What are the best pets for children with asthma

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of respiratory passages, and it can significantly affect the daily life of particularly younger children if not properly treated.

One significant issue is that asthma can be exacerbated by small particles such as pollen and dust, but also by animal hairs. This can mean it is difficult to know what pet to choose if your child suffers from asthma, or even whether to buy a pet at all.

However there are always good and attractive alternatives, so if you want to buy your asthmatic child an animal, here at OneHowTo we are going to explain what are the best pets for children with asthma.

One of the first things to think about when we live with a child who is asthmatic, is the difficulty of having a dog. The problem is that all dogs produce some dander particles, which can be harmful to people with asthma and allergies. Dander is microscopic flakes of skin shed by animals with fur, and can even trigger an asthma attack if someone is particularly sensitive.

However, the good news is that there are certain dog breeds which produce less dander, which is much better suited for asthmatic children.

Such races as the Yorkshire terrier, Irish Terrier, Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua or Shih Tzu, are good choices for children with asthma. However if the child has an acute case of asthma, it is best to consult your doctor before taking the animal.

Of course, there are plenty of other good options for pets beyond dogs, which can also be very interesting for the kids to look after.

Fish are a common alternative, in addition to becoming a great way to teach children the value of responsibility and care for the living. One advantage is that aquariums give a beautiful touch to our home, but they do require a bit of care.

A tortoise or turtle could also make a great pet for a child with asthma. While not offering the same level of interaction that a dog or cat, they do make great pets and will become very special and dear to your children. Some tortoise species can live for more than a 100 years so be sure you are ready to commit!

For more information, read our article about how to look after a turtle.

Other alternative pets for a child with asthma are the Iguana, Chameleon or a snake. While most parents might resist this idea because they are put of by the idea of keeping a reptile in the house, there are those who appreciate these species and do not fear them as pets.

If this is the case in your family, why not ask your child what they think about these animals and whether they would like one as a pet.