Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect millions of individuals in the United States alone. It’s also the most commonly seen chronic condition among children, affecting over six million school-aged kids.
With millions of asthmatic individuals, there are many myths about what alleviates the symptoms of this common condition. One of these might be dogs curing or easing asthma symptoms – to be more specific, Chihuahuas.
Our article will dive deep into this topic to see if there’s a link between Chihuahuas and asthmatics. Read to the end to discover if this is just another myth about asthma.
Can Chihuahuas Cure Asthma?
Let’s get to the point right away. Are there any studies proving that Chihuahuas can cure asthma? The answer is no. There’s no scientific basis for the claim that Chihuahuas can cure asthma. In fact, there’s no cure for asthma currently. There are only medications that can keep asthma in check to help asthmatics live a normal life, such as inhalers.
Additionally, there’s no evidence proving that a Chihuahua can ease an individual’s symptoms. It might as well be the other way around. Although not everyone who has asthma is allergic to pets, those with allergic asthma may notice their symptoms getting worse around animals.
There are also claims that suggest having specific types of Chihuahuas, like deer head Chihuahuas, around will ease asthma symptoms. One of the commonly brought up Chihuahua types for people with asthma is the deer head Chihuahua.
While deer head Chihuahuas are many things, there is no evidence suggesting they can ease asthma symptoms. However, a deer head Chihuahua, or any other Chihuahua, can be a loving dog that provides companionship to someone with asthma.
Where Does This Myth Come From?
Like many other myths, there are no exact known origins. However, there have been studies in the past to see if having dogs, including chihuahuas, can help ease symptoms of asthma. As you can expect, none of the studies pointed out that Chihuahuas (or other breeds) can indeed help individuals with asthma.
One reason that may explain the origins of this myth is the airway syndromes that affect Chihuahuas. As Chihuahuas age, they may be susceptible to noisy breathing, known as stertor. The myth may arise from thinking that if you bring home a Chihuahua, the child’s asthma will transfer into the dog over time.
Since asthma symptoms in children typically improve as they age into adolescence, and Chihuahuas develop noisy breathing, people might put the two together and come to this conclusion.
Nonetheless, there’s no relation between Chihuahuas and asthmatics, regardless of where this myth might come from. If you or a family member have asthma or asthmatic symptoms, the only place that can help is the office of an allergist or an immunologist.
Other Misconceptions About Asthma
Chihuahuas curing asthma is a myth, but it’s not the only one. Here are a few other myths about asthma you might’ve heard.
- You Will Outgrow Asthma: It’s common for children to improve their asthmatic symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood. However, this doesn’t mean they will never develop symptoms again. Millions of adults who had asthmatic symptoms during childhood re-develop their symptoms as they age.
- People With Asthma Shouldn’t Exercise: Exercise is crucial for our well-being. It improves our cardiovascular and lung health, which is essential in managing asthma.
- You Must Wheeze: Some think that you must wheeze to have asthma. If you’re not wheezing, then you’re not asthmatic. Although wheezing is a common symptom, many individuals with asthma don’t show clear signs of wheezing.
- Asthma Medications Are Unsafe: Just like the belief that vaccines are harmful, there are claims that asthma medications are unsafe. Asthma medications are very safe and are essential for managing one’s symptoms.
There’s No Relation Between Chihuahuas and Asthma
Chihuahuas curing or easing the symptoms of asthma is a myth. There’s no basis for the claim that a Chihuahua, or any other dog, will help people with asthma. The only thing that a Chihuahua can help someone with asthma is being a loyal companion.
If you’re considering adopting a Chihuahua believing that it will help your or a family member’s asthmatic symptoms, now you know that it’s just a myth. There’s no relation between Chihuahuas and asthmatics.
