Physician Advises Asthma Patients On Keeping Pets

A physician, Dr Falodun Olarewaju has advised asthma patients against keeping dogs and cats as pets as their furs could trigger attack.

Olarewaju told newsmen that patients allergic to furs should also avoid stuffy environment and hard perfumes.

According to him, when an asthma patient comes in contact with such substances, their airways may be obstructed, thereby causing attack.

Speaking on the social benefits of pet keeping, the physician said that kids could benefit from the companionship and relationships they share with the animals.

He said “Caring for pets is a great learning experience especially for kids, it teaches them to be responsible, gentle, and have respect for other living beings.”

The physician explained, however, that they could also transmit infections to humans, especially kids.

Olarewaju said that some pets carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that could cause illnesses.

He stated that humans could contact animal-borne diseases when they’re bitten, scratched or have contact with an animal waste, or saliva.

The physician noted that children under five were more vulnerable because their immune systems were still developing.

He advised that pets should well be taken care of, adding that proper feeding and periodic visits to the veterinary clinics were essential.