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The past few years have changed how we work, learn, and live our day-to-day lives. Many people who are spending more time at home may be turning to pet adoption to make their homes feel a little more home-like.
But for those with allergies, how do you know which pets will be the best fit for your needs?
What is a hypoallergenic pet?
The term ‘hypoallergenic’ has been a hot topic for the past few years. With asthma and allergies becoming more and more common, many people are trying to find the perfect solution to be a pet owner with allergies. Originally, hypoallergenic described a specific kind of animal (typically a dog) that didn’t shed and therefore was safe for those with allergies.
However, recent studies have concluded that all warm-blooded animals produce the proteins that commonly cause allergy attacks at home — regardless of how much or how often they shed.
What kind of animals are good for people with allergies?
Even after debunking the myth of hypoallergenic breeds, there are many kinds of animals that can be a great fit for a household that has to keep allergies in mind:
- Reptiles. Lizards and snakes and frogs…oh my! Because they’re cold-blooded, reptiles don’t produce the proteins most commonly found in dander, making them the perfect pet for those with allergies.
- Small animals. Rodents like chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits are all less likely to cause allergy symptoms simply because they’re smaller and have less dander, fur, and hair to shed to aggravate allergies.
- Cats. Some cats — like the sphynx cat — are considered ‘hypoallergenic.’ However, it should be noted that all cats and dog breeds still have the potential to shed and cause allergy symptoms.
- Birds. The biggest problem with birds is the dander and feathers that can accumulate in the cage. If cleaned daily and cared for properly, birds can be a great option for anyone with allergies.
- Dogs. Poodles and Labradoodles are two of the most commonly cited ‘hypoallergenic’ dog breed. While they do shed less and therefore create less dander, they aren’t 100% allergy-proof and need to be groomed and well-cared for to avoid allergy triggers.
The best way to keep your home’s air clean is by speaking to a member of our team about the wide range of indoor air quality solutions we can offer. Contact us online or by phone at (503) 694-3396 to learn your options!