Skip to content

Asthma & Pets

Asthma and Pets infographic


This information has been reviewed and approved by Mike Van Dyke, PhD, CIH (May 2013).

Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: 


Summary: Pets and Asthma- Breathe Better Around Your Four-Legged Friends


Pet hair isn't the problem - it's what it carries: a protein in animal dander, saliva and urine triggers asthma and allergies.  Here are some tips to reduce your asthma symptoms around pets:

Reduce Exposure

  • Wash or brush dogs and cats often to remove dander
  • Keep them out of the bedroom
  • Keep them outside when possible
  • Place covered cat litter boxes away from main living spaces

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Round up the following ingredients, then visit our website for cleaning supply recipes:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Lemon juice
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Cooking oil

Reduce Dander

  • Clean walls and hard surfaces
  • Wash "dust catchers" like stuffed animals, bedspreads and curtains
  • Vacuum carpet and damp mop floors twice weekly
  • Replace carpet with hard flooring and machine washable rugs