If you’re allergic to pets and can’t have one in your home, then you might think that you can never experience the joy of having a pet. But that’s not true! Even if you’re sensitive to pets, there are many hypoallergenic pet options for you. Let’s see if you can find one that will fit your needs.
What is a Hypoallergenic Pet?
When someone is allergic to pets, it is often due to the pet’s dander. Dander is the dead skin cells that fall off a pet and are present in its fur. Allergies occur when a person’s immune system sees the pet dander as a foreign substance and creates antibodies to fight it. But some pets shed less than others, and some produce less dander than others. These hypoallergenic pets are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are allergic to pets. People experience allergies to pets in many different ways. In some cases, a person may simply be allergic to the pet’s saliva. For others, the pet’s dander is the culprit. And for others, it could be both.
How to Choose a Hypoallergenic Pet?
Unfortunately, there is no official breed chart that lists pets from least to most allergenic. However, there are some ways to choose a hypoallergenic pet.
– Look for breeds that are low-shedding or non-shedding. Ask a veterinarian which breeds they recommend.
– Consider your living situation. Would you prefer a pet that doesn’t require a lot of space? Or would you rather have a pet that will enjoy exploring outside?
– Do you travel often? If so, you’ll want to consider a pet that can travel with you.
– What is your budget? Some low-allergy breeds can be more expensive than others.
Fish
Fish are one of the most hypoallergenic pets out there. Depending on the specific fish, they can be easier to care for than many other pets. Though fish don’t have the same level of companionship as dogs and cats, they are certainly a great addition to any household. Fish are great for people who are allergic to cats and dogs but want a pet. Some of the most popular fish include goldfish, corydoras, and bettas. You can also select fish like the clown loach, glass loach, or panda loach. Other good choices include the rainbowfish, bristle nose fish, and harlequin rasbora.
Canaries, Finches, Parakeets
Canaries, finches, and parakeets are all birds that are considered hypoallergenic. They are great pets for people with allergies because they produce very little dander. So, unlike cats and dogs, they will not be releasing dander into the air and triggering allergies. These birds are also easy to clean and maintain, so caring for them won’t be too much of a hassle. Parakeets are one of the most common pets for people with allergies. However, you should be aware that some parakeets are more allergenic than others. Stay away from the large and extremely brightly colored parakeets. Instead, look for smaller, plainer birds.
“Hypoallergenic” Cats
There are some breeds of cats that are often advertised as hypoallergenic. Among “hypoallergenic” cats, Persians and Himalayans tend to cause the least amount of allergies. However, they are still major allergens, particularly for those who are allergic to cats. These cats produce a lot of dander and saliva, so they can cause reactions in people who are sensitive to cats. The best types of cats for people with allergies are those who are naturally low-shedding and don’t produce much saliva.
Low-Allergen and Low-Shedding Dogs
Dogs are some of the most popular pets out there, but they aren’t always a good fit for allergy sufferers. Some breeds shed more than others and produce more dander than others. So the best dogs for allergy sufferers are those that don’t shed very much. These include poodles, bichon frise, Belgian sheepdogs, French bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. Other breeds that are known for having low dander include cocker spaniels, pugs, and miniature poodles.
Rats, Mice, Ferrets, Gerbils and Hamsters
Rats, mice, ferrets, gerbils, and hamsters are rodents that are often promoted as hypoallergenic pets. And these pets are great for people who are allergic to cats and dogs. These rodents are small and easy to clean, so they are great for people who want to own a pet but don’t want to deal with cleaning a large space. One downside of rodents is that they can be difficult to handle. So they may not be the best choice for people who want a pet they can regularly cuddle with.
Reptiles
Reptiles are some of the most hypoallergenic pets out there. They don’t shed, produce very little dander, and don’t have saliva as cats and dogs do. So reptiles are a great option for people who are sensitive to other types of pets. Many different types of reptiles are low-allergenic or hypoallergenic pets. Some of the best include bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and blue-tongue skinks. There are a few things to note about reptiles as pets for people who are allergic. First, reptiles may not be as social as other pets like dogs and cats. So you may not have the same level of companionship from your reptile as you would from a dog or a cat. Second, reptiles can be expensive to take care of. You’ll need a special terrarium, a special UV light to simulate sunlight, and special food. So you’ll want to make sure you have the budget for a reptile.
Allergies Don’t Mean You Can’t Have A Pet
Dogs and cats are two of the most common pets in the world. So it’s not surprising that they also cause the most allergies. If you’re looking for a pet but you’re allergic to both dogs and cats, you should probably avoid getting a pet. Other low-allergy pets that may cause allergies to include ferrets, hamsters, mice, and gerbils. There are many hypoallergenic pets that are easy to care for and won’t trigger your allergies. Choose one of the pets above and you’ll be off to a great start.