Hypoallergenic Pets: Pets For People With Allergies

Thinking about adopting a hypoallergenic pet? Explore our guide for insights on allergy-friendly options, ensuring a harmonious bond.

by Kelly Villa, | August 10, 2023

Hypoallergenic Pets: Pets For People With Allergies

Mak / Stocksy

What do you do when you know you have allergies to some or most pets but still want to adopt one? You’re not alone: According to the Cleveland Clinic, as many as 30 percent of Americans are allergic to cats and dogs — and many of those people would undoubtedly love to be pet parents.

The good news is it’s still possible for those with pet allergies to welcome pets into their families, though that depends on the severity and nature of the pet allergy. Some people find that they are allergic (or more or less allergic) to some pets and not others. Other people can be more or less allergic to pets within the same breed.

So, how do you pick a pet if you have allergies? Read on to learn more.

What is a pet allergy?

Like any other allergy, a pet allergy is caused by your immune system incorrectly identifying an allergen as a threat and fighting against it.

While many people believe pet fur is to blame for causing allergic reactions, pet fur is actually not much of an allergen on its own. In dogs, the skin cells (called dander), dust, and pollen that collect in the fur trigger most allergic reactions. The most common dog allergen is Can f1, and it affects nearly 50 percent of people suffering from dog allergies. Some people are allergic to dander, while others are allergic to dogs’ saliva or even their urine.

There are 10 cat allergens, but about 90 percent of all cat allergies are caused by a protein called “Fel d 1,” which is produced by cats’ salivary and sweat glands. When cats groom themselves with their tongues, they leave this allergen on their fur and can spread it in their environments.

What are the symptoms of pet allergy?

Pet allergy symptoms vary from person to person and can include:

Sneezing
Watery, red, or itchy eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
Skin rash or hives

How can I test for pet allergies before bringing a pet home?

People who suspect they have a pet allergy can meet with an allergist, who will most likely diagnose that allergy through a skin-prick test. This test places a small amount of pet allergen on your skin, which is then pricked with a small probe that allows the liquid allergen to seep under the skin’s surface. The allergist will then monitor you for signs of swelling, redness, or other reaction signs. Other forms of allergy tests available include intradermal skin testing, challenge testing (via inhalation or ingestion), and blood testing. At-home pet allergy blood tests are available, but the results are not as thorough as those from an allergist and can sometimes be inaccurate.

If you’d like to investigate on your own whether or not you have a pet allergy by interacting with a live animal, follow these precautions:

Go slow with your testing.

Start with limited contact, such as touching the pet with one hand, then wait to gauge your reaction. Some allergic reactions are immediate, while others may take some time. You may want to rub a pet at a shelter or rescue with a paper towel (with staff permission and help) and take the towel home with you to try extended, repeated exposure.

Have preventative medications nearby.

If you are going to test for dog or cat allergies at home on your own, you should have preventative medications on-hand, such as fast-acting antihistamines and/or inhalers.

What should I consider when choosing a pet based on my allergies?

There are a few things that people with pet allergies can do when looking for pets best for people with allergies:

Meet a female or a male that has been neutered for at least two months. Sebaceous glands in the skin produce the protein allergens. Male mammals have greater amounts of secretion and are often more allergenic than females or neutered males.
Consider small pets. You may find a smaller pet easier for your system to tolerate, given their smaller volume of allergens.
Meet different pets. If one Poodle or Persian sets off your allergies, that doesn’t mean another Poodle or Persian will necessarily do the same.
Time desensitization. Just like allergy shots, some people find that living with a pet can reduce their allergic reaction to that pet. Check with your local shelter or rescue to see if they offer a “foster-to-adopt” program to take in a pet without committing to adopting them, and see if your allergies subside over time.

What are hypoallergenic pets, and how do they differ from other pets?

Some pet breeds are considered “hypoallergenic,” but there is no such thing as 100 percent hypoallergenic pets. Hypoallergenic dogs produce less dander, and dog breeds considered hypoallergenic generally have hair instead of fur, which can help reduce shedding and dander. Hypoallergenic cats produce lower amounts of the Fel d 1 protein, which makes them less likely to trigger allergic reactions in humans.

It’s also important to note that just because a certain breed is considered hypoallergenic doesn’t mean that every pet of that breed will be allergy-friendly. People with allergies should always spend time with a pet before bringing them into their home to see if they have a reaction to them.

Hypoallergenic breeds

Some individual pets or entire breeds may cause less of a reaction in some people either because they shed less or because they produce less allergy-inducing proteins. Check out our hypoallergenic pet guides:

Are there specific pet products designed to reduce allergens?

There are a number of products created to reduce pet allergies, including:

Dander removers
Vacuums for pet hair and dander
Air purifiers

What are some general tips for managing pet allergies at home?

Some tips for controlling pet allergies at home include:

Create a “no allergy” area in your home: Limiting your exposure to allergens in at least one place in your house — such as your bedroom, where you spend many hours every day — can help ease your allergy symptoms.
Use air purifiers: High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cleaners can help keep the air as clean as possible.
Do laundry frequently: Wash items that are particularly exposed to dander, such as pillowcases and bedding, regularly.
Bathe your pet regularly: Bathing reduces the level of allergy-causing dander on your pet, but you shouldn’t bathe them more than once a week to prevent drying out their skin.
Take medication: You can try over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Replace carpeting with hardwood, stone, or tile. Carpeted floors act like big sponges that hold all of dust and allergens.

Commonly asked questions:

Can I have a pet if I suffer from allergies?

Many people with pet allergies are able to have hypoallergenic pets or other individual pets who do not trigger their allergies.

What are hypoallergenic pets, and how do they differ from other pets?

Pets are considered “hypoallergenic” when they produce lower amounts of allergens, such as dander, than other pets, but no pet is 100 percent hypoallergenic.

How can I test for pet allergies before bringing a pet home?

People who suspect they have a pet allergy can see an allergist, who will most likely diagnose that allergy through a skin-prick test.

What are some general tips for managing pet allergies at home?

You can manage pet allergies at home by creating a “no allergy” area in your home, using air purifiers, cleaning your home, bathing your pet, and taking medication.

Are there specific pet products designed to reduce allergens?

There are a number of products created to reduce pet allergies, including dander removers, vacuums for pet hair and dander, and air purifiers.

Can I build immunity to pet allergies over time?

It’s possible to build up a tolerance to specific allergens over time, and some allergies may even go away on their own over time.

What should I consider when choosing a pet based on my allergies?

You can consider a few factors, including a pet’s gender, size, whether or not they have been neutered, meet different pets, and consider fostering before adopting.

Is it necessary to consult a doctor before getting a pet if I have allergies?

It’s a good idea to consult a doctor before getting a pet if you have allergies.

What are the symptoms of pet allergy?

Pet allergy symptoms vary but can include sneezing; watery or itchy eyes; runny or stuffy nose; coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath; and skin rash or hives.