The topic of asthmatics and pets has been actively researched online and debated in doctor’s offices for years. Despite the presence of dogs, cats, and other animals in the home that might cause asthma and allergy symptoms, many asthmatics still question if they can have dogs, cats, and other animals without experiencing significant health implications.
There are around 90 million dog owners in the United States, according to estimates. Many of these pets are owned by individuals with varying degrees of asthma and allergies. When studying dog breeds, asthmatics sometimes ask if short-haired or long-haired dogs are better for treating allergy and asthma symptoms. What is the significance?
Are short hair or long hair dogs better for asthma?
It is a common misconception that pet hair causes asthma and allergies. The presence of pet hair in the home can cause itching and watery eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. More severe allergic reactions can even cause the airways to close. As a result, there is a popular belief that short-haired dogs are preferable since they shed less hair inside the home.
Research shows that it’s not the hair itself that causes asthma and allergy symptoms. Rather, the proteins in pet saliva and dead skin cells, or dander, can become attached to the hair. So, regardless of the length of a pet’s hair, dander and saliva proteins will be connected to it. Whether the dog sheds hair will have a greater impact on the number of allergens that are dispersed throughout the home.
Asthmatics who want pets may find hypoallergenic breeds to be among their finest options. Remember that all pets shed dander, regardless of whether they have long hair, short hair, curly hair, or no hair at all!
Consider the cleaning
When you have asthma and/or allergies and choose to share your home with a pet, keeping your home clean is essential. Establishing a program of regular cleaning will help keep your area clean, breathable, and free of fur and dander.
Whether your new furry companion has short or long hair may also affect the amount of cleaning you’re willing to undertake. Is the idea of large piles of Alaskan Husky fur floating across your living room floor unappealing? Choose a breed with shorter and less noticeable hair.
Routine dusting, mopping, and vacuuming can also control the dust mite population in your home.
How I live with my short-haired shedding dog
When considering acquiring a dog five years ago, I pondered whether a dog should have short or long hair. I grew up with a poodle that shed minimal dander, but I’ve always enjoyed large dogs and wanted to be able to live with them without compromising my health.
I adopted a Bullmastiff/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix that scatters red hairs over my home. When she shakes, her hair can be seen flying in all directions. It took some time to discover the appropriate combination of allergy medication and inhalers to manage the dander level. But those together with a weekly cleaning routine allow me to live symptom-free with my short-haired shedder.
