Many people would love nothing more than to own a dog or cat. Unfortunately, roughly 6 percent of the population has a hypersensitivity to these cuddly creatures’ saliva and dander. If a turtle isn’t your idea of the ultimate pet, here are some fuzzy friends that will keep your wheezing to a minimum.
Do some research on dogs that produce less dander. Dogs with curly hair, like terriers and poodles, are far less likely to bother your allergies than, say, a Chow Chow.
For Cat Lovers:
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- The Deluxe Model: The Allerca GD, Chakan GD, and Ashera GD. Fel d 1 is the protein in cats that triggers most people’s allergies, so if you could eliminate it, you’d be on to something big. Lifestyle Pets declares they’ve done just that by developing three types of cats with a mutant gene that blocks this protein’s production. For allergic animal fans, it’s a major breakthrough, but one you’ll pay dearly for (their felines go from $5,950 to $31,000—yes, you could be choosing between a kitty and a car). For more details, head to lifestylepets.com.
- The Cheap Alternative: Get a neutered male. Unaltered males produce the most sebum (a secretion that aggravates the allergic), and altered males produce the least. This won’t dry your runny eyes completely, but it does help.
For Dog People:
- The Deluxe Model: The Jabari GD. Lifestyle Pets hasn’t forgotten about the dogs. Through breeding, they created what they describe as the first canine scientifically proven to help those allergic to dogs, allowing some of the wheeziest among us to buy an adorable 10-pound pooch. Like their cats, it comes at a cost: $15,000 (or $1,500 a pound).
- The Cheap Alternative: Go hypoallergenic. Do some research on dogs that produce less dander. Dogs with curly hair, like terriers and poodles, are far less likely to bother your allergies than, say, a Chow Chow. And, while an American Hairless Terrier or any of the other types of hairless dogs won’t magically cure your allergies (even a hair-free dog still produces dander), it’s far more manageable than an Irish setter or Afghan Hound shedding all over your home.
Make the Best of Your Breed
Even if you do wind up with a pet that isn’t perfectly hypoallergenic, you can still take action to keep your airways clear.
- No-Critter Zone. The bedroom is where you spend eight hours a night lying in one place. Regardless of how much they scratch and whine at the door, make sure this room stays blessedly uncontaminated by your four-legged friends.
- Clear the Air. A high-quality filter (like a HEPA) can remove the dander from the air you breathe. Avoid purifiers and air deionizers, unless you feel like paying for something that will likely wind up making your allergies even worse.
- Keep It Clean. Bathe your pet once or twice a week; wash your hands and face far more frequently than that. Vacuum, dust, and keep your home tidy to ensure the allergen levels stay at an absolute minimum.
- Medicate. Talk to your doctor or allergist about prescription allergy medication. You can look into allergy shots as well, which are very effective but may involve years of injections before your symptoms vanish completely.
-- Sean Cunningham
See More: Couple Issues , Pets