If you or any of your loved ones have asthma, you will keep looking for ways to get rid of it. Like any other condition, this is something that you don’t want to save for a long time. And if owning a cute dog is an option to eliminate this pesky illness, then what fantastic news! Here’s how Chihuahuas help with asthma.
Asthma Quick Facts
Asthma is c chronic and long-term health condition that affects the respiratory system, and it is characterized by wheezing, heavy breathing or breathlessness, coughing, and tightening of the chest. As of 2018, the Global Asthma Report says that about 1000 people die daily because of asthma, and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 235 million people worldwide have asthma.
Can Chihuahuas Help with Asthma?
What’s up with this Chihuahua-healing-asthma rumor? Where did this come from? The speculation came from the Aztecs and is as ancient as the 13th century. During those times, Aztecs believed that dogs absorbed the diseases of their owners and, as a result, treated the humans for their condition. This theory even resonated in the 1950s through this story:
A parent of a child with asthma brought home a Chihuahua one day. Since then, the child and the Chihuahua have become inseparable. Her asthma symptoms became less frequent when the child got older, and they noticed their Chihuahua started gasping simultaneously. That’s how Chihuahuas help with asthma.
In his article in U.S. News & World Report, Dr. Michael Blass wrote that in children with asthma, “many will have fewer symptoms as they get older. As chihuahuas age, they make a ‘wheezing’ sound when they breathe. Thus, the idea that the child’s asthma has transferred to the dog.” So to be clear, the fact that Chihuahuas help with asthma is a common myth and has no medical basis.
How Chihuahuas Can Help You
This charming little canine friend may not cure your asthma, but that doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy its presence. Its company alone is a good enough reason to give you loads of joy and positive returns. Chihuahuas are a beautiful breed and can be a fantastic addition to your household. Because they are tiny, they will adjust well to small spaces—perfect for your tiny apartment.
Children Can Benefit from Living with Pets
While no specific medical basis can still support the theory of Chihuahua helping with asthma, Amanda Gardner of Health.com confirms the bright side of living with pets. Children who live with pets, specifically cats and dogs, are less likely to develop allergies from the same pets when they grow up. While the Chihuahuas help with asthma myth isn’t true, there are other advantages.
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But a new study implies that it is likely only if those children have lived with their pets since they were still infants. This research confirms that exposure to pets as early as the first year of a child’s life will put the allergens at bay.
Why Choose a Chihuahua
Here are some facts about this tiny breed that will tickle your fancy:
- Chihuahuas have a long lifespan.
This is one fact that many dog lovers would love to know. A Chihuahua can live between 14 and 16 years! That means you can enjoy more than a decade of companionship with this canine friend.
- Chihuahuas are brainy.
If you think about fooling this dog, you will have a hard time. Aside from being highly intelligent, Chihuahuas have large brains. Considering their body dimension, they have giant brains in all breeds.
- Chihuahuas belong to the oldest breed.
In 1904, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the first Chihuahua named Midget as an official breed.
- Chihuahuas are colorful.
You will have several choices regarding color, and you can have a pure white Chihuahua or a black one. Other colors are fawn, chocolate, cream, gold, and mixed black-and-white or brown-and-white.
- They have a prominent personality.
Chihuahuas may be the smallest breed, but you cannot underestimate their size. Despite being the smallest, they have prominent and aggressive personalities and can be good watchdogs. If you still have doubts, watch this video from National Geo Wild.
- They are very devoted.
The Chihuahua is an ideal companion dog. It loves to spend quality time with its owner, and—like other dogs—you can expect it to be very loyal.
Your pet Chihuahua is a perfect companion dog. It wouldn’t mind tagging you in parks or other recreational areas. The fact that Chihuahuas help with asthma may be a myth, but they still make great pets for you and your family.
