As COVID-19 continues to keep doors to gyms and yoga studios shuttered, dogs are playing a more prominent role as workout buddies for people seeking safe ways to exercise outdoors.

Just ask my dogs, Kona and Bujeau. Since the “shelter in place” order was declared in mid-March, only an occasional rain shower has stopped us from our daily two-mile walks around our neighborhood in Dallas. We also engage in twice-a-day mini-fetching sessions in our fenced backyard.

Chorizo and Cocoa used to go to doggy day care at least three times a week, until it had to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now they’re home all the time, but their parents are still working, so the family had to get a little creative to keep them entertained.

By now you’ve probably seen one of the “cats vs. cucumbers” video compilations that have swept the internet.

While these videos are funny to watch (though more on that below), you may have come away with a common question:

There are many people that are allergic to cats and dogs, as well as other furry friends. They may start sneezing, coughing, develop a scratchy sore throat, and have red, watery or itchy eyes and even develop skin rashes. In the most severe circumstances, they may also have difficulty breathing. But why does this happen, and what can be done to prevent it?

Have you ever seen pictures of pet owners giving something to their pets via a clear tube/mask? Those pets likely have the disease called asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the respiratory system resulting in breathing difficulty, and it is not limited to humans. The causes, symptoms and treatment of asthma in pets are very similar to asthma in humans. It can occur at any age in your pet, but most commonly in younger pets. Some pet breeds, such as Siamese and Himalayan cats, are more susceptible to developing asthma. While there is still no “cure,” proper management of the symptoms and asthma attacks can help your pet to breathe better and live normally.