Do you love animals and want a pet, but someone at home is allergic? Then this article is just for you. You’re probably here because you’re researching allergy-friendly animals and not entirely sure which one is safest to adopt. You might be overwhelmed by all the information. But worry not! There's good news. By the time you're done reading this post, you'll know:
Everything you need to know about hypoallergenic animals
Why traditional pets might not do well for allergic people
Some reliable pet recommendations
Hypoallergenic Pets
Many humans are allergic to animals that have fur or feathers. Pets like dogs, cats, and birds produce dander, which has a protein that triggers allergic reactions in many people. Others are even sensitive to contaminants like urine, mucous, and fecal matter that get accumulated in an animal’s fur.
As the name suggests, hypoallergenic animals have a low chance of having allergens like the ones mentioned. Although no animal is completely free of allergens, you’re less likely to catch an allergy with a hypoallergenic pet.
Animals with less fur or low shedding usually pass well as hypoallergenic. The lesser hair it has, the lower the chances of allergens accumulating. You might have read that some breeds of dogs and cats are hypoallergenic. Contrary to many claims, they aren’t safe enough either! Keep reading to find out why!
Cat & Dog Dander Allergy
It’s a dream for many pet owners and expecting parents that their children grow up around dogs. It sure is a beautiful sight of a baby and puppy growing together. Unfortunately, cats and dogs aren’t allergy-friendly, despite some breeds being relatively hypoallergenic. Even breeds with little fur and shedding can cause reactions with saliva and dander. Dander is dead skin cells mixed with hair. It’s one of the most common types of allergen, and all cats and dogs produce it. These pets might not be the best choice if someone is prone to allergies. Cats often clean their fur coats with their saliva. Many people are allergic to a protein present in the saliva. In fact, twice as many people are allergic to cats than dogs! It might not be a good idea to adopt either. Keep reading to find out what animals may do best as allergy-friendly pets!
Best Hypoallergenic Pets
There are a wide variety of animals that do perfectly as hypoallergenic pets. Here are some of the best ones shortlisted for you:
Birds
Birds are an excellent choice. They’re active and friendly. It’s important to note that some birds may not be hypoallergenic. You wouldn't want your bird flying around your sneezing aunt! Although there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic animal, you can choose a low-dander bird and maintain it well enough to prevent allergies. Here are some birds you’ll want chirping at home:
Parakeets
Conures
Macaws
Eclectus parrots
Quaker parrots
There's nothing your bird would love more than a perch. They often spend long hours perching. It's how they sleep too!
Fish
The most commonly adopted hypoallergenic animals are fish. They’re generally low maintenance as well. You don’t need to worry about any sensitivities you may have to dander, saliva, or droppings. They cause no reactions whatsoever. All they need is an aquarium, fish food, substrate, and a filter, making them low maintenance. Check some of these fish out:
Goldfish
Betta fish
Mollies
Platies
Neon tetras
Amphibians & Reptiles
Exotic? Yes. Lizards, turtles, frogs, snakes(if you’re up for it), etc., can be excellent pets. They’re fun to take care of and rarely ever cause allergies since they don’t produce dander. They’re generally low maintenance too. Despite what many people think, reptiles and amphibians can be more affectionate and loving than you might expect. Here are some you might just want in your house:
Bearded dragons
Leopard geckos
Musk turtles
African Bulldog Frogs
Red-Eared Slider turtles
Corn snakes
Bearded dragons and geckos love climbing and exploring within their habitat. You can set up an Aqueon Glass Aquarium, and install nice desert-like decor for the lizards to explore around. Snakes, on the other hand, can have a similar enclosure but with long wooden branches. They often like to coil around the branches.
Let’s recap
That sure was a lot of information to digest. Here’s a brief rundown. Most people suffer from allergies caused by hair and dead skin cells. It’s safer to stay away from animals with fur. They give off dander and have fur with allergens like saliva and urine. Even though some say certain breeds of cats and dogs are hypoallergenic, it’s only in relation to other breeds. That said, animals like birds, fish, and reptiles are fine alternatives. Like traditional pets, they don’t compromise on showing you their love. It’s important to know about these animals to make an informed decision. Contact your nearest pet store to learn more about them. All the best!