The Perfect Pet?
July 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Pet Allergies
Okay, I am looking to get a new pet. I love animals, the trouble is, sadly, I am also allergic to animals. Can anyone suggest any pets? Also, does anyone know if someone with animal allergies will be allergic to animals even with particularly short hair?
Theres no such thing as a perfect pet, my dear.
I suggest rehoming a Bearded Dragon. They make AMAZING pets if you research beforehand. I love mine.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Betta fish they are very spunky fish and they know you. If you don’t feed them on time they will cut their eyes at you. Call a pet store and go online to look at these beautiful fish
reptiles. they dont have hair & unless ur scared of them, ur not allergic.they are reasonably easy to care for and can be inexpencive. my personal fave is the diamond python, i have one and LOVE him, hes prettymuch my life. bearded dragons, blue tongues & geckos make good pets aswell.
rottwhilers make good pets aswell, dispite there reputation they are jentle loving animals, the animals that attack were trained to do so or hard a hard life with humans. we have one named rocky and hes GOR-JEZZZ!!! they have short hair but you still may be allergic ( i dont know much about dogs so….)
birds: they can be good pets if u know which ones to look at. princess parrots make grate pets. they are enerjetic & entertaining & if you go away, put a toy in its cage & it will be qute capable of entertaining its self for a day or two. they are also very noisy. budgies make ok pets (if u want to be like everybody else)
they are the only two i have kept so anything else you would have to ask someone else.
hope this helped=]
any questions on any of these animals e-mail me & i will be more than happy to help=]
Cats and dogs are the main causes of allergies becuase of the “dander” (dead skin) that is left around the house. If you want a pet, i would reccomend something small like a hamster or guinea pig, if you wnat something cuddly with fur, or if not maybe a snake or parrot. Small pets are quite easy to handle and my dad, who is allergic to pets, has no problems coping with them in the house. If you really have youre heart set on a dog or cat then there are certain types of breed that you can get that make the allergies better.
Dog- Westies or terriers are good allergy free dogs also poodles, or the mixture dogs- “labradoodles” etc. and they do sell dogs that have been modified so they don’t affect allergies, but these are very expensive.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/allergy.htm
Cats- Light/white furred cats are better, also stay away from long haired cats (these really affect allergy sufferers), or there are new allergy free cats selling at $4,000 dollars each.
But if you were to get a cat or a dog, make sure you stay in a room for at least an hour with it, so you can see if there are any effects. Also clean the house regularly and have the air conditioning on frequently.
Good Luck finding a good pet!
Devonshire or Cornish Rex cats are good pets if you are allergic. Their fur is hypoallergenic, plus they are affectionate, easy to look after and have added advantage that they can actually go outside without the risk of hypothermia or sunburn unlike the Sphinx cat.
The perfect pet is a sphinx cat as no hair so no hair loss although it is an old wives tale that cat fur is an allergen it is their saliva with grooming yet if no hair then they groom less. They are indoor cats and expensive expensive but a good breeder will let you go and see them in situ with mummy as a kitten and youll soon know if you are allergic. PLus they are so so so cute. I would love one but cant afford a kitten at that price.
Also just a quick extra. I have asthma etc and was more allergic to my short hair cat than to thai who is a hugely fluffy ginger tom with a tail like a feather duster. He moults everywhere and lays on bed and asthma never been better. It is strange!!!
Snakes are a lot nicer than people think, or guinea pigs if they are kept outside are a good choice.
Get a reptile of some sort, I have a Rankin Dragon and they are great, they don’t bite,they are amazingly easy to clean out, they are really freindly and they love being handled. The only possible downside is you will have to feed it live food
Cats are not v good for allergic ppl.. nor are horses or dogs..
I don’t think a hamster causes problems. My friend is allergic to cats, dogs, horses, hay, dust etc.. and she had both rabbits and hamster and it never made her allergy worse.
Hamsters are quite easy to look after and they are incredibly cute!!
a monkey, it can help you around the house,baby!
Jessca is right, there are several breeds of dogs that are hypoallergenic. I have a poodle (miniature not toy, better tempered) and my sister takes care of him when we go on trips out of the country. She takes care of him for about a week and he sleeps, plays, and snuggles her. My sister has severe allergies and has chemical sensitivity. She has never had an allergic reaction with him. Best thing is to make sure they are bathed once a week and brushed atleast every other day. Send he/she to the groomer once a month and have it shaved to a lamb cut or you can have them cut like if they have a little jacket – pants – pom tail – top notched and feet, back, belly, and face and neck shaved down. I groom my own but because of your sensitivities and possible chemical sensitivity you may want to have someone else do it.
They are the best and I have not had anyone with allergies complain or react to him. Good luck finding the right pet. And btw, snakes and reptiles might make good pets (but they usually stink and so do their cages) so unless you want to clean the cage daily, I might want to reconsider (Proud parent of a juvenile boa).
get a geunie pig like me
Dog
WHY IT’S GOOD A dog will play with you and love you more than any pet we mention here.
WHY IT’S BAD It takes a lot of time and energy to care for one. Dogs bark. Some people are allergic.
NEEDS Dogs, especially large ones, need room to run around. Every day you’ll need to: feed your dog twice, walk it at least once, and let it outside four or five times to poop or pee. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed regularly, and most dogs must be bathed every month or so. If you take a trip, you’ll have to bring your dog along or board it at a kennel.
COST There’s a wide price range, from a free mutt at an animal shelter to more than $500 for a purebred dog. You’ll also need to buy a license, collar and leash, and take the dog to a vet for shots and spaying or neutering, so it can’t have puppies. Annual cost: $225 to $1,150, depending on how much food it eats.
BOTTOM LINE If you’re energetic, this may be the pet for you. But puppies need a lot of attention.
Cat
WHY IT’S GOOD A cat can keep you company while you read or watch TV. Many even prove quite playful, plus they purr when they’re happy.
WHY IT’S BAD Nearly all cats are more aloof than dogs. That means they don’t always come when you call them or play with you when you want. Some people are allergic.
NEEDS Cats must be fed daily. You don’t need to let them outside to poop, since they use a litter box. But you do need to scoop the litter box out daily and clean it weekly. Longhaired cats need to be brushed regularly. You’ll probably need help clipping your cat’s nails. If you must travel, your cat can look after itself for a couple of days, as long as it has plenty of food and water. Don’t forget spaying or neutering.
COST From free, for a shelter cat, to $75 to $500 for a purebred; annual cost: $300 to $400, depending on types of food and litter.
BOTTOM LINE Not as much work as a dog but still a furry buddy who can curl up on your lap.
Bird
WHY IT’S GOOD Beautiful to look at, and relatively easy to care for. Some can be taught to talk or whistle. Unlike hamsters, birds are diurnal (active during the daytime), so they won’t make a racket that keeps you up at night.
WHY IT’S BAD Not as playful as other pets. Many birds like to throw their seed, making an extra mess for you to clean.
NEEDS You’ll need to give your parakeet food and water daily, and clean the cage weekly. You’ll need to clip your bird’s wings to keep it from flying away if you let it out of its cage.
COST Initial cost: $90 ($20 for a parakeet, $70 for a cage and equipment); annual cost: about $40 to $50.
BOTTOM LINE Although not cuddly like cats or dogs, birds are colorful, enjoy being around humans and are fun to watch.
Rodent
WHY IT’S GOOD Rodents such as hamsters, gerbils and mice are playful, friendly, curious and cute. And you don’t need a big house or back yard.
WHY IT’S BAD They’re small, and you can’t play with them as much as with a dog or cat. Also, most sleep during the day and are awake at night.
NEEDS You need to check their food and water every day. The soft bedding in their cage needs to be changed every week or so.
COST $52 ($7 for a short-haired hamster, $45 for cage and equipment); annual cost: $30 to $50
BOTTOM LINE A good pet if you don’t have much room or money but still want something warm to hold.
Fish
WHY IT’S GOOD A small aquarium takes up very little space, making fish perfect for apartments or small rooms. Fish also come in lots of sizes, shapes and colors, and they don’t take a lot of work.
WHY IT’S BAD Let’s face it, it’s a fish. There aren’t many ways you can play with a fish. Plus, they don’t live long.
NEEDS You’ll need to spend several hours setting up your aquarium with a good filtration system, the right type of water and suitable decorations. Plan on a few minutes daily feeding the fish, and at least half an hour a week changing some of the water.
COST Initial cost: $136 ($120 for a freshwater, 10-gallon tank set; $16 for a half-dozen community fish, such as neon tetras or mollies); annual cost: $5 to $20.
BOTTOM LINE Fish are beautiful and fun to watch. Once you’ve bought the tank, this can be the most inexpensive pet on this list.
No money? No time? How about:
A Rock
WHY IT’S GOOD Requires no work. You don’t need your parent’s permission to get one. Makes nice paperweight.
WHY IT’S BAD Just sits there.
NEEDS None!
COST Free. Look by the side of the road.
BOTTOM LINE Kinda pathetic, but may-be you’ll feel better if you paint eyes on it.
Little outdoor activity – If most of your time is spent at home, consider pets that would be happy to stay with you in that environment. You may enjoy playing with or cuddling a cat or a bunny; watching fish or reptiles; or talking or singing along with a bird.
High activity level – If you’re more active and enjoy daily activities outside of your home, especially walking or running, a dog might be right for you. Canine companions thrive on outdoor exercise, keeping you on the move. Plus, the social element of doggie outings encourages interaction with other people you meet along the way.
Small children and the elderly – Families with small children or elderly living in their homes should consider the size and energy level of a pet. Puppies and kittens are usually very active, but delicate creatures that must be handled with care. Large or rambunctious dogs could accidentally harm or knock over a small child or adult who is unsteady on their feet.
Other animals in household – Consider the ongoing happiness and ability to adjust of the pets you already have. While your cat or a dog might love to have an animal friend to play with, a pet that has had exclusive access to your attentions may resent sharing you.
Home environment – If a neat, tidy home, free of animal hair, occasional muddy footprints and “accidents” is important, then a free-roaming dog or long-haired cat may not be the best choice. You may want to choose pets that are confined to their quarters, such as fish, birds, or a turtle/
Landscaping concerns – With certain pets, your landscaping will suffer. Many dogs will be tempted to dig holes in your lawn, and dog urine can leave yellow patches – some say unaltered females cause the most damage.
Time commitment – Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that you’ll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the pet – perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years with a dog or cat; as many as 30 years or more with a bird.
Puppies and kittens are babies. All babies are cute, cuddly and fun to watch whether they’re playing or sleeping. It’s
wonderful to watch a baby grow, explore and learn. However, we can’t predict what kind of personality that baby
will have as an adult. It’s impossible to look at the rows of human babies in a hospital nursery and know who will be
athletic or academic, quiet or talkative, high-or low-energy, artistically or mechanically gifted, sociable or a “loner.”
Many physical traits of certain types or breeds of dogs and cats can be fairly predictable. Some are good traits like
size, coat and hair types, and some are bad, such as over-breeding, health problems and so forth. Some have
general personality traits: retrievers like to have things in their mouths; terriers like to dig; and Siamese-type cats tend
to be very talkative. These traits can be predicted to a limited degree, however, it’s hazardous to make too many
assumptions about any infant’s individual personality based solely on what traits his “group” is expected to have.
Each baby, whether human, canine or feline, will develop into an individual with a unique personality and special
characteristics all their own. Their personality will be based on some inherited and some learned traits, and that
combination is what makes each individual unique. When we choose our friends, we look for certain characteristics
that fit into our lives, traits we share, and attitudes that help us mesh. Physical characteristics may play a part in those
choices, but the real “click” comes from those combined traits that are unique to each individual. The same is true
when we choose pets to share our lives with us for ten to 20 years.
How do I decide what age pet is right for me? Many people assume that puppies or kittens are the only “right” age
for a new pet to be introduced into the family, when in fact, an older pet is more suitable for many situations. There
are important differences between the needs and abilities of adult dogs or cats and puppies or kittens. Puppies and
kittens learn many of their most important skills, such as how to be a dog or a cat, from their mothers and littermates
until they’re ten to twelve weeks old (see our handouts: “General Developmental Stages of Puppy Behavior” and
“General Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior”). Baby animals taken from their families before that age need
specialized lessons and care. Just because they can eat grown-up food doesn’t mean they have grown up.
However, those first few weeks aren’t the only time for learning.
The first six months of life are vital to the development of puppies and kittens and require a lot of time, care and
energy. Many households are not able to provide what is needed during this busy period of high-rate learning and
growing. Baby animals that are not properly taught and cared for during this time find it difficult to develop the
proper social skills. Depending on the type of cat or dog, most pets can be considered “teenagers” or young adults
from six months to 16 months old. These puppies and kittens are still growing and developing through adolescence,
but are beginning to show the direction that their individual person
a hamster there realy nice iv got a grey russian dwarf hamster and a white russian dwarf hamster that changes its fur to pure white in winter and there very nice but not black ones they bite hope i helped!
I am so sorry to hear that Sam. Well if you have really bad allergies I would suggest that you stay away from the furry animals. I know that may be a bit hard especially if you are an animal lover. My mother has really bad reactions to furry animals…however she seems to be fine around my birds and turtles. I would suggest that you get maybe a lovebird, parakeet or even try having a reptile. Turtles, geckos and most reptiles for not shed fur so your allergies won’t kick in.
Hope that helps!!
a pot bellied pig read up on them first if you decide to get one because you really want to be prepared before you get on. I have a three month old female and she is still getting use to me but she is very clean and smart and only requires shots once a year and since you have allergies they make good pets cause they don’t have much hair.
Hello
Well, actually you are incorrect. You are not allergic to cats, dogs, etc… You are allergic to their fur as it sheds.
So you still have a lot of options open to you.
There are dogs that do not shed their hair and therefore, people that are only mildly allergic can have them. Same for cats.
Things include breeds such as poodle and yorkshire terrier dogs or Cornish Rex cats.
There are also dogs and cats that do not have fur at all (almost)! These will only cause a reaction in people with the most extreme alergy.
These are things like Mexican Hairless dog or for cats there is the Sphynx.
I suggest you have a google and maybe contact some breeders and ask them if you can see their dogs/cats to check if you have a reaction or not, before you buy.
If this still isn’t working for you – you can always get reptiles or goldfish… That said, they are mainly display animals – regardless of what pet lovers might say, they are not affectionate in the slightest.
You could get a reptile or fish, for example, snake, tortoise, lizard, turtle, terrapin, tropical fish, cold water fish. Or you could get a poodle as they don’t shed there coat and I don’t think they would be so bad for your allergies.=) good luck hope this helps!
Do you like reptiles? I have a Bearded Dragon and he is soooo cool. He loves to be held and just chill on my leg or shoulder.