Kids With Allergies? Tips On Choosing The Right Pet For Your Family

If your child has been asking for a pet but allergies within the family is a concern, then parents need to take extra care in finding the right animal and creating a routine that will ensure everyone is healthy and happy. 

Finding the right pet for your family is a serious matter, especially when health conditions are present. First you need to know that even if a child is sensitive to dander or fur, it's still very possible to find a pet that will keep your child both sneeze-free and happily in love. 

If you don't know how to get started looking for one, we are sharing some useful tips on how you can go about selecting the best pet for your child and the rest of the family. 

• Get Tested - Because there is no such thing as a 100 percent non-allergenic pet Some people can be more sensitive to certain breeds of dogs as well as their characteristics so allergy testing is an option. While the test will tell you if you're allergic to cats, dogs or both, unfortunately the information is limited and will not go as far as telling you the individual breed you may react to. 
• Exposure - Unfortunately, the process does involve a bit of hit and miss so in addition to being tested, you may wish to consider visiting friends and family members who have pets and see how you react when exposed. This can assist in ruling out some breeds. 
• Smaller Pets - While most prefer either cats or dogs, Parents.com suggests considering alternative animals, namely smaller pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and so on. Some advantages include affordability and lower maintenance but it's also important to consider reactions before committing. It's highly possible that kids may also be allergic to rabbit's fur or that of smaller rodents. Fish are also very popular options for families that are dealing with allergies. 
• Household Routine - Everyday Health suggests a list of rules that could aid in caring for a home where kids have a skin condition. You may wish to consider restricting areas like bedrooms, imposing proper hygiene (i.e. Washing hands and keeping the animals clean), and constant cleaning of cages/ litters as well as using the vacuum regularly. 

What's important to remember is that it all boils down to planing. There's nothing more heartbreaking than falling in love with a new pet only to have problems arise that will make it harder for everyone in the long run. It is best to talk to your doctor before making a choice so you and your family may be guided on how to approach the addition to your family.