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Helping a Child with Pet Allergies Live with a Dog or Cat

Local experts say that there are many workarounds available to the determined allergic pet owner.

Watching a child snuggle up with a warm puppy or kitten is one of the most heartwarming moments life has to offer. There’s a reason that 66 percent of U.S. households have pets, and more than 161 million of these pets are cats and dogs. Our furriest friends are so lovable! But can a child with pet allergies live with a dog or cat? How do you balance your child’s desire to care for a fluffy creature and the real danger of an allergic reaction? 

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic breed of cat or dog, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. It’s not the length of the animal’s hair, nor the amount of shedding that brings on the allergic reaction, according to the organization. The true offender is the protein found in the pet’s dander, skin flakes, oil glands, saliva, and urine. When a person with allergies is exposed to these triggers, their immune system overreacts. This produces irritating symptoms including sniffling, sneezing, itchiness and watery eyes, hives, and even asthma. 

Does this mean your child with pet allergies can never experience the joys of having a dog or cat? Not necessarily. Local experts at the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center say that there are many workarounds available to the determined allergic pet owner. 

Helping Your Child with Pet Allergies Live with a Cat

Cats are kept as pets in more than a quarter of homes nationwide, and dogs are found in nearly one-third. However, roughly twice as many people say they’re allergic to cats, compared to dogs, reports the American Lung Association. 

If your kid loves cats but has an allergic reaction to them, the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center has several suggestions. Be warned. This won’t necessarily be easy, and you may want to start with a feline pedicure to reduce scratching: 

  • Keep your cat primarily in one room of the house, preferably an uncarpeted space.
  • Shampoo your cat once a week to reduce the number of allergens. 
  • If you feel extra ambitious, blow-dry the cat’s fur to remove excess water. 

Note: It can take a few months of this routine before you start to notice a difference in dander.

Even with a cleaner kitty, you can further reduce allergen exposure with changes in your living spaces. If you plan to keep the kitty indoors, remove carpeting and upholstered furniture. Wash the walls every few months. Hand-washing after petting a kitty is essential. 

Another option is investing in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which can reduce the level of airborne cat allergens by approximately 50 percent. This is an especially good option if you live in an energy-optimized home. These airtight dwellings are great for the planet but can trap animal dander inside. 

Helping Your Child with Pet Allergies Live with a Dog

If your child loves dogs but has allergic reactions around them, the Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center also has a few tips.

You can pick a breed that tends to cause fewer problems for allergy sufferers. Recommended breeds include poodles and Labradoodles, schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers, Maltese, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Irish Water Spaniels, and Kerry Blue Terriers.

 As with felines, cleanliness will help reduce canine-triggered allergic reactions. It’s a good idea to wash the dog once a week. Always clean your child’s hands after extended petting sessions to keep pet dander from traveling to their clothes and toys. 

Regarding décor, choose leather furniture over upholstered couches and hardwood instead of carpet. Carpets are a reservoir for pet dander and oil.

If you suspect your kids are allergic to the cats or dogs they love so much, don’t invest in an iguana just yet. An allergist or immunologist can accurately diagnose your child’s symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works best for your lifestyle. 

But wait! Before you make any decision about bringing a pet into your family’s life, consider this excellent advice:  Thinking of Adding a New Family Pet?

 

About the Author

Sydney Parker