Top 4 Best Allergy Friendly Pets For Sensitive Families

Top 4 Allergy Friendly Pets For Sensitive Families

When someone in your family has an allergy to fur or dander, it can seem like pets might be totally off the table.

But the truth is, there are a number of options for allergy-sensitive families when it comes to inviting a little creature into your home. Along with some breeds of hypoallergenic dogs and cats, and some hairless cats, there are these four options to consider.

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1. Rodents

Lifespan: 1-3 years

Most kinds of rodents, including rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, make good pets for allergy-sensitive families, even when someone in the family is allergic to fur. While they are mammals, and they are potentially as allergenic as dogs and cats, their size means they produce much fewer allergens than other animals. Basically, the bigger the rodent, the more issues you’ll have. Rodents can be highly intelligent, very social and are easily trained with positive enforcement.

If you’re looking for something cuddly, rats are the best option as if trained properly they love to be held. Hamsters, mice and gerbils can be a little more fragile, but can be very engaging as well for a child who knows how to handle them.

Rodents need a clean cage and for their bedding to be replaced once weekly. They’ll need time outside if the cage a few times a week, as well as a way to exercise in their enclosure. These kinds of animals eat pellets as well as seeds, fruits and vegetables.

 2. Fish

Lifespan: 4-10 years

Fish, specifically goldfish and bettas (sometimes referred to as fighting fish) are the ultimate allergen friendly pet. They are literally separated from their owner by a tankful of water. While they aren’t able to be cuddled, kids still enjoy watching them swim back and forth in the tank. Both bettas and goldfish and recognise their owners, which makes them unique from other species of fish. When it comes to keeping them allergen-friendly, the most important thing is to keep their tank super clean, and mould and mildew on the surface can release spores which cause allergic reactions.

Goldfish and betters require different water conditions, so they cannot share a tank together. The tank should provide enough room for each fish to move (about 18-20 litres is recommended per fish) and there should be a good filter and aeration system in the tank. For bettas, there needs to be a top to stop them from jumping out, as well as things for the fish to swim around or hide in or behind.

3. Lizards

Lifespan: 7-10 years

One of the biggest things that causes allergies with most pets is dander (i.e. the dead skin cells) that mammals shed. As reptiles don’t generate dander, they’re quite an allergen-friendly option. A kid-friendly option is a Bearded Dragon, an interactive variety that enjoys being around people and can be easily trained with positive reinforcement. Reptiles aren’t recommended for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with weaker immune systems. Owners should take care to wash their hands before and after handling them.

Any kind of lizard will need a reasonably large rank that includes a heated area for them to bask in. Owners need to remove feces every day and give the enclosure a thorough clean about once a month.

Lizards eat live insects, as well as fruits and vegetables (check with your vet before adding new things into their diet).

4. Birds (Parakeets, Canaries and Finches)

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Not all bird species are allergen-friendly. In fact, some larger species produce a sneeze-inducing powder on their wings. However, parakeets, canaries and finches are a great choice for those with allergen sensitivities. These types of births are smart, enjoy flying around the house and playing, and love to socialise. They have a small wing size, meaning they’re unlikely to be a trigger, and they’re usually pretty easy to train even for children.

These kinds of birds need a large cage, the lining of which should be replaced on a daily basis. The entire cage should be cleaned about once a week, and the birds need to be taken out of the cage to fly regularly, particularly if the bird in question is a parakeet.

Would you consider any of these pets for your allergen-sensitive family?