Adorable Hypoallergenic Pets Perfect for People with Allergies

For some, they can’t imagine life without having one or two pets. While others, a pet buddy—especially those furry ones—can sometimes give more stress in their lives. People that have an allergy to pets may suffer from anything like runny nose, coughing, sneezing, tightness of breath, itchiness, and rashes when they make contact or have exposure with particular animals. 

Fortunately, some animals are good options to have if you suffer from allergy because they are considered “hypoallergenic pets”.

However, you may wonder a little bit and evaluate what qualifies an animal to become “hypoallergenic.”

Most of the pet owners (and soon to be pet owners) throughout the country are going through from various pet allergies and asthma. The good news is, if you or your family member in your home has pet allergies, it does not mean that you have to get rid of your pets totally. If you are looking for thinking out of the box about low maintenance hypoallergenic pets, read the full article below to learn more.

Learn More about Hypoallergenic Pets

Allergy symptoms and asthma take place when the immune system of your body reacts to different allergens, like the proteins found in pet saliva, urine, and dander. These proteins are easily carried on a tiny-inhalable particle produced by all warm-blooded animals, as well as breeds that claim to be hypoallergenic.

Others believe that a particular breed of dog and cat is known to be hypoallergenic because some breeds do not shed, and some are hairless. But it’s not easy to be as what others think, because the causes of pet allergies are due to the body’s reactions to pet saliva, dander or urine. 

Looking for the right pet especially for someone with pet allergies may take a while including extensive research and careful decision-making.

What are the Types of Hypoallergenic Pets?

But the question falls on, is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic pet? The answer is difficult. Listed below are specific animals and their breeds that are possibly less likely to cause any allergic reactions especially to those people with asthma and allergies.

Can cats and dogs be Hypoallergenic?

All warm-blooded animals create proteins that can make allergic reactions to people that have a sensitive immune system. Some dog and cat breeds, like sphynx cats and poodles, are frequently suggested for a person with pet allergies. However, looking for a hypoallergenic pet can be more complex than choosing one of these breeds that are commonly pricey.

For example, though specific dogs are considered as “hypoallergenic,” they may still be the reason to trigger the allergy symptoms because of the proteins found in their skin like urine, pet dander, and saliva.

The cats tend to cause more allergic reactions compared to dogs due to the reason that they groom themselves more frequently, but both of them have the potential to discharge allergens into the air that you inhale, regardless of which breed you decide to pick. So, therefore, there is no really a dog or cat that is really “hypoallergenic,” though some breeds may be the root cause of the smaller amount of problems for people who suffer from allergy because of their shedding patterns and grooming habits.

Smaller Mammals still not Entirely Hypoallergenic

Rabbits, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs

Smaller mammals such as guinea pigs, rodents, rabbits, chinchillas, and hamsters create dander just like dogs and cats. But the difference is in the possibility to avoid the multiplying of allergens all over your house. These animals are normally inside their cage most of the time and, therefore, their dander can be isolated to the vicinity in which they live.

Allergic people shouldn’t touch these small pets, but they may be able to live in peace with no complaints in the same home as one of these furry companions. This may be a good choice for the family in the household in which one person wants to have a pet, while the other people that have allergies.

Smaller mammals must keep in a room with occasional traffic and their cages must be properly cleaned regularly by someone with no pet allergies. Keep in mind, that a one size cage does not fit all kinds of pets. Rabbits require different dietary and need specific space requirements compared to the guinea pigs and, similarly, mice have different living standards than rats in order to survive. You need to research further because it’s a vital step if you want to bring home one of these little mammals and introduce them as part of your family.

Note:

There are small mammals, like the guinea pigs that must be bought in pairs because they are very social animals.

Pigs

You may not believe it or not, but today across in the United States, pigs are increasingly becoming a famous household pet for families.

If you having a pig as your pet is your decision, just remember—they can enormously grow and reach up to 500 pounds. Those families living in smaller homes frequently find that their pig rapidly becomes giant for their space at home. Even the so-called mini pigs, if fed regularly a healthy diet, can grow much bigger than what you may expect.

Fish

If you are thinking to update the design of your home, adding an aquarium is not a bad idea. Also, having a fish pet can be really low maintenance compared to other warm-blooded animals. Fish don’t produce allergens. However, big aquariums could make increase humidity in the room that surrounds it, which can lead to other air quality problems like the appearance of mold or mildew.

Birds

Another warm-blooded animal is a bird, which only means that they are capable of producing dander that may trigger an allergic reaction in people suffering from allergies and asthma. The bird’s dander can spread when the bird is flapping its wings, defecating, grooming or about to fly. Because of this, the birdcage and the surrounding area must be thoroughly cleaned every day by someone that does not have a pet allergy. However, it is still more likely to live fairly for people with allergies showing symptom-free with a bird as a pet in the house.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibians and reptiles don’t usually trigger allergic reactions because they are not capable of producing the proteins found in the saliva and dander like those of the warm-blooded animals.

These kinds of pets are a great choice for people that have asthmatic conditions or allergies, as long as you are willing to spend the effort and time essential to take care of them appropriately.

Frogs, snakes, turtles, and lizards are unique and interesting pets. However, these kinds of creatures have very specific behavioral and dietary requirements, thermal and hydrological needs that should be carefully researched and something to really think about before making them as an addition to your home. Additionally, potential owners must understand that turtles have the possibility to spread salmonella, a very infectious bacterial disease.

Note: 

People with any type of allergies must need to wear protective gear such as a dust mask and glove when giving the insects or rodents that most of the amphibians and reptiles need to eat in order to survive.

Hypoallergenic Pets for Small Spaces

When you live in small spaces home-like apartment, there is a high chance that the allergens may file up easily. It might be very tempting to look for a small companion, like the fish, hamsters, turtle that won’t require a bigger space in your home. However, you need to know everything about their appropriate living spaces needed for your pet that you plan to adopt.

Given the correct size-environment, those animals that live aquariums and cages can be great alternatives for people who have allergies and at the same time live in smaller spaces. As long as the habitats are properly cleaned regularly, they should not stop you from living in a relatively allergen-free home. 

Best Hypoallergenic Pets for Children

The real challenge goes to the parents in telling your children that they cannot afford to have a furry pet such as the dog or cat due to their allergies. However, shifting their emotions and getting them back in the excitement by introducing an alternative pet is the best solution. For example, tropical fish can become an excellent way to introduce your youngsters to the basics of pet ownership. In addition, maintaining the cleanliness of the aquarium must not trigger allergic reactions, so it’s also a good way to challenge your child about the cleanliness and oblige them to help with the maintenance.

For smaller mammals, there may be allergens that are present in the stool or waste that could develop the symptoms in your kid. To the parents, you may need to fully shoulder the responsibility in keeping the cleanliness of the cage or terrarium. It means that it be an extra responsibility, so be prepared

Note:

If you have a pet, you should inform the parents of your child’s friends before inviting them to come over. It will be a very helpful move to prevent any surprise of allergic reactions or asthmatic conditions to other children.

Steps on Making a Dander-Free Home

Protect your household from pet allergens, the best way is to not have any warm-blooded pets in your home, however, if that is not possible, there are still other things that you can do to lessen the exposure. 

Remember that there is no amount of cleaning that will eradicate allergens totally.

By regularly cleaning your house, you can reduce allergens that you and your family may expose in the long run. This includes:

• Regularly vacuuming and dusting
• Cleaning the wall regularly
• Washing all pet beds, cages or aquariums properly
• Washing all clothes and bedding after having exposure with the pet
• Keeping the pet out of the bed, couch or any rooms with upholstered furniture or carpet
• Bathing your pet at least once a week, if possible

If your pet is inside a terrarium or cage, always ensure that it is located away from supply and return vents to maintain the HVAC system from scattering all allergens all through your home.

Adding air purifiers to your home or using air conditioning and heating filters might also help to end the spread of allergens. 

Every home is unique, and every family is facing different challenges in choosing for the right pet. If possible, you can spend more time with any animals that you are potentially planning to adopt before you bring them home to your family. This can help in ensuring that they may not cause any unexpected allergic reactions to anyone in your family. 

Having a pet can be really complicated for people with allergic conditions, but still, it is not impossible. With the right amount of proper research and dedication to taking good care of them, you will be able to find the perfect animal buddy for you and the rest of your household.