Asthma and pets

Pets – cat

• If you have furry pets, regular grooming and bathing them can help. If you have asthma get someone else to do this.
• If you have caged birds or small animals such as gerbils, guinea pigs or hamsters get someone to clean out their cage daily.
• If you can’t give a larger dog or cat a bath, try using a damp micro fibre cloth to wipe their fur daily. This will take away some of the dust and dander on the surface of their fur.
• If you are visiting someone else who has a pet,  ask them to put the pet in another room while you are there and make sure you take your child’s preventer and reliever inhalers with you.
• Always wash your child’s hands after they have stroked, petted or handled a pet. This also applies to you if you have contact with pets and your child.

If exposure to pets is unavoidable:

• Ask your GP if there are any other anti allergen medicine your child can try.
  They may need a higher dose of their preventer inhaler. Discuss with your GP.
• If your child’s asthma cannot be controlled or they have a severe allergic reaction to the pet, you may need to think about re-homing your pet as a last resort.