I want to get pet rats but the only place I could keep them would be my bedroom. My mum says that they will have a bad effect on my asthma. Is this true, and if true, what could be done to minimise the effect?
2007-02-06 06:18:39 · 8 answers · asked by Dom 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
well, any pet can aggravate asthma's because of the dander, but rodents especially because of the shavings in their cages and they just have a reputation of being dirtier.
but if you have your heart set on it, you can use other types of things to put in the cage besides shavings, they sell pellets and other things that you put in instead that would cut down on dust.
also, you could get a air purifier for your room (if you don't already have one). they can be pricey, but it helped my asthma a lot for when i slept and i just felt better.
you could also put on dust covers on you mattress and pillows to help with more airborne particles that the rats could bring in just as another way to plead your case.
other than that just make sure you clean the cage on a very regular basis and wash your hand and what not after wards.
i don't know how sever your asthma is, but as long is it's mild-moderate, you can normally work your way around things.
good luck! sorry for the lengthy answer.
2007-02-06 06:31:47 · answer #1 · answered by Sam B. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anything can aggravate asthma's you just have to be careful
Do you know anyone with a pet rat? If you have, have you stayed over there house overnight, if you have did you have any reaction.
I have asthma and the things that trigger my asthma are dust and cats. If I stay over at my friend’s house, they have 3 cats and by the next day I have trouble breathing and have a full cold. But if I stay round there for a few hours nothing happens.
There is a site which has Asthma Prevention Tips for Home and Work -
http://health.yahoo.com/topic/asthma/prevention/article/islco/Asthma_ASTH_prevention_tips
This has the following information on pets: -
Pet Dander - Pets shed dead skin flakes that are sticky and adhere to any surface in your home. When breathed into your lungs, they can trigger a reaction.
The most effective treatment is to avoid animals that trigger your symptoms.
If you wish to keep your pet, make your bedroom off limits.
Ask someone without asthma to bathe your cat or dog, or to clean out your pet's cage or litter box on a weekly basis. Animals should be brushed outside to reduce the volume of dander and loose hairs.
Because pet dander will travel right through a vacuum cleaner, use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters.
Vacuuming does not clean up the deeper part of the rug. Frequent steam cleaning is preferable. Hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors would be best.
Consider alternative pets such as turtles, fish, or snakes.
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2007-02-07 02:00:04 · answer #2 · answered by Angela G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I've had asthma for 14 years now and have seen several doctors. The truth is, there is no known cure for asthma at the moment. But the symptoms can be prevented. It really depends on what causes your brother's asthma. Mine is usually dust and hot weather. But I think the universal method is using the control inhaler.
I cured my Asthma the natural way?
2016-05-15 06:57:48 · answer #3 · answered by Kelly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything furry can affect your asthma if furry animals are one of your triggers. If they arent then yahoo its rats for you. Mind you, with asthma quite often animals can be a trigger. Birds, cats, dogs, hamsters etc. You could try snakes, they are interesting.
2007-02-06 06:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by jeanimus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that depends on what sets your asthma off, ive had rats for years and they make excellent pets my husband has asthma and it dosent bother him, if i was you get a rat and enjoy. if it sets off your asthma take it down stairs at nightime.
2007-02-07 06:35:19 · answer #5 · answered by Future Sailor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They could. I don't have asthma but am very allergic to rodents, and when I'm around them I can't breathe.
2007-02-06 06:21:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm asthmatic and my rat doesn't bother me at all. you have to use an aspen bedding or something like care fresh or corn cob bedding. pine or cedar bedding release phenols which are toxic to rodents. female rats will want to be more independant and want to explore more and males will want to be with you more. i have a male and he just loves to go everywhere with me. if you have any questions you can e-mail me. rats are prone to respiratory conditions so don't put it near your window.
2007-02-06 11:01:23 · answer #7 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try going to the petshop and asking them!they will no!
2007-02-06 06:21:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋