Do Chihuahuas Help Cure Asthma

Is A Chihuahua A Cure

Whats up with this Chihuahua-healing-asthma rumor? Where did this come from? The speculation came from the Aztecs and is as ancient as the 13th century. During those times, Aztecs believe that dogs absorb the diseases of their owners and, as a result, treat the humans from their condition. This theory was even resonated in the 1950s through this story:

A parent of a child with asthma brought home a Chihuahua one day. Since then, the child and the Chihuahua became inseparable. When the child got older, her asthma symptoms became less frequent and they notice their Chihuahua started wheezing at the same time.

Dr. Michael Blassin his article in U.S. News & World Reportwrote that in children with asthma, many will have fewer symptoms as they get older. As chihuahuas age, they make a wheezing type of sound when they breathe; thus the idea that the childs asthma has transferred to the dog. So to be clear, a Chihuahua curing ones asthma is simply a common myth and has no medical basis.

MORE: If you want to know the temperament of a male and female Chihuahua, read this post and learn the difference.

How To Know If Your Dog Has Asthma

The symptoms of asthma in dogs are similar to those of humans. They can include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Pollution
• Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or vaping

If someone in your household smokes, you should ask them to do so outside away from your dog to help prevent an asthma attack.

If your dog spends time at boarding facilities, your veterinarian may recommend they receive a vaccine for kennel cough. Learn more about vaccinations for dogs.

Can Dogs Have Asthma Inhalers

Your vet may prescribe inhalers to help control your dog’s asthma symptoms. Albuterol sulfate, may be prescribed to help relax airway muscles and improve breathing. Never administer medications formulated for humans to your pet without consulting your veterinarian first. Many medications that are safe for people, are toxic to dogs.

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How Dogs Affect Asthma

When you come into contact with a dog or when you spend time in a place where a dog has been, you may be exposed to the dogs saliva, hair, urine, feces, and skin flakes. A shedding known as animal dander typically contains a mixture of these components.

Dander can trigger asthma symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Individual components of dander, especially saliva, can be strong asthma triggers as well.

In rare instances, you can develop an asthma attack due to dog exposure, with severe inability to breathe.

Research shows that dander and other materials that dogs leave in the environment contain the proteins Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, and Can f 6. These induce an immune reaction that triggers symptoms in some people who have asthma.

Managing Asthma When You Have A Dog

If you have asthma, there may be ways for you to minimize the effects that dogs have on your symptoms:

• Bathe your pet once or twice a week or have it bathed by someone else.
• Consider using a HEPA filter or vacuum cleaner to remove the asthma-inducing residue from your home.
• Get your pet neutered/spayed.

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Asthma Treatment With A Tail Dogs Might Be Your Lungs Best Friend

Shilo Urban

In the early 1960s, my uncle was around 10 years old and suffering from asthma. His breathing was getting worse, and none of the conventional medical asthma treatment methods seemed to be helping.

Then his doctor suggested a new type of asthma treatment one that wagged its tail, barked and slobbered. The prescription was to adopt a dog, specifically a Chihuahua – and to sleep with it every night. Cha Cha the Chihuahua was welcomed into the family with full bed privileges. My uncles asthma went away and never came back.

Could Mans Best Friend also be a kids best protection against asthma? New research shows that living with a dog thats allowed outside may protect children against asthma as well as allergies. Besides giving a sturdy argument to any child who wants a dog for a pet, these new findings are adding to the growing body of research that illuminate the importance of bacteria in the human gut.

Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the new study focuses on mice. Exposing them to dust from households with outside dogs greatly affected the composition of microbes in their guts. After exposure, the mice were then presented with well-known allergy triggers. Those that were exposed to dog dust experienced significantly reduced allergic responses compared to control mice. Are humans affected in the same way too?

Can Chihuahuas Take Away Asthma

Can Chihuahuas Take Away Asthma?

What breed of dog doesnt shed or smell? Basenji

What are the worst dogs for allergy sufferers? Worst: Saint Bernards and Bulldogs Are Known for Excessive Saliva. If youre allergic to dog saliva, steer clear of slobbery breeds of dogs like bulldogs and Saint Bernards. Both are known for excessive drooling.

What is the calmest hypoallergenic dog? Bichon Frise. Chinese Crested. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. Maltese.

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Routine Care Diet And Exercise

Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Chi live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.

• Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
• Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly to prevent mats and keep her coat shiny.
• Chihuahuas generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
• Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
• Chis are very sensitive to cold, so a warm winter wardrobe is necessary.
• She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play.
• Due to her assertive nature and small size, she is not recommended for homes with small children.
• Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
• Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
• Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.

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Why Is My Dog Clearing His Throat

Just like you, a dog might cough to clear his or her throat. Since your dog explores the world mostly with the mouth and nose, its easy for dust, dirt, grass, and other foreign materials to enter the throat and cause a cough. A simple cough now and again is probably just your dogs way of clearing those materials out.

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Signs Your Pet Has Asthma

Asthma is a common and sometimes debilitating condition that affects millions of humans every day. You may not know, however, that it is also a common problem for many of our pets. The month of May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Asthma can be a scary condition and, if left untreated, can cause life-threatening complications. It is important to know the symptoms of asthma and to contact Crown Veterinary Specialists if you suspect that your dog, cat, or other pet may be suffering from the condition. Below are some of the signs that your pet may have asthma.

Caring For A Dog With Asthma

If your dog is prone to asthma, youll want to minimize their exposure to allergens that might cause an attack. For instance:

• Purchase a room air purifier to help remove particles in the air that can trigger an attack.
• Bathe your dog regularly and dry them off with a soft towel afterward. Choose a safe, unscented shampoo made for dogs.
• If you have a cat, go with dust-free cat litter. You should also put the litterbox in a place where your curious pooch cant get at it.
• Wipe your dog off with pet-safe wipes after going outside to remove pollen and other allergens from their coat.
• Vacuum often, including area rugs, carpeting, and any fabric chairs or couches that your dog likes to nap on.
• Consider removing area rugs and replacing carpeting with other types of flooring. Even with regular vacuuming, they can hold in allergens, such as dust mites and mold.
• Clean tile and hardwood floors using unscented products. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water as a safe floor cleaning alternative.
• Avoid using scented air fresheners or deodorizers. You can place shallow bowls of baking soda around the house out of paws reach to absorb odors.
• Wash your dogs bedding and blankets frequently using fragrance-free laundry detergents and fabric softeners.
• Keep your dog out of rooms or other places where people are smoking or vaping.
• Avoid burning wood in fireplace or stoves. You can use fake logs or battery-powered candles for a gentle glow that is safe for pets.

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Which Dog Breeds Are Worst For Asthma Sufferers

There is no single dog breed that is worst for asthma sufferers, however, some dog breeds are prone to developing skin issues like dry skin more than the others.

Dry skin leads to more dander and shedding which is what causes pet allergy symptoms in most humans.

Also, some dog breeds shed a lot all through the year. These are definitely not a good choice for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

We recommend staying away from the double-coated dog breeds like German Shepherd, Huskies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, etc.

Also, you may want to rethink your decision of getting breeds that are most prone to skin issues: Dalmatians, Shar Pei, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and spaniels.

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Some Helpful Truths About Chihuahuas And Asthma

In todays highly-sophisticated world, we of course now know that chihuahuas cannot absorb a childs asthma.

But there are also many others things we now know.

Some of these facts include:

• It can sound like a chihuahua has asthma when it doesnt.; The wheezing, also known as reverse sneezing, that you might have heard in your chihuahua is likely NOT due to asthma.; Instead it stems from a softer-than-normal palate that is subject to irritation and a reaction from your dog.
• A chihuahua can develop asthma.; Chihuahuas can also develop the lung condition known as asthma, with symptoms that may present much like those in humans.; If you notice prolonged breathing difficulties, be sure to make an appointment with your vet.
• Treatment is available for your wheezing chihuahua.; Most cases of wheezing, caused by soft palate irritation, are due to certain environmental allergens like dust and pollen.; And just as humans can be treated for allergies, so too can your dog.

Last but not least, if you or one of your children is an asthma sufferer, be sure to check with your doctor before bringing any pet into your household.

While these pets cannot help cure your asthma, they can make it worse in some instances, triggering unwelcome attacks and unnecessary complications.

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Children Can Benefit On Living With Pets

While there is still no specific medical basis that can support the theory of Chihuahua helping with asthma, Amanda Gardner of Health.com confirms the bright side of living with pets. Children who live with pets, specifically cats and dogs, have a low likelihood of developing allergies from the same pets when they grow up. But a new study implies that it is likely only if those children have been living with their pets since they were still infants. This research confirms that exposure to pets as early as the first year of a childs life will put the allergens at bay.

RELATED: If you want to see other ideal pets for your children, read our post about the 10 Most Gullible and Lovable Pets.

Does Chihuahua Help Asthma

No. This is a myth and Chihuahuas do not really help cure or eliminate asthma symptoms.

In fact: no dog can cure any medical condition more so a chronic condition like asthma.

You might have heard of certain dog breeds being used for medicinal purposes. However, a Chihuahua treating or curing asthma is definitely a myth and it does not work.

There are many good and bad reasons to get a Chihuahua as a pet:

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Everything Allergy And Asthma Related

Take Away Point if youre too tried to read the whole article:

If there was a dog that lived in the house while the mother was pregnant or during the first year of the childs life, then that child could be protected for allergic disease up to about 6 years of age.

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Wait a second, sleeping with a Chihuahua MIGHT actually help my asthma?!?

As a doctor you hear plenty of old wives tales: cold weather will give you a cold, feed a fever/starve a cold, dont drink milk while sick, if you keep making those faces your face will stay like that . . . but one in particular always made me chuckle, if you sleep with a Chihuahua it will cure your asthma.

It made me chuckle since many of asthmatic patients also have allergic triggers, and whats a common allergy trigger dogs. . But one lecture at the recent American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology made me think, hey maybe Ive had it wrong with this Chihuahua business!

What was my take away from this lecture? I should definitely still clean my house, use antibiotics ONLY for bacterial infections , and that having my dog sleep in my bed is a medical necessity!

I might be well over 1 year of age, and my dog might only be part Chihuahua, but if my exercise-induced asthma miraculously disappears I will DEFINITELY keep yall posted!

Arya Best dog ever #notbiasedatall

References:

Can I Use My Inhaler On My Dog

Just as inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease in humans, inhaled medication is used to treat respiratory disease in dogs. Although it may seem difficult to give an inhaler to a dog, administering these medications is simple if you have the right equipment and a little bit of patience!

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Why Does My Chihuahua Sound Like He Cant Breathe

It sounds like the dog is trying to inhale a sneeze, and it is therefore known as reverse sneezing. Reverse sneezing is often caused by irritation of the palate/laryngeal area. It causes a spasm in the muscles of the pharynx. Reverse sneezing is characterized by honking, hacking or snorting sounds .

• Can I have a cat if I have asthma?

Do Chihuahuas Take Your Asthma Away?

Can cats prevent asthma? But did you know that they can also help prevent asthma in newborns? That is the conclusion of a new study by scientists from the Copenhagen Studies on Asthma in Childhood Research Center , Denmark. Cats neutralise the effect of a gene that, when activated, doubles the risk of developing asthma in children.

Are Bichon Frise good for people with asthma? A toy breed, Bichon Frise dont shed fur and dander like other dogs, making them a good choice for asthma or allergy sufferers.

What dogs are best for asthma sufferers? Afghan Hound. Afghan Hounds are known for being aloof and dignified. American Hairless Terrier. Bichon Frise. Chinese Crested. The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. Giant Schnauzer.

Diagnosing Asthma In Dogs

Unless your dog has an asthma attack in your veterinarians office, it can be a little tricky to diagnose the condition. Your veterinarian will rely on your description of the symptoms and your dogs medical history. Theyll ask you about how and when the symptoms occurred as well as any history of allergies or previous asthma attacks.

They will also conduct a nose to tail physical exam and potentially order blood tests, urinary analysis, and chest X-rays. These diagnostic tools can help rule out other illnesses, such as an infection, kennel cough, or bronchitis. In addition, your veterinarian may test for heartworm disease since it can show similar symptoms to asthma.

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How Do You Treat A Dog With Asthma

How is canine asthma treated?

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Why Do Chihuahuas Attach To One Person

For all their sass, most Chihuahuas enjoy an abundance of lap time and do not enjoy spending too much time outdoors. They are widely known to gravitate toward one person and reject new people, but that may be because dogs are more inclined to like those that are more in sync with their own personality.

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What To Do When A Dog Has An Asthma Attack

It can be frightening to watch your dog have trouble breathing, but you should do your best to stay calm. Dogs have a remarkable ability to pick up on our emotional states, and they may get more upset if they see that youre panicked.

You can try to calm your dog down by talking to them gently while you call your veterinary clinic for advice. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations over the phone, including whether or not you should bring them in for immediate medical treatment.

Research shows that dogs can understand our words and emotions. They also have stronger reactions to fear, anger, and happiness than sadness or disgust.