From the Guidelines
Owning dogs as pets generally poses a low risk for lung disease in most people. However, some individuals may develop allergic reactions or hypersensitivity pneumonitis from exposure to dog allergens, particularly proteins found in dog dander, saliva, and urine. According to the British guideline on the management of asthma 1, animal allergens, particularly cat and dog, are a potent cause of asthma symptoms. Dog-related allergies can trigger asthma symptoms or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions in sensitive individuals. People with compromised immune systems may face a slightly higher risk of zoonotic infections that could affect the lungs, though this is uncommon with proper pet care. For those concerned about potential respiratory issues, regular home cleaning, using HEPA air filters, keeping dogs out of bedrooms, and washing hands after handling pets can significantly reduce exposure to allergens. Bathing dogs regularly (every 1-2 weeks) can also decrease allergen levels. Some key points to consider:
- The removal of pets from a home may not improve asthma control, as suggested by observational studies 1
- Maintaining a high exposure to dog allergen in the domestic environment might actually induce some degree of tolerance
- Proper hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning and handwashing, can minimize the risks associated with dog ownership These risks should be weighed against the numerous health benefits of dog ownership, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and enhanced psychological well-being. Most people can safely own dogs without developing lung problems if proper hygiene practices are maintained.
From the Research
Risk of Lung Disease Associated with Dog Ownership
The risk of lung disease associated with owning dogs as pets is a complex topic, with various studies yielding different results.
- A study published in 2009 2 found that pet allergy, including dog allergy, may be a common perennial allergen in the United States, and that early life exposure to domestic pets and endotoxin may have controversial effects on clinical sensitivity.
- Another study from 1996 3 noted that allergy to pets, particularly when manifested as asthma, is an important health hazard, and that avoidance of pets can minimize the health impact of severe clinical disease associated with pet allergy.
- A 2004 study 4 investigated the effect of pet ownership and exposure to indoor allergens on lung function in 3-year-old children and found that there was no effect of cat or dog ownership on lung function, but that sensitized children exposed to high levels of sensitizing allergen had significantly poorer lung function.
- A 1992 study 5 found that the reported prevalence of respiratory allergy and symptoms was lower among children of current pet owners than among children of parents who owned no pets, but that past pet ownership was associated with a higher prevalence of pet allergy and doctor-diagnosed asthma.
- A 2008 study 6 found that dog ownership in early childhood was associated with a significantly lower rate of mixed pollen and inhalant sensitisation, but not with dog sensitisation or allergic symptoms and diseases up to age 6 years.
Key Findings
- Dog ownership may be associated with a lower risk of inhalant sensitisation in early childhood 6.
- Exposure to dog allergens may be associated with poorer lung function in sensitized children 4.
- Avoidance of pets can minimize the health impact of severe clinical disease associated with pet allergy 3.
- Past pet ownership may be associated with a higher prevalence of pet allergy and doctor-diagnosed asthma 5.
Allergens and Lung Function
- The most important dog allergen is Can f 1 2.
- Sensitized children exposed to high levels of sensitizing allergen had significantly poorer lung function 4.
- Maternal and paternal asthma, and the combination of sensitization and exposure to sensitizing allergen, were independent significant associates of lung function 4.