Reptiles like bearded dragons also don’t have hair that can further trigger your allergies. That’s why the best pets for people … You should allow your hedgehog to come out of its cage each day for exercise and social interaction. In that case, you may want to consider a smaller rodent, such as a hamster, a gerbil, or a rat. Lastly, always wash your hands and arms after handling your guinea pig. Underwater frogs are the easiest type to feed and care for, since they can eat pelletized food instead of the live insects you’d need to feed to a land frog. "Salmonella can cause severe intestinal inflammation and diarrhea in people," Dr. Quesenberry says. https://www.rileychildrens.org/connections/5-perfect-pets-for-kids-with-allergies | iStock.com/Airspa. Because they lack fur, snakes, turtles, geckos, and bearded dragons have a distinct advantage over their furry counterparts. Otherwise, hairless guinea pigs just need the same care you’d give to a guinea pig with hair. Animal fur or hair, contrary to common misconception, is not a significant cause of allergies, but it can collect dust, mold, pollen, and other allergens. Everything you need to thrive at home as a family. Allergy testing will tell you if you are allergic to dogs or cats, but it will not identify individual breeds that cause the reaction. They still enjoy interacting with people though, which can provide hours of entertainment. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Fortunately, most people keep small rodents in cages, which keeps the rest of the house allergen-free. Stafford Oaks Veterinary Hospital reports that while tarantulas and scorpions “aren’t for everyone,” they do make great and completely hypoallergenic pets. Whether or not your child is already mildly allergic to these mammals, it will take some trial and error to determine which non-allergenic breed is best for your home and will cause the least severe allergic reaction. If you’re worried about an allergic reaction, you should assess not only whether you or your child are allergic to the animal itself, but also whether you’ll react to the animal’s food or bedding. In addition to allergy testing, you can visit family members, friends, or neighbors who have a dog or cat breed you are considering. Pet Health Network names turtles — and similar reptiles, like tortoises — as a … PetMD reports that hedgehogs make great pets for people who will handle the animal each day to socialize it. Believe it or not, fluffy Shih Tzus could be a great choice for you, even if most other dogs have you... 2 Guinea pig hair and dander don’t themselves cause allergies, but they do make “excellent” airborne carriers for irritating proteins in the animal’s saliva, urine, and secretions from glands in the skin. Thanks to their thin fur, they shed less and produce very minimal dander. (They have what many people call “peach fuzz.”) But you don’t need to brush them, which may translate into fewer allergens flying around the house — 0r at least fewer opportunities for you to expose yourself to those allergens. Kids and adults alike develop allergies to common pets, and it gets tough to find a pet that everybody can agree on when somebody runs the risk of itchy eyes, endless sneezes, and annoying rashes. If you and your partner don't mind having a scaly animal in the house, reptiles can be a good option for kids with allergies. Though it’s normal for those animals, it can harm humans, especially those with compromised immune systems. All Rights Reserved. And not only will bearded dragons interact with people, but they’re also easily trained with positive reinforcement. Animal dander is a common allergen among pet owners, but what is it exactly? Want to avoid pets with fur or quills? No dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic because … They obviously aren’t the best choice if you want a pet you can handle extensively, but they may be right for you if you don’t want a cuddly animal and would prefer something fascinating to watch instead. Have a non-allergic family member clean the cage, which is a major source of allergens. Careful handwashing can reduce the risk of exposure. "Since they are in water and there is no direct or airborne contact, allergies should not be an issue," Dr. Quesenberry says. You probably don’t want to keep a rabbit if you have a severe reaction, such as reoccurring skin rashes, chronic fatigue, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues. But keep in mind that birds also shed dander, which means that they can cause allergies similar to those mammals cause. While these animals tend to shed their skin, they lack the proteins that cause allergic reactions, Dr. Quesenberry says. That increases the amount of allergens exposed to owners.) Invest in a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate-air (HEPA) filter to effectively trap pollen as well as pet dander, and frequently wash and vacuum any rugs or furniture that come in contact with your pet. The safest bet is a small bird, which may shed less dander and cause fewer allergic reactions than a larger bird. Even if you have hardwood floors, make sure to clean them often. Because hedgehogs have quills, they shed less dander, and veterinarians report seeing fewer allergic reactions to them. As with dogs, you can find many articles that claim to list hypoallergenic cat breeds, but there’s really no such thing as a cat that’s guaranteed not to cause problems for allergy sufferers. Just keep in mind that you need to do some research on local and state laws because hedgehogs are among the pets that are illegal to own in some states. An allergic reaction is caused by proteins in animal dander (old skin cells that are shed) and saliva, both of which will still be present in breeds with little to no hair. Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China. A child with pet allergies can have a dog or cat if you take a few precautions, according to the Humane Society of the United States. And don’t forget; larger snakes will require live meals, like mice. Parents.com is part of the Parents Network. Fish. PetFinder reports that if you have allergies to a lot of mammals, you can go to an allergist to get tested for a guinea pig allergy. | iStock.com. For that reason, many people advise that you don’t buy your children a turtle until they’re old enough to understand the importance of washing their hands. Keeping an animal in a specific part of the house is generally recommended as a smart way to reduce your exposure to allergens. Turtles are a great option for people with allergies. These animals famously roll up in a ball in response to feeling frightened or threatened. It will take more than two minutes for your child to be sufficiently exposed, so keep a close eye on him as he plays with the animal. Parakeets and cockatiels produce a relatively small amount of dander, which makes them great candidates for households with allergy sufferers. You’ll need to keep your house extra clean to reduce allergen accumulation. Here is our guide on finding the best cats for kids with allergies … (Possibly because rabbits and guinea pigs are larger than other small pets and shed more. Hamsters and gerbils make good pets for people concerned about allergies, since they generally don’t have free range of your home. Because they lack fur, snakes, turtles, geckos, and bearded dragons have a distinct advantage over their furry counterparts. Because the dander that cats, dogs, and other mammals shed is a major source of allergies, reptiles who don’t generate dander are often a great option. https://www.todaysparent.com/family/family-life/best-pets-for-kids If you and your partner don't mind having a scaly animal in the house, reptiles can be a good option for kids with allergies. You will, of course, have to clean their cages, but kids that have trouble interacting with dogs or … 2021 Showbiz Cheat Sheet, All Rights Reserved. Finding another home for your pet would be sad for both the family and the animal, so always get tested for allergies in order to make an informed decision about what type of pet to have. The Mayo Clinic reports that if you’re allergic to dogs but still want one, you should choose a small dog. Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon. If you do decide to get a cat or dog, you'll need to be more vigilant about cleaning after your pet. If the child's asthma is well controlled, let him interact with the pet briefly to see if he develops an allergic reaction. "It is most commonly reported in people with underdeveloped or compromised immune systems, such as in young children or the elderly." One concern with reptiles, though, is exposure to salmonella. Talk to your pediatrician or an allergist about your child's allergies before bringing home a pet. Aquatic environments can contain bacteria that can lead to an infection, Dr. Graham cautions. Emperor scorpions are also relatively innocuous, and are also pets that you shouldn’t expect to handle very often. Rat. Buy a HEPA air purifier and position it close to the guinea pig’s cage. Guinea pigs love attention, and they’re robust enough for even small children to handle safely. If you're considering a feathered friend, note that birds also shed dander and can cause allergies similar to those caused by mammals. Cat allergies are twice as frequent as dog allergies and they vary in severity. Again, just note that reptiles can carry salmonella, so many veterinarians don’t recommend them for children under age 5. A hairless guinea pig may make another good option for people with allergies. If you don’t want a rabbit, another option to consider is a guinea pig. But if you find yourself mildly allergic to your rabbit, you can minimize your reactions by having someone else in the household groom the rabbit daily, keeping the animal out of your bedroom, and keeping the rabbit away from your face. The Best Pets for Children with Allergies Dogs. Considering a bird in order to avoid allergic reactions to furry pets? These three also shed less than other breeds, leaving behind fewer hairs to spread allergens. When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase the chances of conceiving. Welsh Terriers. Even if you know that you’re allergic to dogs or cats, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll react to all fuzzy animals. Despite the name, this little animal isn’t completely hairless. Unfortunately for them, The New York Times reports that “there may be no such thing as a low-allergy or allergy-free dog.” Researchers found that the quantity of dog allergies is no different in homes with supposedly hypoallergenic breeds than in homes with breeds that aren’t hypoallergenic. People with allergies can enjoy a bearded dragon. But you should keep in mind that reptiles make better pets for older children, who understand the importance of washing their hands after they handle the reptile. | iStock.com/Yevgenromanenko. Rodents are often a good choice for kids that have allergies because, believe it or not; they tend to be very clean. Conventional wisdom has been that it's better to choose pets without fur or feathers for children with atopic eczema and allergies, says Tolly Epstein, MD, an assistant professor in the division … Another great option for a small but furry pet? But as long as you handle them carefully, a goldfish — or any other kind — is a truly hypoallergenic pet that kids or adults can enjoy. As with snakes and other reptiles, it’s possible for turtles to carry salmonella. You probably can’t convince a cat to take a weekly bath, but you can usually wipe a cat down with a wet towel, and brush weekly or bi-weekly to reduce shedding. Dusting daily and purchasing an air purifier with a HEPA filter will also eradicate any pollen that your pet may bring into your home. A cat who sheds less will also drop less allergen-coated hair around your house. Pet Health Network has an unusual suggestion for allergy sufferers looking for a pet who won’t cause sneezing fits: Consider a hairless guinea pig. Fortunately, even if just looking at a cat makes your eyes itch or you find yourself sneezing the moment a dog comes near you, you can find a pet that works for you. Frogs are unlikely to irritate your allergies. Another easy pet that’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction — even for adults and kids with lots of allergies — is a turtle. A perfect fit for families who don’t have a ton of time to dedicate to more-demanding animals. Also, … “Can we keep him? Allergy testing can determine what substances might trigger an allergic response in your child, and it will rule out additional allergies to a pet's diet or bedding. If you have a child with allergies, you might hesitate to bring a pet into the home. (If your child's asthma or allergies are uncontrolled, do not expose him to contact with an animal.). "One way is to go to an allergist and get allergy testing." That’s probably a good move if you’re only allergic to dogs, cats, or rodents. Snakes don’t expose you to many allergens. You will need to keep your hairless guinea pig out of the sun so that it doesn’t sunburn. !” Whether you hear those words from a child who wants to adopt a puppy or a roommate who wants to take in a cat, you probably feel guilty saying “no” because of allergies. There are numerous sizes and species to choose among. Pet Health Network notes that frogs and toads make great pets for people who are more interested in watching an animal than handling one. | iStock.com/NunyaCarley. Although there isn’t any such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog, there are certain breeds that cause fewer reactions... Cats. "More kids seem allergic to the fur of rabbits and guinea pigs than to smaller rodents," says Dr. Katherine Quesenberry, an exotic-pets expert at New York City's Animal Medical Center. Parents should nonetheless keep children from handling fish and sticking their hands in the water. He or she may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the lining of your nose. "There are a couple of ways of finding out what your child may be allergic to," says Dr. Jonathan Spergel, chief of the Allergy Section at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Don’t keep your guinea pig in your bedroom, and don’t store hay in the house. Frogs of both the land and underwater variety are easy pets to care for and are pretty unlikely to irritate people with allergies. If your child is displaying allergy symptoms, it’s best to first consult with their pediatrician or allergist to have them tested to confirm what is causing the reaction. Safer pet options might be a smaller animal such as a hamster, gerbil, or rat. (You’ll see a red circle develop around the infected area, and feel itchiness and burning.) The reaction is possibly more severe because rabbits and guinea pigs are larger than other small pets and shed more, increasing the amount of allergen kids are exposed to. | iStock.com/DevMarya. They don’t have fur to shed. Parents reports that children with pet allergies typically aren’t as irritated by hedgehogs as they are by other animals. Also known as the ‘barkless dog’ – Basenjis are also one of the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma. | iStock.com/Talitha_it. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. The saliva is what we are allergic to speci… Dr. Graham knows plenty of families that make it work: They reduce the child's contact with the pet by keeping animals in separate rooms of the house, emphasizing strict handwashing, or having other family members do the majority of animal care. Another easy pet that’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction — even for adults and kids with lots of allergies — is a turtle. While a child may not be allergic to the animal itself, you should still exercise caution if your child is allergic to pollen, Dr. Spergel warns. (A small dog will shed less dander than a larger dog.) A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. But what about those children who love pets and cannot stay without them? But that doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods, Parents notes. Your doctor can help you determine which type of animal is best for your child … Pet Health Network names turtles — and similar reptiles, like tortoises — as a great option for people with allergies, compared to popular pets like cats and dogs. Fit for families who don ’ t store hay in the water there isn ’ expect... Children under age 5 that if you ’ re only allergic to dogs, cats, or rat which that. It ’ s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China a guinea with... Also shed dander, which may shed less and produce very minimal dander house extra clean to reduce accumulation! T expect to handle safely any such thing as a smart way to reduce accumulation. Any pollen that your little one might make an appearance soon and underwater variety are easy to. 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