Can Pets Trigger Your Asthma?

Household pets consist of protein that is not human protein, so animal tissue might be the cause of allergies in some humans, which could trigger asthma. Human exposure to animal skin cells (dander) that have been normally shed is the most important source of sensitization. Animal saliva, urine, and hair also carry the allergy-provoking protein substances. Animal hair, since it is not in solution, causes fewer problems than saliva and urine.

Cats seem to cause more trouble than dogs. Certain major proteins have been found in cats that have been demonstrated to cause asthma. Some cats produce more of the offending proteins than others, and males produce more than females. It is also true that some cat allergens are more potent than others. Removing a cat from a home will reduce the amount of cat protein, but it may take as long as 6 months after the cat is gone for all of the cat allergen to degenerate and be gone.

Dogs are a little less offensive than cats when it comes to allergens, so results of exposure by the patient to dog protein are less explosive than with cat tissue. Unlike with cats, no specific major dog allergen has been identified. Dog proteins capable of causing symptoms have been found in dog dander, saliva, and serum. There are differences in structure and production of dog allergen with regard to breed. All breeds, including the Chihuahua and the Poodle, are capable of causing allergies.

Exposure to horse dander produces reactions as volatile as exposure to cats. But horse exposure is usually outdoors, ensuring less concentrated and shorter exposure than to cat dander. Allergy to cows, goats, and sheep is usually occupational, occurring in people such as veterinarians who have repeated exposure to such animals.

Chickens, ducks and other fowl can harbor mites in their feathers that could cause allergies. With the uptake of keeping fowl in the backyard for eggs, this is yet another source to look out for. There is also the possibility that the growth of mold in feathers, including feather pillows, is the source of some symptoms of allergies. Feather pillows are readily replaceable with synthetic materials, often eliminating the problem.

As a general rule, if you sneeze or wheeze after handling a pet you may be allergic and the allergy may trigger your asthma.