Did you know that dogs, and even cats, can have asthma and other allergic reactions just like humans? Yes, it’s true! It might sound surprising, but vets have confirmed that pet-asthma exists and pets like us can suffer from emotional triggers, including dust mites, pollen, smoke, and mold. Several studies have shown that about 10 to 15% of dogs experience some form of allergy. These studies have also demonstrated that a smaller percentage can develop chronic bronchitis or asthma-like symptoms.
If you think outdoor pets are more affected, then you are wrong. Indoor pets are often more affected than outdoor ones, and there is a reason for this. Indoor pets are constantly more exposed to household irritants like air fresheners, synthetic bedding, cleaning sprays, and other chemicals pet parents use in their homes.
In the case of outdoor pets, some of them are so sensitive that a walk across freshly cut grass can cause a series of sneezing bouts or, worse, a coughing spell. Just like humans, these symptoms can worsen over time if left unmanaged. This is why it is essential to learn about them; it is not something most people think about.
A viral tweet with more than 211,000 likes showed a dog reacting dramatically to sniffing grass, only for the captions to reveal what was wrong. The dog had asthma and allergies. Unsurprisingly, the internet laughed, but it was different for pet parents, as it hit a little too close to home.
So, yes! Dogs can have asthma, and many pups suffer from environmental allergies, especially grass, dust, and pollen. If your furry friend has ever wheezed after a roll in the grass or coughed on a dry winter day, take note. You might be dealing with more than just a case of the zoomies.
However, like always, there is good news. You do not need to be a vet or spend a fortune to help your furry friend breathe easier. With a few simple home hacks and a better understanding of the symptoms, you can turn your home into a safer and more soothing space. In this article, we will discuss pet asthma and grass allergies, signs that your pets might be struggling, vet-backed advice, and simple DIY-friendly home solutions. Let’s get into it and help give all the Fidos out there the fresh air they deserve.
Common Symptoms of Pet Asthma or Allergies
Now that we have established that asthma and allergies in dogs are real, especially in small breeds or dogs with narrow airways like Pugs and Yorkies, we can move to what triggers them and their symptoms. Airborne irritants like smoke, dust, and pollen often trigger asthma or allergies in dogs. They usually result in inflammation in the airways, making breathing harder for your dog.
Veterinarians have noted a significant increase in canine asthma and allergy cases. This is not because the condition is new; it is because more pet owners are aware and are catching the symptoms earlier.
Since dogs cannot say, “Hey, I can’t breathe,” the following are common symptoms to watch out for:
- Coughing or wheezing, especially after activities like rolling in the grass or playing in the yard
- Shortness of breath or open-mouth breathing
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Nasal discharge or frequent sneezing
- Itchy skin or excessive licking (especially their paws)
- Blue or pale gums (in extreme cases, this is an emergency!)
- Fatigue or exercise intolerance.
If your dog shows several signs regularly, it might be an emergency. You might need to take your pet to the vet. However, in the meantime, you can do many things at home to help make them feel better. Don’t worry; they are natural, pet-safe, and affordable.
Home Hacks to Help Your Pet Breathe Better
The following are some easy and affordable hacks that will help improve your dog’s air quality and reduce allergy triggers:
Strategic Air Filter Placement
Just like humans with asthma, dogs can also benefit from cleaner air. Use HEPA filters, or upgrade your HVAC filters in rooms where your dog spends the most time. It could be their crate area, your bedroom, or the living room. Studies have shown that HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles, including pollen, dander, and dust mites.
To make it even better, you can elevate your dog’s head off the ground and position it away from the vents, radiators, or doors. This will help to reduce their exposure to drafts and dust.
Use a Humidifier, Especially in Winter
Dry air can irritate your dog’s lungs. In colder months, the air inside your house gets extra dry, which can make asthma worse. A cool-mist humidifier in your dog’s sleeping area can moisten their airways and reduce coughs. Clean the humidifier regularly; moldy mist is not a good idea.
Switch to Hypoallergenic Bedding
Many pet beds are filled with cheap foam that collects dust and can trigger allergic reactions. Look for pet beds labeled “ hypoallergenic” or use natural fiber covers like cotton or bamboo. Make sure you wash bedding in hot water weekly to kill dust mites. Also, you should avoid scented detergents and fabric softeners. This is because fragrance is a common trigger for pets.
Daily Paw Wipe After Walks
If your dog is allergic to grass or pollen, it is probably tracking irritants indoors and then licking them off later. Use unscented baby wipes or a warm, damp cloth to wipe your dog’s paws and belly after every walk. This will ensure you remove surface allergens before they spread around the house.
Avoid Using Scented Candles and Sprays
That vanilla or lavender-scented candle might smell amazing to you, but it could be a nightmare for your dog’s lungs. Go fragrance-free. Choose natural cleaning products and skip the air fresheners altogether. Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree are toxic to dogs, even in diffusers.
Vacuums
This may be shocking to you, but yes, vacuums! Dust, dander, and pollen quickly build up in rugs, curtains, and furniture. Vacuum high-traffic areas, especially where your dogs hang out, twice a week. Use a vacuum with a pet-specific filter or HEPA attachments for the best results. If you can, keep your dog out of freshly vacuumed rooms for a bit; it kicks up allergies temporarily.
Create an Allergy-Free Play Zone
Designate one room in your home as a clean-air haven. Keep it closed from outdoor exposure with filtered air, minimal carpets, and polygenic bedding. Use this room for downtime, crate rest, or even overnight sleeping if your dog’s symptoms worsen at night.
When to Call the Vet
While these home hacks can help, asthma is not something to manage alone. If your dog coughs daily, seems lethargic, and often struggles to breathe, don’t wait. Book a vet visit. Tracking the symptoms and how often they occur can help your vet make a faster, more accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary medications.
Your vet might suggest the following:
- Bronchodilators (like canine inhalers)
- Antihistamines or steroids
- Allergy testing
- Prescription food changes
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots).
In Conclusion
It is easy to panic when your dog sounds like they are struggling to breathe. But with a bit of knowledge and a few smart home tweaks, you can help your furry friend live more comfortably without breaking the bank.
You are your dog’s best advocate; trust your instincts, make a plan, and do not hesitate to ask your vet questions. After all, your dog will do the same for you. So take a deep breath, and help Fido take one too.
Paw-sitive Reminder: Every dog is different. What works for one might not work for another. Start simple, track symptoms, and adjust as you go.
