Have Allergies? You Can Still Have Pets!

Don't Let Sneezing Keep You from Having Four-Legged Friends

Jun 13, 2009

Many allergy sufferers think they can't have pets, but if you want a four-legged friend there are steps you can take to reduce problems with sneezing and other reactions.

If you're one of the millions of people who suffer with allergies -- especially indoor allergies that don't wax and wane with the seasons and the pollen count -- you've probably avoided having pets. If you have shared your home with a pet, it's most likely been a fish or some similar animal that doesn't make you sneeze and cause your eyes to itch. You don't have to limit yourself that way, though, if you dream of having four-legged friends to spend time with.

Hairless Pets and Hypoallergenic Pets

For people who love cats, there is a hairless variety. These animals don't cause allergy problems in people nearly as much as furry pets because the hair is not present. They do still produce dander on their skin, however, and for people who are allergic to the dander specifically, these hairless animals won't be much less allergy-causing than a standard cat. Not everyone likes the look or feel of these felines, either, and they are definitely different. They also have to be kept very clean because they don't have hair to keep dirt off of their skin.

Instead, dirt collects in the wrinkles and soft folds of their skin, and they require more care than more standard varieties of cats. Many people who own them really love them, though, and they love the fact that they can share their home with them without sneezing and suffering from itchy, watery eyes.

If you're a dog lover you can also find a hairless pet, but there are some breeds of dogs that aren't allergy-causing and that still have their hair, so the choice will be up to you. The Obamas got their Portuguese Water Dog mostly for that reason, and they aren't the only family who wanted and needed a dog that wouldn't cause an allergic reaction in at least one family member. Allergy-free dogs are out there. You'll likely have to pay a bit more, but it can be well worth it.

Technology to Reduce Pet Allergies

If you don't want to be restricted to a specific type or style of cat or dog, and you still want to reduce allergies without the need for a lot of expensive medications, you might look to technology to help you. Many vacuum systems come with HEPA filters now, and these filter out dander and other particles that are very small, and that previously passed through other kinds of filtration options. You can also get these kinds of filters for your home's heating and air conditioning system.

Another choice is to own furniture that is leather or another non-porous material, so that you aren't constantly exposed to pet fur that accumulates on soft surfaces like couches and chairs. Febreze makes an allergen-reducer spray that you can use to freshen and clean the soft surfaces that your pet does come in contact with. You should also keep your pet out of your bedroom and sleep on sheets and pillowcases that are designed to reduce allergies.

No matter what you do to try to reduce allergies, having a pet always has the potential to cause a few sniffles and sneezes. Getting the right pet for you and keeping your home very clean, though, can help to reduce any problems you'll have and make the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh any of the concerns you might have.

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The copyright of the article Have Allergies? You Can Still Have Pets! in Indoor Allergies is owned by Michielle Beck. Permission to republish Have Allergies? You Can Still Have Pets! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.