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Only about 10% of the general population has pet allergies, but at least 30% of people with asthma are allergic to animals. So if your child has asthma, it's a good idea to consider whether your pet could be producing allergens that are triggering asthma symptoms.
Contrary to popular belief, your animal's fur probably isn't the culprit. Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to a protein found in the animal's dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, urine, and feathers. Though pet hair itself isn't the problem, this protein can cling to the fur when an animal licks itself. Also, an animal's fur can collect dust mites, pollen, mold, and other Remember, too, that even if you remove the pet from your home, you may not see improvements in your child's asthma symptoms for a while. After a pet is removed from the home, it can take up to 6 months to reduce the allergen levels to those of a home without pets. Even if the pet is removed, your child may still need to use the asthma or allergy medications that he or she used previously. When your child is invited to a house with a pet, he or she should take any prescription allergy medicine before going and should (as always) bring along his or her asthma Stephen J. McGeady, MD
Remember, too, that even if you remove the pet from your home, you may not see improvements in your child's asthma symptoms for a while. After a pet is removed from the home, it can take up to 6 months to reduce the allergen levels to those of a home without pets. Even if the pet is removed, your child may still need to use the asthma or allergy medications that he or she used previously.
When your child is invited to a house with a pet, he or she should take any prescription allergy medicine before going and should (as always) bring along his or her asthma Stephen J. McGeady, MD