Introduction
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the airways in the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become swollen and narrowed, making breathing difficult. Allergens like pet dander and dog fur can trigger asthma attacks in some people who are allergic. When exposed to these allergens, the immune system overreacts and causes the airways to become inflamed, resulting in asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. An estimated 25 million Americans have asthma, and allergens are one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks. This article explores whether exposure to dog fur specifically can provoke asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung condition characterized by breathing difficulties. It causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrow, making it hard to breathe. The main symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing – High-pitched whistling sound when breathing out
- Coughing – Chronic, dry cough. Coughing often becomes worse at night or early in the morning
- Chest tightness – Feeling like your chest is squeezed or constricted
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. These airways, also known as bronchial tubes, allow air to come in and out of the lungs (NHLBI, 2022). When a person has asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrow, which restricts airflow in and out of the lungs.
Asthma causes periodic symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and often occur with exposure to asthma triggers like allergens or irritants. There is currently no cure for asthma, but with proper treatment and management, most people with asthma can achieve good symptom control.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What Is Asthma? NIH. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma
Common Asthma Triggers
There are many factors that can trigger an asthma attack. According to the CDC, some of the most frequent asthma triggers include allergens, irritants, weather changes, and stress.
Allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander can cause asthma symptoms for those with allergies. When inhaled, these allergens trigger an immune system reaction that leads to swelling of the airways. Sources recommend reducing exposure to known allergen triggers to prevent asthma flare-ups (CDC).
Irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, and strong odors can also inflame the airways and spur asthma symptoms. Avoiding these environmental irritants or using an air purifier can minimize asthma attacks (AAFA).
Changes in weather and seasons can aggravate asthma in some people. Cold, dry air is a common trigger. Stress and strong emotions may also set off asthma symptoms.
How Dog Fur Can Trigger Asthma
Dogs naturally produce proteins in their skin, saliva, and fur that can cause allergic reactions in some people (https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/asthma-pet.html). The main allergenic proteins come from flakes of dead skin, known as dander, as well as proteins in dog saliva, urine, and fur (https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-animal-dander-pets-and-asthma-201227). When inhaled, these proteins can trigger an asthma attack in sensitive individuals.
For people with dog allergies, symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath can begin within minutes or hours after exposure to dog fur and dander. Even small amounts can build up in an indoor environment and cause severe asthma flare-ups. The allergens can also stick to clothing and continue to cause symptoms even after separating from the dog.
Risk Factors for Dog Allergies
Certain people are more likely to develop allergies to dogs due to risk factors like family history and having other allergic conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192), those with a family history of allergies, especially when both parents have allergies, are more prone to developing pet allergies. This is because allergies have a hereditary component and can be passed down genetically.
Additionally, people who already suffer from other allergic conditions like hay fever or atopic dermatitis are at higher risk for developing dog allergies. Having one allergic disease makes you more susceptible to developing other allergy triggers. This is known as the “atopic march” where allergies tend to manifest in a particular sequence over time. According to research (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756688/), those with existing asthma are more likely to develop dog allergies that can worsen asthma symptoms.
Breeds that Shed Less Fur
Some dog breeds are known to shed less fur than others, making them potentially better choices for people with asthma or allergies. Low-shedding dogs tend to have hair-like coats instead of fur. The hair grows longer without shedding off as much dander and proteins that can trigger allergic reactions. Popular low-shed breeds include:
- Poodles – Standard, miniature, and toy poodles have dense, curly coats that rarely shed. Their hair needs regular clipping and grooming.
- Schnauzers – Standard, miniature, and giant schnauzers have wiry coats that produce minimal shedding. Frequent grooming is required.
- Bichon Frise – This petite breed has a fluffy, cotton-like coat that sheds very little.
- Portuguese Water Dog – Their wavy, waterproof coats shed minimally and require brushing and clipping.
When choosing a low-shed dog, opt for breeds with hair-like coats rather than furry coats. Research specific grooming needs, as non-shedding coats require regular haircuts or clipping. Consider coat colors like white or cream that make dander easier to spot and clean up. Always spend time with the individual dog before adopting to ensure you aren’t allergic.
Reducing Exposure to Triggers
One of the most effective ways to manage dog allergies is by reducing your exposure to allergens that trigger symptoms. There are several steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home:
Keep dogs out of bedrooms. Letting your dog sleep in your bedroom significantly increases exposure to allergens like fur and dander while you sleep. Keep your dog restricted to non-carpeted areas of the home as much as possible.
Vacuum often using a HEPA filter vacuum. Frequent vacuuming can remove fur, dander and other allergens from carpets and upholstered furniture. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter ensures the allergens are trapped and not recirculated into the air.
Bathe your dog regularly and brush fur outside. Bathing your dog weekly can significantly reduce airborne allergens in the home. Make sure to brush or comb your dog outdoors so hair and dander doesn’t get inside.
Consider allergen-reducing sprays and cleaners. Products like Allerpet and Allersearch can help remove dander from your home and pets. Use them regularly on upholstery, carpets, pet bedding and your dog’s coat.
Wash bedding frequently. Bed sheets and blankets where your dog sleeps or sits should be washed weekly in hot water to remove allergens.
Create an “allergy free” zone. Designate an area of your home as off-limits to pets and be diligent about keeping it fur and dander free for allergy relief.
Medical Treatments
For those with asthma triggered by dog allergies, medical treatments are often necessary to control symptoms and improve quality of life. The first step is to get allergy testing done to confirm dog dander is a trigger. Skin prick testing or blood tests like RAST can identify immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to specific allergens like dog dander and saliva.
Allergy medications can then be prescribed to reduce inflammation and symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent or QVAR are commonly used to reduce airway inflammation in asthmatics. Bronchodilators like albuterol open up the airways and provide quick relief of wheezing and coughing. Allergy medications like antihistamines may also be used to control nasal and eye symptoms.
For long-term relief, allergy shots or immunotherapy can desensitize the immune system to dog allergens over time. Small doses of the allergen are injected on a regular schedule, with the dose gradually increased. This induces tolerance and reduces IgE production. According to research, allergy shots can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and medication usage in those with dog dander allergy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20929605/).
Alternative Solutions
For people who want to keep pets but also manage their asthma or allergies, there are some alternative solutions to consider:
Air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can help remove pet dander and other asthma triggers from the air. HEPA filters are designed to capture very small particles like pollen, dust, and pet fur that can aggravate allergies and asthma. Using an air purifier, especially in the bedroom, can reduce allergen exposure and asthma symptoms (1).
Choosing alternative pets that don’t have fur or feathers can also help. Fish and reptiles do not trigger asthma and allergies like dogs, cats, or birds can. Getting a pet like a fish, lizard, turtle, frog, or snake allows people with asthma to still enjoy having a pet without the risk of allergic asthma attacks (2). Of course, proper hygiene and tank maintenance is still important.
For some, these alternatives allow them to manage their condition while still having pets. Those with very severe allergies may still need to avoid pets altogether.
Conclusion
In summary, dog fur can be a trigger for asthma in some people who are allergic to dogs. The allergens found in dog fur, dander, saliva and urine can cause asthma symptoms when inhaled. People with asthma are at higher risk for developing dog allergies. Certain dog breeds that shed less fur may be better tolerated. Reducing exposure to dogs and their fur through cleaning, air filters, and keeping dogs out of bedrooms can help. Medical treatments like allergy shots and medications as well as alternative solutions like air purifiers and probiotics may help manage symptoms. For some people diligent care and allergen avoidance can make living with dogs possible despite allergies. Others may need to make the difficult decision to live without dogs for their respiratory health.