Pets for Allergy-prone Families - Family - Pets

Almost every child asks for a pet at some point, so what's a parent to do when challenged by allergies or asthma in the household? Most often, pet-allergies are associated with the dander (skin flakes) shed by the furry varieties of pets. Here are some pet-ideas that may work for you: Birds: Some varieties of parakeet and parrot can be taught to talk, and some bird-owners even let their feathered friends roam the house. (My mother grew up with a parakeet that used to ride around the house on the dog's back!) Some birds also breed well in captivity, providing children the chance to watch the incubating and hatching of new additions to the family aviary. Very few people suffer allergic reactions to birds. Lizards: Although they're not cuddly, small lizards can be engaging and fun to watch. Some change colors or climb walls, some interact socially with one another if you get more than one, and all of them can be fun to feed (unless your youngster is squeamish about watching a cricket meet its demise). Children can also have fun with "landscaping" a terrarium for their new lizards to enjoy. If you don't want to buy the decorations typically sold for this purpose, the family can make a project of collecting interesting rocks or other "found items" to adorn the habitat. Saltwater tanks: A child who is interested in the ocean may enjoy being part of the planning and maintenance of a saltwater fish tank. Invertebrate species are funky and fun to look at, and (if your child is a "planning" type) the set-up and choice of species can be a fun activity in itself. Be advised that a saltwater tank can take a lot of care (keeping the salinity balanced, temperatures in optimal range, and so forth), so unless you're game to take on the project yourself, this might be advisable with older children who are ready to help shoulder the responsibility of its maintenance. Hypoallergenic dogs: And finally, if your youngster is set on the furry variety of pet, there a re some breeds of dog which are considered "hypo-allergenic" (meaning they don't produce much dander, which is usually the cause of allergies). Some research on the topic (along with a consultation with your family doctor) might lead you to a dog that works for your household. You may want to stage a "trial run" with the specific dog you have in mind, as the dander (and allergies) vary from one individual to another.

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