Does A Dog Really Cure Your Asthma?

A recent Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics study about dogs and asthma needs some more research before people should use it to justify getting a dog, a Long Island asthma physician says.

Asthma is triggered by many factors, including pet dander and possibly genetics, saidHarvey Miller, MD, asthma physician at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore. The JAMA Pediatrics study found that exposure to a dog within a child’s first year of life might help the child avoid getting asthma. The thought behind that is that being exposed to these allergens may help the child develop immunity toward them.

But, Dr. Miller thinks that this study requires more research before people run out to get a dog for their newborn.

“I don’t think this is a prescription to cure asthma,” Dr. Miller said. “What is so special about the first year of life? If you’re exposed to an animal later on, why isn’t that protective… But I think [the study is] very encouraging.”

Dr. Miller also noted that “many severe asthma attacks are triggered by dogs and cats.”

For people who are looking for ways to prevent getting asthma or better manage their asthma, here are some tips from Dr. Miller:

• Keep animals out of the bedroom
• Wash the animal frequently to get rid of dander
• Remove carpet and replace that with linoleum or other surfaces that can be better washed.
• Use a HEPA filter

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