may not be a total solution
either because some allergens will eventually be carried in on
clothing.
If you decide to keep your pet, you might want to:
- Buy an air cleaner. HEPA air cleaners can really help,
especially for cat allergies. Vacuums are available with HEPA
filters as well.
- Keep your child away from the cat's litter box, and place
the box away from air vents.
- Have someone other than your child wash and brush your pet
every week (this is advisable for cats as well as dogs).
- Encourage everyone in the family to wash their hands after
playing with your pet.
- Keep your pet out of the child's bedroom and away from
rugs and upholstered furniture. You may need to shut the doors to
certain rooms or use baby safety gates to keep cats and dogs
out.
If you have a bird, gerbil, or other small caged animal, keep
the cage in a room other than your child's bedroom. Make sure
the pet stays in its cage at all times, and clean the cage daily -
without your child's assistance. You'll also want to let
teachers know about your child's allergies if there's a
caged pet in the classroom.
If you do decide to find another home for your pet, be sure to
discuss this with your child. Assure your child it's not
his or her "fault" - and make sure siblings don't
blame the child. Losing a pet, even if just to another home, may be
difficult for everyone in the family.
Remember, too, that even if you remove the pet from your home,
you may not see improvements in asthma symptoms for a while. It can
take up to 6 months to reduce the allergen levels to those of a
home without pets. Even if the pet is removed, your child might
still need the asthma or allergy medications used previously.
When going to a house with a pet, your child should
first take any prescribed allergy medicine
and
(as always) bring along his or her asthma
rescue medication
.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Stephen J. McGeady, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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