How to Select a Safe Pet for a Child With Allergies

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Although nearly every child is interested in the prospect of having a pet (at least until they see the end of ‘Old Yeller’), not every kid is capable of living with certain types of pets due to allergies. Sadly, the hair and dander produced by most cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals can cause those in proximity to cough, sneeze, wheeze, and even suffer from rashes, hives, or anaphylaxis. It can not only be uncomfortable; in some cases these allergic reactions can be severe and even deadly. But are there options out there for pets that won’t cause your kids to swell up like a balloon? The answer is yes and no. It depends on the animal, your child, and the severity of their allergies. But here are a few options you might want to explore.

The truth is that any animal has the potential to induce an allergic reaction if your child’s immune system happens to be sensitive. In most cases this is related to fur and dander, but it could also have to do with proteins in saliva, oils secreted on the skin, waste products (urine, for example) that dry on the fur, or any number of other natural elements. However, your kids may be more sensitive to certain types of animals. If, for example, they have allergic reactions around cats, it could be related to the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, meaning that dog dander wouldn’t necessarily bother them. So you might want to have any allergy-sufferers in your home tested before you assume that all pets are out of the question. That said, you can also look for breeds that tend to be categorized as “hypoallergenic”.

The easiest choice for many parents is to set up a fish tank. Since kids won’t have their hands on the fish or inhale their byproducts it is extremely unlikely that these pretty pets will cause allergic reactions. On the other hand, they’re not exactly the cute and cuddly pets that most kids crave. Reptiles and amphibians may be another good option, and you could also consider birds. But if something furry is the order of the day, think about rodents. Rats and mice are surprisingly clean creatures that constantly groom, and hamsters and gerbils are similar. You might even try guinea pigs, which are a little larger, although they tend to be responsible for their own slate of allergies. A rabbit could be another potential candidate. But you’ll probably want to expose your kids to some of these pets before you bring them into the home, just to be sure. And keep in mind that anything in a cage will require frequent cleaning on your part.

Of course, you might also look into cats and dogs that are known to produce less fur and dander. Dog breeds like the Bichon Frise, Mexican Hairless, and Chinese Crested could all fit the bill due to a lack of undercoat or any hair at all. And some schnauzers and terriers may also be suitable. As for cats, you could always go with a hairless sphynx (although it requires frequent bathing) or breeds like the Balinese (no undercoat), the Siberian (low enzyme levels in saliva), or the Devon Rex (minimal shedding). Just make sure to expose your kids to these animals before you start your search for cat furniture or dog beds. It’s the only way to be sure that allergies won’t be a problem once you take on the responsibility of caring for a pet.