So, your child is begging for a pet. But pet dander makes his eyes red, his skin itchy, and his nose run. His love of furry critters could be hazardous to his health!
It’s only natural to be hesitant about bringing a pet into your home if your child has allergies. After all, allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, from simple nasal congestion to hives, eczema, and more.
But there is good news. With some careful research and the right considerations, your child can have a pet and remain sneeze-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing pets for children with allergies plus several pet options you and your child can get excited about.
What causes pet allergies?
The most common pet allergen among children and adults is dander. But what is dander exactly? Many people believe it’s the pet’s fur that causes the problem. But it turns out that dander is actually the microscopic skin cells that shed off as part of the natural regeneration process.
The reason that dander causes such a problem for children with allergies is that it’s often coated with saliva from why the animal grooms itself. Certain proteins in the saliva are what most people are allergic to. When dander sheds off the pet and gets on the child’s hands, it triggers an allergic reaction.
Minimizing Dander to Lower the Risk of Allergy Symptoms
There are several things you can do to minimize dander in your home and lower the risk of allergy symptoms in your child.
First, consider a small pet since small animals produce less dander overall than larger ones. You should also vacuum your floors and furniture every few days to minimize allergens in the home. And, invest in a HEPA air purifier to reduce allergens in the air.
According to doctors at Bond Vet animal clinic, feeding the right food is important for reducing shedding and keeping your pet’s skin healthy. They recommend choosing a pet food that’s nutritionally balanced and formulated for your pet’s age. Be sure to check for a nutritional adequacy statement on the label.
Weekly baths for dogs will reduce dander and shedding in the home significantly. You might not be able to wash a cat or other small animals every week, but regular wipe downs with a damp towel or a pet-safe wipe will do wonders.
Daily brushing of the pet will also go a long way toward reducing the amount of fur and dander released into the environment. And, if your pet is a dog that grows long hair, consider keeping it cut short.
And finally, no matter which type of pet you choose, teach your child to always wash his hands immediately after handling the animal. Consider making your child’s bedroom a fur free zone so that he isn’t breathing in allergens all night.
The Best Pets for Children with Allergies
All pets with fur will release some dander into the environment, but some of them release less than others.
Dogs
Although there isn’t any such thing as a hypo-allergenic dog, there are certain breeds that cause fewer reactions than others. Dogs that are good for people with allergies release less dander into the air due to the makeup of their skin and fur.
Here are the best dog breeds to consider for a child with allergies:
- Poodle: Poodles are an excellent option for children with allergies because they don’t shed. They also have a thick coat that prevents dander from reaching the air. It’s a little-known fact that poodles actually have hair, instead of fur, so they’re much less likely to cause allergy issues.
Poodles require regular grooming and haircuts every eight weeks to maintain their thick coats. They are extremely family friendly and come in sizes from tiny toys to large standard poodles, so there’s something for everyone.
- Bichon Frise: The bichon frise is an adorable little white dog with a happy, active personality. They are perfect for families who don’t want a big dog, but still want an active dog that will go out in the yard and play with the kids. They don’t shed fur or dander, so they are unlikely to cause allergy issues if kept groomed on a regular basis- every six to eight weeks is recommended.
- Shih Tzu: The Shih Tzu is another delightful little dog with a great personality. Although they do require regular grooming to maintain their long hair-like coats, they don’t shed, so they’re perfect for children with allergies.
- Portuguese Water Dog: The Portuguese Water Dog has a slow growing coat that doesn’t shed very much. They’re a great pet for kids with allergies. They’re also super smart and a great companion for all kinds of adventures, from hiking and camping to swimming.
Cats
In general, cats are highly allergenic, however there are a few breeds that can be great pets for kids with allergies. It’s also interesting to note that dark colored cats tend to produce more dander than light cats and intact males trigger more allergies than neutered males and female cats.
- Sphynx: The Sphynx is a nearly hairless breed that doesn’t shed at all, so they’re much less likely to introduce allergens into the home. Sphynx cats have a people-oriented, sweet, adventurous nature that makes them great for kids.
- Balinese: Balinese cats look a lot like a long-haired Siamese, but they produce less allergy triggering dander than many other breeds. They also produce less of the protein in their saliva that many people are allergic to, making them a great choice for kids with allergies.
- Cornish Rex/Devon Rex: Rex cat breeds have super short coats of downy fur that don’t shed nearly as much as other breeds. They’re also a breed that doesn’t groom themselves as frequently, so they don’t introduce as many allergens into the home.
Fish, Lizards, Turtles and Other Small Reptiles
If you’re looking for a pet with almost no allergy risk, fish and small reptiles like lizards and turtles are a great choice. They may not be very cuddly, but they can be a lot of fun and teach your child about the responsibilities of owning a pet. Fish are especially beautiful to look at and can be very calming in a child’s bedroom too.
Small Animals
Small animals like guinea pigs, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters, and mice could still trigger allergy symptoms in some children. But, since they have their own habitat and don’t roam the house, they’re much less likely to create an issue. Just be sure your child wears a mask and gloves when he cleans out the cage and washes his hands immediately after handling his pet to minimize any risk.
The Bottom Line
Before you get a pet, remember that they are a long-term commitment. Bringing home a pet only to find out that you have to give it away due to your child’s allergies would be heartbreaking for everyone.
It’s worth consulting with an allergist for testing as a first step in pinpointing the cause of your child’s symptoms. Before you decide, research the animal and your child’s sensitivities carefully, as well as any alternative solutions or medications that may be helpful.
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Brooklyn native & experienced content creator, Donna has covered a variety of topics for numerous publications. She is a former writer for an alternative medicine clinic and can often be found researching the latest industry approaches and trends. Donna loves sharing the insight she’s learned from her own wellness journey on her portfolio, in the hopes that it will inspire others to pursue a healthier, more holistic lifestyle.