Best Pets for People with Allergies

Having a pet can be a wonderful addition to your home and a great way to feel connected to the outside world. But, if you have allergies, finding the right pet can be a challenge. The availability of so many different breeds can also make it difficult to choose a pet, especially since some breeds are more common than others. But luckily, there are tons of options for people with allergies, which should make the decision process much easier.

If you have allergies, you may have a tough time finding a pet the ideal match for you. After all, not all dogs and cats are hypoallergenic, and some are definitely worse than others. Some dog breeds, such as the Goldendoodle, are such crossbreeds that it can be difficult to diagnose what allergens they trigger in someone with allergies. Additionally, some pets, such as hamsters, ferrets, and guinea pigs, are even more likely to trigger allergic reactions in people. So what pet should you choose if you have allergies?

Parakeets

Parakeets are perhaps the best pets for people with allergies, especially pollen allergies. Parakeets can be great pets for people with allergies, both because of their small size and because they’re great talkers. The average lifespan of a parakeet is about 15 years, and these affectionate birds are easy to take care of. They’re also extremely active, which makes them a great exercise companion. Some parakeets even enjoy swimming, so if you have a backyard or a pool, a birdbath or sprinkler can give them plenty of chance for exercise.

Rabbits

Choosing the best pets for people with allergies can be tricky, but rabbits make excellent hypoallergenic companions. Many common allergens are absent in rabbits, making them ideal pets for people with allergies. The soft, velvety coat of rabbits isn’t easily shed, unlike fur, feathers, or down. Additionally, rabbits don’t typically groom themselves, so they won’t tend to scratch themselves, and unlike cats, they typically don’t lick themselves excessively.

Mice and Rats

If you’re allergic to pets but love animals, then rodents are one of the best pets for you. The fear many of us face when we think of owning rodents is the fear of contracting a disease from our pets. The good news is that rodents are very clean pets and don’t carry diseases. So, now that you don’t have to worry about that, you can focus on knowing which rodents are hypoallergenic and which ones are not.

Fish

People with environmental allergies often suffer from symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. The allergens or triggers that cause these reactions can be found in a variety of places, including pets, plants, and flowers. A variety of fish are hypoallergenic, making them a great option for allergy sufferers.

Turtle

Many people are allergic to animals, and turtles are great pets for people with allergies. Turtles are smart creatures and require very little maintenance. Their tank should be cleaned once a week. They eat flake food, so you don’t need to go to the pet store. And, because they are cold-blooded, they will not die if you leave them home alone for a couple of days.

Guinea pig

A guinea pig makes an adorable pet for anyone with allergies, although they are very particular about their care and can be temperamental. Guinea pigs are not nocturnal; they sleep all day and are active at night. Guinea pigs love to be cuddled and are very loving. Guinea pigs are very clean animals, and they will run around and groom themselves all day. Guinea pigs are very social animals, so they should be housed in a cage with other guinea pigs.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Are you allergic to dogs? How about cats? If the answer is yes, then it’s best to avoid both. But you might be surprised to find that hypoallergenic dog breeds are great for families with kids and pets with allergies. They can actually improve the overall quality of life for people who suffer from allergies (particularly those of dogs). These dog breeds are known for their low-allergen content, which means they typically don’t shed or produce dander or saliva as much as other breeds. So if you’re looking to add a dog to your family but suffer from allergies, these breeds are a great option. Hypoallergenic breeds include:

Bedlington Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Irish Water Spaniel

Hypoallergenic Cats

Pets can be great companions and sources of joy. But for people with allergies, the joy of owning a pet is dampened. Allergies can hinder you from enjoying activities together, limiting both your time together and the experience you get out of it. But there are pets you can own that are hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t cause allergic reactions in many people. People who can’t tolerate other pets due to allergies can enjoy the experience of cuddling a hypoallergenic cat. Hypoallergenic breeds include: