Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 5/14/2008

Question
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!

Best of luck!

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank-you.

I am strongly considering not buying one. But I got two more questions:

1) What are those so called "Shampoos" that reduces danders? You have some names?
2) Can a person get cured of Asthma? I know a few family members that claim "they do not get Asthma any more". I heard that you can "outgrown" Asthma. Is this true?

Answer
Hi Ray,

I don't know the brand names of the particular shampoos, and I don't know how efficacious they are. It may be a marketing ploy.

Although some children outgrow asthma, it is common for it to return in those individuals in their late 20's and early 30's. Cure for asthma...not yet. You can get allergy shots to decrease your sensitivity, but that is usually a 4 year process. And the shots must be administered in the physicians office so they can monitor you for a potential severe reaction.

Another plus of not getting the pet: no yard to clean up! My kids both promised to handle that choir, and guess who got stuck! I love the dogs, but when they pass, so will any thought of bringing in more.

Take care!

Marc