Which Pets Are Best For Allergies?
Here are the 6 best bets to own if you have allergies:
- Birds
- Turtles
- Hypoallergenic Dogs
- Rodents
- Fish
- Hypoallergenic Cats
Have you ever owned your own pet? Whether you rescued a pup from the pound, bought a kitten in a pet store, or were gifted an adorable hamster, they quickly become part of the family.
While cuddling with your favorite furry friend is amazing, it can be a hassle if you suffer from allergies. Those experiencing pet allergies may get an increase in common symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and even hives when they bring a new animal home.
There are several breeds of animals and types of pets that are considered hypoallergenic. This could be a game-changer for animal lovers that haven’t been able to own a pet before due to the side effects from dander and other allergens.
If this sounds like you or someone you love, you’re in luck! Today we’re going to dive deep into the 6 best pets to own if you struggle with allergies. We even added signs you have pet allergies and how to keep your home clean from pollutants. Let’s jump into it.
Signs You Have Pet Allergies
It can be hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing your allergies. While a trip to the doctor should be in order, here are some of the most common signs of pet allergies in the meantime.
- Itchy skin
- Pain in your face
- Cough
- Red eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Trouble sleeping
- Eczema
- Facial pressure
- Postnasal drip
- Blue-tinted under eyes
- Itchy roof of mouth or throat
- Chest tightness
- Audible wheezing when exhaling
- Itchy eyes
- Running nose
- Hives
- Watery eyes
- Chest pain
Top 6 Best Pets For Allergy Sufferers
Birds
Dogs and cats aren’t the only ones getting attention for this topic. Birds are a solid choice for those with pet allergies due to their lack of fur. Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, states that canaries are a well-tolerated option for those who don’t have a lot of experience with owning birds.
On that note, parakeets are also a fantastic choice when it comes to birds. They’re known for being very affectionate towards their owners, musical, and quite talkative. They don’t produce nearly the same amount of dander as bigger birds.
Turtles
Before we dive into why turtles are great options for those with allergies, it’s a good time to remind you that they basically live forever. Pet turtles tend to live for at least 25 years, and often longer.
If that sounds like a good idea to you, they make perfect pets for those trying to keep pollutants at bay. Like fish, they’re low maintenance and just like to eat and bath under a heat lamp. Who could blame them?
Dogs
Many people believe that fluffy and furry dogs are a no-go for allergy sufferers, and that’s usually true. Thankfully, cute pup breeds like Shih Tzus beat the odds and are a great pick. Their hair-like coat sheds very little compared to other dog breeds.
If you aren’t a fan of small dogs, but still want a canine friend, you’re in luck. Poodles make amazing pets. Their curly hair that doesn’t shed makes them the number one pick for people who have allergies.
Rodents
Now, now, when most people hear the word “rodent,” they think of the pesky little mouse that’s eating all their snacks. The term “rodents” includes animals like:
- Rabbits
- Hamsters
- Chinchillas
- Guinea pigs
- Rats
- Mice
There is also an assumption that these types of animals are best for children, which couldn’t be more untrue. Guinea pigs, for example, require more work to take care of than the average puppy and must be kept in pairs.
With all that being said, all rodents make fantastic pets for people with allergies. Why? Because the space they consume is usually limited, unlike cats and dogs. These animals are often caged, keeping any dander they do put off into a limited area.
If you do have allergies, you should not be the one to clean their cage or handle rodents. It’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind that not all cage sizes are the same for all rodents. Any cage you can buy in a pet store is too small. Consider building your own C&C cage and use fleece as bedding to save a ton of money.
Aquatic Animals
There aren’t many pets that can guarantee to keep your allergies at bay quite like aquatic animals. Whether you get a beautiful goldfish, a fascinating ghost shrimp, or a couple of crabs, you won’t be running for an antihistamine with any of these.
They’re also a perfect choice for someone with a busy life or somebody who isn’t home that often. They don’t require a lot of maintenance and their tank shouldn’t take up too much room. Just be sure you do your research to give your fishy friend the best space possible.
Cats
You can still have a feline friend without having to double your dose of allergy medicine. While hairless sphinxes are the obvious choice due to their lack of hair, not everyone finds them desirable.
The primary allergen that cats give off is called Fel d 1. Balinese is a gorgeous breed of cat that puts off this allergen the least. If you’re wanting your feline to be fluffy with long hair, consider adopting a Siberian breed.
How To Protect Your Home From Extra Allergens
The best thing you can do to protect your home and anyone in it from allergens is to keep it clean. That being said, allergens can, and likely will, still get in. Here are a few deep-cleaning techniques to ensure you get rid of as much as the irritants that you can.
- Scrubbing down the walls
- Washing all pet bedding and linens
- Cleaning cages and aquariums
- Vacuuming carpet and rugs
- Give your furry friends a shampoo-free bath once every two weeks
- Dusting all surfaces
- Frequently washing clothes that have had contact with a pet
- Keep your pet outside of areas where you spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom
Changing your air filters regularly also helps with allergies! Check out Filter King’s online store!