Pet Asthma Trigger

[Fruitandveg]

I am new to asthma, diagnosed in June this year (female aged 76) during a hospital admission for a viral cough - I have mild Bronchiectasis diagnosed 20 years ago which hasn’t given me much trouble, no allergies or hay fever in the past. I have struggled with getting my inhaler right, initially Relvar & Fostair nexthaler powder inhalers gave me sinus problems. At present on Fostair 200/6 which is keeping me controlled without using my blue inhaler. Last weekend I was staying at my son’s & they have a dog, on the Sunday I started to cough & wheeze & needed my reliever - had to leave, as soon as I got home the symptoms eased. I am still feeling slightly unwell, tight chest & feel congested. I am presuming lovey Bonnie is now a trigger for me, I am devastated as this has thrown up so many consequences for the family. I adore this dog so I would be heartbroken if I can’t spend any time with her indoors. Any advice would be so appreciated.

[fraid]

What a shame. The first thing doc says is get rid of the dog! 😱I am allergic to cats, had them all my life, use Cetirizine if I forget to wash my hand after petting her- only use one save other for other things. Dogs are easier to avoid allergies as not in your face all the time. Depending on what type of dog- bath, groom, take antihistamine before you visit, wear a mask, wash hands eyes after handling, ventilation etc. It's usually the dander so the cleaner and less dry the dog's skin, oil in its food, will all help. Hope that helps for a start. 🤗🐶

[Fruitandveg in reply to fraid]

Thank you for the advice, my sister lives in Florida with 2 Schnauzers, the thought of never being able to visit her is unthinkable so I have to be able to manage this. I am still coming to terms with my asthma diagnosis this late in life, a big learning curve. 🤗🤞

[fraid in reply to Fruitandveg]

Hope you can visit again. Hoover is the best remedy, even steam clean carpets, wash their beds etc. Schnauzer coats aren't too difficult to manage so I'm sure your sis will make sure all is done to prevent further problems for you. 🤗Asthma and allergies have remedies, make sure you get help with both.🤗

[Fruitandveg in reply to fraid]

Thank you for your encouragement, your message came through as I was on a WhatsApp call to her. 🤗

[Cloudancer in reply to fraid]

Great reply

[Patk1]

If Yr going to b with the dog,I'd take antihistamines cpl days before and prepare Yr airwaswith blue inhaler b4,during & after visit,should help.x

[Homely2 Administrator]

For me, it is not the dog that triggers my asthma, but the pet dander they produce

I can spend time at my sisters and her dogs, as she has no rugs, cushions, and keeps her house very clean.

If I go to a house with carpets, fabric sofas plus dogs, then I have real trouble.

[Small-but-mighty]

Hi there, I'm also allergic to cats and dogs and I take antihistamines before I go to my boyfriends house with cats. I also ask him to hover and clean up before my visit and have the cats not in the bedroom for example. The cats usually stay in the hallway and I will use a mask around the house and wash my hands regularly. I hope this helps for you

[Cloudancer]

Great advice in the previous posts.I totally sympathise with you as no longer able to visit with my daughter who has 2 dogs My daughter has got me a very expensive face mask from Japan which filters out allergens which helps .I have been on steroids and nebulisers for atopic asthma for many years.

We are an atopic family and things that would not cause severe reactions years ago now do- one of my children has had anaphylactic shock twice from allergies that previously didn't affect him.

I do hope that you are able to find ways to help you spend time with your daughter .I wish you well.

[Horsemadfamily]

Hi, I am also allergic to cats (moderate), dogs (severe) and horses (extremely bad). I'm afraid that anti histamines are not always effective when an allergy effects your breathing. In my case I take 1000mg of Fexofenadine daily, amongst many other things, which does no more than blunt the allergic reaction. As others have said the cleaner the house and the less soft furnishings the better. Another thing to consider is the quality of the vacuum used. Poor quality will literally distribute the dander around the house. We have an M class vacuum. Virtually nothing gets through that. Also consider a very good quality air purifier.

Be aware that the dander can and will be on clothing. When family visit us who have pets they have to wear clean clothes. You can also get allergy washing liquid to neutralise the allergens on clothes you return with. From personal experience its a really really really bad idea to wash a dog or cat. Afterwards they produce a lot more oils and in my case the allergic reaction is magnified by many many times.

I've lived with this all my life and in my case its got gradually worse. Most people start by trying to work with the allergy but we nearly all end up in the same space and simply avoid it as best we can. Sorry.

[Fruitandveg in reply to Horsemadfamily]

Thank you for your experience & advice. I visited my sons house today & spent most of the time in the garden, wearing my mask indoors & only siting on the wooden chairs. It was difficult not being able to pet Bonnie as she is so affectionate. I have a lot of adjustments to make.

[strongmouse]

Hi, I am allergic to dogs and it makes my asthma worse. Our son was going on holiday to Australia and asked if we'd look after his dog. I discovered that there is a spray which you can use on dogs (and cats) which deneutralises the protein which causes the allergic reaction. It is sprayed on the dog's skin, under the fur, three days before. It is called PetalCleanse.

healthy-house.co.uk/product...

We tried it before he went to make sure I was okay, and I was! The problem with going to a house where there is a dog is that the dog hair and dander is already on soft furnishings. A good hoover 24hours before you visit and damp dusting surfaces, plus using the Petal Cleanse 3 days before on the dog should help. Also you can use an antihistamine.

If you do react then when you come home, make sure to shower, wash your hair and change your clothes, as the dander and hair can cling. Wash your hands after stroking too. I am very allergic to cats and if I stroke them and then touch my face it becomes red and itchy. (There is a PetalCleanse for cats).

Hope this helps and you can visit family.

[alex45674]

You aren't alone with having pets as a trigger. I have the same issue. Luckily I don't have pets, (except fish) so I don't have that emotional issue and I am sorry for you on that. I avoid all cats, dogs etc. Try to sit outside, take piriton, use nasal sprays, and avoid as much as possible. If you touch it, wash your hands. Wash your clothes when you get home and shower.

The biggest problem is coming across them in all sorts of places, including shops, trains, cafes, restaurants. Yuck. Not hygienic, and it is terrifying to be made very ill but have no control over avoidance of them. I am becoming more and more worried as time goes on about people's pets everywhere.

[Fruitandveg]

A big thank you to everyone who has given me advice on dealing with this issue. I have learnt so much from you all - a little knowledge goes a long way. 🤗