Asthma & Pets

This information has been reviewed and approved by Mike Van Dyke, PhD, CIH (May 2013).

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Summary: Pets and Asthma- Breathe Better Around Your Four-Legged Friends

Pet hair isn't the problem - it's what it carries: a protein in animal dander, saliva and urine triggers asthma and allergies.  Here are some tips to reduce your asthma symptoms around pets:

Reduce Exposure

• Wash or brush dogs and cats often to remove dander
• Keep them out of the bedroom
• Keep them outside when possible
• Place covered cat litter boxes away from main living spaces

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Round up the following ingredients, then visit our website for cleaning supply recipes:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Liquid dish soap
• Cooking oil

Reduce Dander

• Clean walls and hard surfaces
• Wash "dust catchers" like stuffed animals, bedspreads and curtains
• Vacuum carpet and damp mop floors twice weekly
• Replace carpet with hard flooring and machine washable rugs

More Information on Asthma