What is COPD?

What are the triggers for COPD?

• Tobacco smoke (both first-hand and second-hand smoking)
• Chemical fumes released from toxic cleaning products, paints, and other solvents
• Dust (produced both indoors and outdoors)
• Pet dander (tiny bits of skin shed by animals)
• Strong smell produced from perfumes, scented candles and air fresheners
• Indoor pollution by the fumes released during cooking, oil heaters, etc.
• Outdoor air pollution
• Extreme weather (too hot or too cold)
• Pollen allergies (during spring and autumn seasons).

Can having a pet aggravate COPD?

What precautions can people with COPD and pets take?

• A clean and groomed pet can make a substantial difference. Regular bathing and brushing the pet can minimize the dander from spreading.

• People with COPD should avoid engaging in grooming and bathing of the pet themselves. A professional, family member or friend could help with this.

• Brushing and cleaning the pet should always be done outside the house so as to minimise the spread of dander and fur inside the house. Wear a mask during the cleaning.

• Toys, litter boxes and cages of the pets should be thoroughly cleaned, while wearing a mask, to minimise any contact with dander, fur, urine and saliva.

• COPD patient must not let their pet come in close proximity to their face as the germs and fluff dander are more likely to spread this way and can negatively aggravate the disease.

• Regular visits to the vet must be ensured to keep the pet updated on the vaccination schedule.

• One can use professional products such as pet wipes as they do not strip the natural oils from the fur but can effectively clean the animal.

• The frequency of the pet’s baths should not be too often as it could lead to dry skin which results in more shedding.

• A high-efficiency particulate air purifier (HEPA purifier) can help keep the home from the dander accumulated in dust particles, which land on various surfaces across the house.

• Use of vacuum cleaners all around the house is recommended to get rid of pet dander. Vacuum bags are easier to clean, thereby reducing the risk of dander spreading via the air. Make sure that the carpets in the house are cleaned thoroughly.

• The bedroom should be kept as a sanitized, dander and fur-free area, by keeping pets away from here.

Takeaway

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