Tips for Choosing a New Pet When You Have Allergies

Posted on by Goodyear Office

Pet dander allergies are pretty common, with approximately 10% to 20% of the population experiencing an allergy to cats or dogs.[1] If you fall into that number, you need to put a little extra thought into which breed of dog or cat you bring home from HALO Animal Rescue.

The first consideration is whether or not your chosen pet is hypoallergenic.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Smiling man with his dog and cat in the park.

Hypoallergenic is the term we apply to animals that either don’t shed much dander or have easily maintained coats. It’s crucial to remember that hypoallergenic pets still have pet dander. They may be less aggravating to people with allergies, but if your symptoms are severe, you should consult your allergist before adopting a furry friend.

Let’s look at a couple of hypoallergenic cat and dog breeds to give you an idea of which animals might be best for you. Our list isn’t exhaustive, so if you have your eye on a new pup or kitten that isn’t on the list, double-check how allergy-friendly they are before you adopt.

Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds

Some hypoallergenic cat breeds include:

  • Siberian
  • Siamese
  • Bengal
  • Burmese
  • Balinese
  • Tonkinese
  • Sphynx
  • Russian blue
  • Cornish Rex
  • Javanese

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Some hypoallergenic dog breeds include:

  • Chinese crested
  • Kerry blue terrier
  • Poodle
  • Yorkshire terrier
  • Bichon frise
  • American hairless terrier
  • Shih tzu

Managing Pet Dander Allergies

Time with your furry friend is more fun when you have your allergies under control. If your allergies are mild, you might be able to manage them effectively by taking daily medication, cleaning your house regularly and bathing your dog weekly. You may not be able to bathe a cat, but brushing them can help reduce allergen buildup.

If you’re interested in a long-term treatment approach, talk to our specialists at Goodyear Office about allergy immunotherapy. The treatment desensitizes you to specific allergens like pet dander over the course of three to five years, helping you enjoy time with your pet without severe symptoms.

[1] Chan, S. K., & Leung, D. Y. M. (2018). Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges. Allergy, asthma & immunology research, 10(2), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2018.10.2.97