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Asthma and Dogs

There are two types of Asthma...

1. Dogs with Asthma
2. People with Asthma who are allergic to dogs

Here are some helpful tips for each of the above cases...

1. Dogs with Asthma

Yes, dogs have asthma too. It is not only us human beings. If you think your dog shows some signs of Asthma, here is a guide to help you help your dog.

• Has your dog recently developed Asthma?
• Have you tried giving him Temeril P or the prednisone but he swells badly?
• Do you notice that your dog is wheezing, panting and breathing hard?
• Are you looking for solutions to cure your beloved dog from Asthma?

First of all, let me say that I am sorry to hear about your dog having such big problems.

But as for the solution, unless an underlying cause can be determined, a cure is unlikely.

The best way would be to ask your veterinarian to help determine both the cause of asthma as well as the treatment options available for your pet.

If your dog is overweight, that is contributing to the problem his. Controlling weight will have a major impact on the clinical signs of the asthma. 

Exercise might help with weight control, but it has to be started gradually, if he is not used to it, because it can also irritate the airways. Over time, more active is usually better than less active, though.   

If it gets hot where you live, an air conditioner would help during very hot or humid days. It is good for asthma.

OK, you just learned some tips on dogs with Asthma.

Now let's go to humans with Asthma in contact with dogs.

2. People with Asthma and Dogs

Patients allergic to dogs are allergic to the dog's saliva. As with cats, dogs groom themselves by licking their fur and skin, depositing dog saliva antigens that also become airborne when dry, and spread to clothes, furniture, carpeting, etc.

Allergy to dogs is not as problematic as allergy to cats, primarily because:

• Dogs are usually kept outside.
• Dogs are kept outside of bedrooms.
• Dogs are washed regularly.

Once dog allergy is confirmed, the best way to decrease allergy symptoms is to remove the dog from the home. As with cat allergy, you can also use medications and allergy immunization.

Dog allergens can produce asthma, hives, headaches, voice loss, itchy-watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, fatigue, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

The list of common dog related reactions is the same as the list of cat related symptoms above:

• red, itchy, or swollen eyes
• Reddened areas on the skin
• runny nose
• nasal congestion
• sneezing
• ears that become stuffed-up or itchy
• post nasal drip
• itching and horseness in the throat
• coughing and wheezing
• frequent bronchitis

What are asthma triggers, and what are the causes?

We all know that all sorts of things seem to be able to bring on an asthma attack. Dogs and cats cause asthma attacks in some people.

Tobacco smoke, cold air, exercise and even laughing can cause attacks too. On the other hand, people with asthma tell us that they are worse when they are anxious.

Really bad attacks which force people to go into hospital often happen after a virus infection of your nose or chest.

Some people get asthma if they take aspirin or other painkillers, and some get asthma from dusts or fumes at work.

In a way, these things are all causes of asthma.

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