Doctor warns dog owners they should never share a bed with their pet this autumn

dailyrecord.co.uk:

As the weather in the UK is gradually getting colder, you may be tempted to let your dog sleep in bed with you.But sharing a bed with your furry friend can pose a number of different health risks, and one doctor has advised that it should be avoided at all costs.The fur that they often shed can trigger dangerous allergies in humans, whilst the skin that they shed - known as dander - can be a real problem for humans if it's inhaled.Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explained to RSVP Live: "Pet dander is a common cause of allergy in children and adults.

Encountering pet dander can cause allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, hives and asthma symptoms. When you breathe the animal dander particles into your lungs, your body's immune cells recognise the dog or cat antigen as a foreign substance posing a threat to your health."As a result, an inflammatory reaction is initiated, and an antibody called Ig E is released.

Cells called mast cells release histamine, which causes smooth muscle contraction, causing the airways to constrict, meaning you cannot get so much air into the lungs.

Histamine also causes an increase in bronchial secretions and swelling. This is why pet-induced asthma gives you all those unpleasant asthma symptoms - cough, wheeze and feel chest tightness and shortness of breath."As well as this, sleep experts at Happy Beds have also warned of the dangers of sharing a bed with your pet as they may have fleas.