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Are Your Pets Causing You Lung Infections With Their Fur? Know What Study Says

The bond and affection with pets is not unknown. They're not animals but family members that eat, sleep and live with us, making our lives better and stress-free. We love them so unconditionally that we don't think about the fact that they are still animals who can cause infections. Did you know that the fur on your pets might be giving you a lung infection. Do you often find yourself sneezing? Do you have sinus? Do you frequently fall sick? This might be the reason.

How are pets causing lung infections?

Pets such as cats and dogs with fur shed small particles called dander. Dander comprises tiny flakes of skin and fur that can float in the air and settle on furniture and floors. When we breathe in these particles, they can enter our lungs, potentially causing irritation.

Some people might be allergic to dander and not know about it. When they breathe it in, their immune system reacts, causing inflammation in the airways. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it may trigger asthma attacks or other respiratory problems.

What does the study say?

According to the National Institutes Of Health, People who already suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the body's cells might be at the risk of getting lung infection due to pet fur. Early exposure to cats/dogs may cause wheezing in pet owners, possibly due to allergens, immune changes, or germs spread by pets.

The study also said that while owning a cat was linked to nasal polyps, and owning both a cat and dog was linked to more wheezing, there was no clear evidence that pet ownership should be avoided. So that is a relief! Although, it is necessary to take preventative measures to avoid any fungal, bacterial and other infections from your pets.

What measures can be taken to avoid lung infection?

Pets are emotional healers and there is no way people can be asked to avoid having pets at home. You can ensure your safety with these simple measures. To minimize risk of lung infections, regular grooming and cleaning of your pets can help reduce the amount of dander and bacteria in the home. It's also essential to maintain good ventilation and hygiene.

Health Risks Of Sharing Your Bed With Your Pet As Doctor Issues Warning

As the September warmth gives way to cooler days, it seems autumn has truly arrived, ushering in a time for winter clothes and snug sleepwear.

Some might even welcome their pets under the duvet on chillier nights, a practice less appealing during the heat of summer. However, a doctor warns against letting your dog snuggle up with you in bed due to potential health risks.

Experts point out that pet hairs can trigger allergic reactions, while animal dander those tiny skin flakes shed by any warm-blooded creature with fur or feathers might lead to breathing difficulties if breathed in, reports the Mirror.

RSVP Live received advice from Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who said, "Pet dander is a common cause of allergy in children and adults. Encountering pet dander can cause allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, hives and asthma symptoms. When you breathe the animal dander particles into your lungs, your body's immune cells recognise the dog or cat antigen as a foreign substance posing a threat to your health."

They continued: "As a result, an inflammatory reaction is initiated, and an antibody called Ig E is released. Cells called mast cells release histamine, which causes smooth muscle contraction, causing the airways to constrict, meaning you cannot get so much air into the lungs.

You should keep pets out of the bedroom to avoid the potential risks (Image: Getty Images)

"Histamine also causes an increase in bronchial secretions and swelling. This is why pet-induced asthma gives you all those unpleasant asthma symptoms - cough, wheeze and feel chest tightness and shortness of breath."

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Additionally, Happy Beds experts have highlighted that having pets in bed can pose further risks if the animals carry fleas, as these parasites might bite you instead. Shockingly, almost one in four (23 percent) of dogs may have fleas, indicating the importance of regular checks and flea treatment for your pets.

Furthermore, there's alarming news that 86 percent of dogs and 32 percent of cats harbour Enterobacteriaceae bacteria including salmonella, E. Coli, and shigella linked to human gastroenteritis.

These bacteria are more likely to be transmitted through close contact, like cuddling with pets in bed. The best preventive measure? Keep your pets out of your sleep space altogether.

Doctor Issues Warning And Tells Dog Owners To Never Share A Bed With Their Pooch

It might be tempting to share your bed with your dog as the weather starts to get colder, but one doctor has said you should never do it - as it could pose a health risk

Letting your dog in your bed could pose a health risk (stock photo) (

Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

After a balmy start to September, temperatures finally seem to be cooling and autumn as we know it is beginning to settle in. This means it'll soon be time to swap to your winter wardrobe and cosy pyjamas, and many of us might even feel tempted to allow our furry friends to cuddle in bed with us - which we would never cope with in the sweaty summer nights.

But according to one doctor, you should actually never let your dog into your bed, as it could pose a serious health risk. Experts claim that shedding fur can set off allergies in humans, while animal dander - which is tiny flakes of skin shed by humans or warm-blooded animals with fur, hair, or feathers - can cause problems with your breathing if inhaled.

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained to RSVP Live: "Pet dander is a common cause of allergy in children and adults. Encountering pet dander can cause allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, hives and asthma symptoms. When you breathe the animal dander particles into your lungs, your body's immune cells recognise the dog or cat antigen as a foreign substance posing a threat to your health.

"As a result, an inflammatory reaction is initiated, and an antibody called Ig E is released. Cells called mast cells release histamine, which causes smooth muscle contraction, causing the airways to constrict, meaning you cannot get so much air into the lungs. Histamine also causes an increase in bronchial secretions and swelling. This is why pet-induced asthma gives you all those unpleasant asthma symptoms - cough, wheeze and feel chest tightness and shortness of breath."

On top of the issues caused by animal dander, experts at Happy Beds stressed that if your pet has fleas, it can pose a risk if you allow it into your bed as these bloodsucking creatures can end up feasting on you instead of your pet. According to a recent survey, almost one in four (23%) dogs were found to have fleas, so it's important to check your animal regularly and use a flea treatment or flea prevention product where needed.

What's more, 86% of dogs and 32% of cats tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria that includes salmonella, E. Coli, and shigella, which are common causes of gastroenteritis in humans. These bacteria are passed on more easily when you cuddle with your pet in bed, so the best way to avoid them is to keep your furry friends away from your sleeping area.

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