AboutMarc Rubin, RPh AE-C Expertise I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois to public schools to educate teachers and coaches about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.
Experience Experience in the area Practicing pharmacist for 30 years, specializing in asthma for past 5 years. Statewide education to teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma.
Organizations Suburban Asthma Consortium (VP & Education Chair), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology> (AAAAI). Serve as a medical advisor to an internet education company, Emmi Solutions.
Question I am 18 years old and I have asthma. I have been taking my medication everyday and the last time I had a asthma attack was 1-2 years ago (although I occasionally get some allergy because of pollen). I am going to buy a Golden Retriever puppy in June or July. What is your advice? Can a asthma person have a dog? I have been around dogs (though for a short time), with no problems. Have you heard of asthma people having dogs with no health problems?
Thanks
Answer Hi Ray,
I would strongly advise against it. There are no allergen-free dogs, although some, such as poodles and Wheaton terriers are claimed as such. I know, because we have a poodle and Wheaton, and my wife denied her suffering for a long time, until proved by pulmonary testing. Even though you say you have not had problems when around dogs in the past, with increased exposure you are highly likely to see dramatically increased inflammation from the dander. My cousin and my sister have goldens (and they are wonderful dogs), but my wife has to pre-treat herself with a higher dose of medication to go to their homes, and still comes back with stuffiness. You really don't want to go down that slippery slope.
The issue of pets has to do with the dander (shedded dead skin), not whether the pet sheds hair. The skin is predominantly a protein which the immune system in allergic individuals recognizes as a foreign invader, thus triggering the allergic response.
Should you decide to go ahead and get the dog regardless of this advice, then the following advisements should be followed:
1)maintain rigorous mediation compliance, and be prepared for the possibility of increased dosing, and possibily more medications added to the therapy.
2)pet is not ever allowed in the bedroom. Lung function goes down at night, and the presence of dander in the room will worsen the inflammatory reaction.
3)hardwood floors throughout: easier to maintain a low-dust environment
4)HEPA filter unit on furnace, or at least in your bedroom, to keep dust and dander to a minimum
5)there are special pet shampoos which are "claimed" to reduce pet dander in houses with pets. You may want to investigate these.
Needless to say, when my dogs pass on, we will become permanently pet free. In addition, we'll also be refurnishing to get rid of the upholstered furniture that is deeply contaminated with pet dander.
So, in closing....do you really want to do this?
Oh, one more point, not allergy related....veterinary bills..boy do they add up!
