9 Hypoallergenic Pets for People with Allergies

Being a pet parent is a complicated journey that requires commitment and sacrifice. From veterinary attention, hygienic consideration and tolerance, taking care of an animal is a full-time job.

Still, with your great love for cats and dogs, sometimes it can pose as a health peril. Pet allergies in their ugly form cause eczema, chest congestion, facial pressure, hives and others.

Recent studies indicate that close to 15% of Americans experience allergic reactions from furry pets. To some pet owners, especially those who require emotional support from animals, the benefits outweigh the allergies.

On that account, balancing your health risks and the positive impact of a pet requires a great understanding of the condition and adherence of a couple of rules. For the sake of those who cannot live without pets, we have compiled a helpful list of nine non-allergic pets you should adopt.

Aquarium Fish

With their multi-colored beauty, fish stands out as low maintenance and allergy-friendly pets. Likewise, you do not require an enormous space to place an aquarium. According to experts, a few Betta fish would do perfectly well in a simple and compact tank.

Those eager to own a magnificent centerpiece can invest in an elaborate aquarium filled with eye-catching marine fish. Although it is not possible to pet your beautiful friends, the back and fro swimming gymnastics offer mammoth solace and relaxation.

Sometimes, an overproduction of mildew and mold in a filthy aquarium can trigger allergic reactions to the household occupants.

It is vital to keep the fish tank extremely clean to avoid spores from escaping into the environment. Given that there is no direct contact with the fish pets, it minimizes allergic exposures.

Leopard Gecko

Rarely do human beings develop allergies because of an exposure to lizards. Since leopard geckos are hairless, they make ideal pets for allergy sufferers. Considerably, they are easy pets to maintain because of their small size and minimal care needs.

When kept in an ideal environment leopard geckos live up to 20 years. Dissimilar to other geckos, leopards do not have sticky toes. So, it is impossible for them to climb walls.

To provide an ideal home for them, try to create an environment similar to their natural habitat. Leopard geckos originate from the humid semi-arid deserts. Hence, they appreciate a dry, warm environment. When shedding their skin, leopard geckos prefer a moist hidden abode for the purpose.

The best place to keep your hairless friend is an appropriately sized and well-ventilated terrarium. Most importantly, place a screened lid to allow sunlight. To mimic their natural habitat, separate a warm and cool section in the tank. Then, install a heated light in one area and regularly use a thermometer to assess temperature. On the cooler side, use a hygrometer to ensure that the humidity remains within the required range.

Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs bring over a little ocean sensation in the house. Most pet lovers prefer these creatures because they are odorless, easy to look after and do not transmit diseases. Note that there are land hermit species, which also require minimal maintenance requirements.

Before you introduce a hermit crab to the family, come up with a comfortable crabitat. This is a sizable gallon tank suitable to fit around three hermits.

A well-sized enclosure ensures that your pets have ample space to relax and simplifies the cleaning process. You can also create a burrowing substrate of at least six inches in the tank.

Remember that if you do not allow your crabs to burrow frequently, it reduces their chances of survival. Likewise, add toys and freshwater or salt baths as a leisure activity.

Since they easily become affected by extreme hot and cold temperatures, install a heat lamp within 75 and 85 degrees. Hermit crabs love running around. Thus, provide a lockable lid to keep them safe and block humidity from escaping.

Bearded Dragon

Similar to leopard lizards, bearded dragons do not produce dander. This is the microscopic tiny skin cells that fall off when furry animals shed hair.

When the animals groom themselves, the flakes stick to the saliva. For that reason, a close contact with the pet owner spreads the allergens.

Bearded dragons in their interactive nature are easily trainable and enjoy petting. It is common for reptiles to transmit salmonella to the people they come into contact with.

Therefore, keep young children, elderly, pregnant women and those with vulnerable immunity away. Alternatively, wash your hands immediately after an encounter with them.

Turtles

Often, pet shops market turtles as low-maintenance pets. In an actual sense, these reptiles require lots of care and plenty of space to grow. For a thriving pet, provide water filtration, lighting and suitable temperature.

First, never adapt wild turtle because they adapt poorly to captivity. Instead, go to the nearby turtle society or breeder and buy one. Turtle experts discourage buying the tiny delicate creatures in tourist shops. Presumably, some are on sale illegally and might cause issues with the law.

It is prudent to confirm if your state requires you to get a pet turtle permit. Due to dwindling populations of turtles, the law is more vigilant to keep it under control.

Tiny turtles pose as a risk to children as they can easily swallow or kill them. Also, since they easily spread salmonella, practice optimal hygienic measures around them.

Axolotls

The beauty of keeping an axolotl as a pet is that you do not have to be an expert exotic animal’s keeper. Rather, these little salamanders are hardy and easy to look after. Although they have gills and lungs, they stay mostly in water.

The first thing you need to work on is to fill a tank filled with water. Since they reproduce really fast, settle for a large aquarium. Then place a mesh wire over the tank to prevent your pets from jumping outside. Coat the bottom of the tank with aquarium sand and add natural stones, plants, and an abundance of hiding spots.

When handling young axolotl, keep them under dim light before they get used to a brighter glow. Since they are carnivorous, introduce a live feeder fish in the tank to prevent contamination.

Chameleon

Chameleons are not the easiest pets to keep. Altogether, they have a huge chunk of admirers who would not mind going to extreme levels taking care of them.

Most states regulate capturing of chameleons in the wild. This is because most of them die in the process or in transit to pet stores. Worse, wild species become excessively stressed in captive conditions.

When choosing a pet chameleon, settle for those bred in captivity. Observe them for a while; a healthy chameleon should appear energetic and capable of changing colors.

Their caring requirements are quite detailed and confusing to beginners. Still, they make captivating pets to those ready for the challenge.

Frogs

Frogs are facing an extinction scare due to human activities. Sadly, pet trade contributes immensely to the crisis. To control the situation, buy home-bred pet frogs. Before you take them home, get them tested for transmittable diseases like Chytrid fungus.

Although the condition does not affect humans, it is a leading cause of death with amphibians. This is because Chytrid fungi attack the outer keratin skin, affecting the homeostasis process.

Frogs lead a healthy and long life when placed under proper care. On average, some species, such as pacman frogs, live for over 15 years. While young frogs may jump all over the place, older ones become sedentary with age.

Few people acknowledge frogs as pets. Hence, it can be a challenge getting someone to stay with your pet while out of town.

Snakes

As fascinating as they appear to snake lovers, these are not starter pets for everyone. Obviously, this is because of the stigma and fear associated with serpents. Snakes have unique needs that require commitment and deep understanding. Yet, they are fascinating creatures and can make interesting pets.

When buying a pet snake request a cursory exam to rule out any sickness. Mostly, experts check mouth rot, skin condition and if any bubbles come from the nose. Additionally, demand for a feeding demonstration to ensure that the snake feeds well.

Remember that snakes are escape experts. Therefore, ensure that you keep them in an escape-proof environment. For safety concerns, avoid adopting venomous and large snakes. Instead, talk to a reputable breeder for the right snake pet you should bring home.

The Last Word

Needless to say, pet lovers appreciate animals they can easily relate and bond with. However, if the experience exposes them to various health risks, it comes as a tremendous disappointment.

Mostly, warm-blooded pets with fur produce allergic proteins that affect those with delicate immune systems.

Luckily, there are several breeds of hypoallergenic pets that would still offer you immeasurable companionship without causing harm. Consider the helpful list mentioned above and also talk to a dependable pet expert for optimal advice.