Hypoallergenic pets
No pet is truly hypoallergenic, but understanding your allergy can help you make a safer, more informed choice. Learn what causes pet allergies, what to consider before getting a pet and how to reduce your risk of reactions.
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Understand your allergy
Pet allergies can be frustrating, especially if you love animals and want to share your home with one. If you’re worried you might be allergic to pets, it’s important to understand what may be causing your symptoms before choosing an animal.
Speak to a health professional in the first instance
If you think you have a pet allergy, speak to your GP, pharmacist or allergy specialist before getting a pet. They can help you understand your symptoms and advise on ways to manage them safely.
Know what triggers your symptoms
People often assume pet allergies are caused by fur, but that’s only part of the picture. Dog allergies and cat allergies can be triggered by proteins found in an animal’s saliva, sweat, skin oils, urine, faeces and dander.
These allergens can spread onto fur, bedding, clothing, furniture and surfaces around the home. Some people may also react to hay, food, insects or other things linked to an animal’s care, so it’s worth understanding your own triggers before choosing a pet.
Think about your symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience sneezing, itchy eyes, or a rash after handling their pet. Others may have breathing symptoms, such as coughing or wheezing.
If you have asthma or severe reactions, it’s crucial to get medical advice before bringing an animal home.
Is there such a thing as hypoallergenic pets?
If you’re wondering what pets are hypoallergenic, it’s important to know that no animal is completely allergy-free.
Some breeds or species may be described as ‘hypoallergenic’ because they shed less, have less fur or seem to cause fewer symptoms for some people. But this doesn’t mean they won’t trigger an allergic reaction.
Reactions can vary between individual animals and individual people, so a pet that causes mild symptoms for one person may cause stronger symptoms for someone else. Animals without fur or feathers, and animals with scales, can still cause allergies.
Rather than relying on searches – e.g. for ‘breeds of dogs that don’t shed’ or ‘what cats are hypoallergenic’ – it’s safer to understand your own allergy and spend time around the type of animal you’re considering, before making a decision.
Tips for allergy sufferers
If you’re planning to get a pet and have allergies, there are steps that may help reduce your exposure to allergens. These won’t remove the risk completely, but can help you prepare your home and understand what may be manageable day to day.
Spend time with the animal first
Spend time with the individual animal before adopting. Allergic reactions can vary, so meeting one animal doesn’t guarantee you’ll react the same way to another.
Create pet-free spaces
Keeping your bedroom or certain rooms pet-free may help reduce exposure, especially where you sleep or spend long periods of time. Some dogs may struggle with separation anxiety, but you can train them to be left alone.
Use protective measures
Some people may find it helpful to wear gloves when cleaning enclosures, handling bedding or feeding animals. Wash your hands after handling pets, food, litter, hay or bedding.
Keep your home well ventilated
Good airflow can help reduce allergens in the home. Open windows where safe, use ventilation and consider whether an air purifier may help.
Follow medical advice
Medication may help some people manage symptoms, but this should always be discussed with a health professional. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, don’t ignore them.
Clean regularly
Vacuuming, washing bedding, cleaning surfaces and reducing dust can help manage allergens. If brushing or grooming is needed, doing this outside where safe and practical may help reduce allergens indoors.
Further resources and information
