Assuming it’s asthma due to shaving golden doodle
I have had asthma in and off for years. However, I usually only use my breathing machine and inhaler when seasons change.. 1-2 times a year. Have to use them 2x a DAY FOR A MONTH NOW. The only thing different is I had to have my dog almost completely shaved due to knots a month ago. My first sign it may be the dog.. gave him a bath, had full blown asthma attack closed up in shower w him. Had anyone else had any breathing issues with dander shedding so much worse without his hair?
This is a very good issue to start in conversation here on our site. Thanks! I hope that you are getting better around your beloved pet. Have you been diagnosed with asthma? Seen a specialist? The first time I had issues with breathing was when my brother found 4 kittens and brought them home for an extended period of time. I thought it was a cold, but turned out I had asthma. needless to say, we had to get rid of them. I bet the shaving of your precious pet resulted in more shedding of the specific protein in the dog's skin when bathing than when it had a coat to trap the dander, causing an increase in your reaction and worsening your asthma. I certainly hope others in the community chime in and offer up their experiences. Wishing you better days of breathing ahead. Rebecca (community moderator)
Thank you Rebecca so much! I'll be seeing a pulmanologist on the 12th and I agree, it may be the dog. I'm just in a constant state of not being able to breathe out without heaviness and wheezing. Moved the dog for 3 days hoping to feel a change, but haven't so far. Just can't figure out why as a kid I had asthma until age 19. Stayed away from triggers, dust, shellfish and never had any issues till I was 48 years old!!! Weird!!! Thank you again so much!
Thanks for returning with a response. Sometimes when you move a pet out of a room or home, it takes time for the allergen to be removed from the environment. Have you cleaned and vacuumed since moving your beloved dog? You may find a gradual decrease in these symptoms. So glad you are heading to your pulmonologist soon - you may, as many do, have multiple triggers. There are allergens, irritants, exercise or activity, mental state, indoor air quality, GERD, foods, medications, smoking, and even viral infections that lead to attacks. You can find more info under the topic of TRIGGERS in our pull-down menu up to the left. I hope you get some answers soon. Thanks for sharing - Rebecca (community moderator)
Thank you so much for your story. I too have learned things to stay away from especially when I was younger i.e. dust, shellfish and now I'm truly thinking the dog, however, I've been leaving him in the basement and outside during the day playing just to see if my wheezing gets any better and so far, it has not. This seems to feel like swollen breathing tubes, no chest congestion, but very hard to breathe out...constant wheezing. Seeing a doctor on the 12th!
Hi again,
, and thank you for acknowledging my shared experience, too! As an addendum, after all these years, my (grown and married) daughter and her husband got a cat. I am not fond of cats at all. However, this one, is the most adorable cat and easy to read, too. I've taken to the cat in a big, big way. Interestingly enough, the cat has taken to me as well. When I am visiting them, I always have my rescue inhaler and (allergy) eye drops with me. The cat lets me pet him, even looks for it and I am all too happy to accommodate. I even am able to nuzzle with the cat. (My family cannot believe this is me!!).
All this to say, immediately after being so close to the cat, I wash my hands and face and continue about our activities for the visit. I am so happy to be able to share, I have had no (as in 'not one!') untoward reaction during the visits.
I want to wish you 'good luck!' when you go to see the pulmonologist. Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you. We have a genuine concern for your good health!
Warm regards,
Leon L (author / site moderator asthma.net)
