Which are the best pets for pet allergies?
At first glance, it can be quite disheartening if you or a family member have pet allergies and you really want a pet. But just because you’re allergic to some critters doesn’t mean you can’t have one. For one thing, certain breeds of cats or dogs are less likely to trigger a reaction. Here’s a look at some of the best pet choices for those with pet allergies
Cats and dogs
First things first: Contrary to popular wisdom, animal fur isn’t the main cause of allergies. The problem is that fur can collect dust, mold, pollen and other allergens, which, in turn, can cause allergic reactions. In addition, proteins in dander—dead skin flakes—saliva and urine also can trigger symptoms. Generally, cats tend to be more problematic, because they lick their coats with greater frequency than dogs.
Best in show
One dog breed that causes fewer reactions is the Xoloitzcuintli, because these pooches generally have hair only on their head, back and tail. Poodles are another good choice. They have hair, rather than fur, and thus have less dander.
Some curious cats
As for cats, although the Balinese are longer-haired, they produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions than many other felines. There’s also the Sphinx, which has no fur, though their skin requires regular moisturizing.
Leave it to the little guys
Gerbils, guinea pigs and mice have hair and produce dander and urine. Still, they’re less likely to trigger allergies because they’re (hopefully) contained in their cages and, as a result, aren’t running all over the house. As for birds, they also produce dander, but parakeets and cockatiels make less than other feathered companions.
Tipping the scales
Fish and reptiles may not be the cuddliest critters, but they also lack hair or dander, making them very allergy-friendly. Of your fish choices, goldfish are probably the easiest pets to take care of, though you have to make sure tanks are cleaned regularly to prevent mold, which can trigger other allergies. If you want a snake, larger ones require live sustenance, something that may not be up your alley. Corn snakes, king snakes and milk snakes are popular choices.
No matter what type of pet you choose, it’s a good idea to dust and vacuum regularly. Those with pet allergies can also be helped by a smart air purifier, like Coway Airmega to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
