Having a cute and cuddly pet can be an experience like no other. But for some people, furry animals can cause allergies.
From cats and dogs to hamsters and even horses, allergies to certain animals are common, says Dr. Purvi Parikh, allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network.
And the symptoms aren’t always as simple as the occasional sneeze, Parikh tells CNBC Make It.
“You want to make sure it doesn’t affect your lungs or your breathing,” she says. This can lead to serious consequences, such as an asthma attack, in some people.
But if you have allergies, that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to adopt a furry friend, Parikh says. Here’s what she recommends doing to make sure you’re using the “purr-fect” companion.
What to do before adopting a pet if you have allergies
Before adopting a pet, Parikh recommends starting your process with two steps:
- Spend some time around the type of animal you plan to keep to see how your body reacts.
- See an allergist and get tested for different pet allergies, especially if you already have other allergies or asthma.
“No one knows how badly or strongly you will react to something until you live with it,” says Parikh. “It’s a good idea if you’re really in doubt to get those allergy tests done and come up with a plan.”
She adds: “You may be surprised that you are allergic to one pet but not the other and decide to adopt an animal to which you are not allergic.
Another option is to adopt a hairless pet. “These animals are a safe option if you have allergies and don’t intend to see an allergist beforehand,” says Parikh.
Here are some animals that you might consider bringing home instead:
3 things you can do if you have adopted a pet that you are allergic to
Perhaps you adopted a furry friend, only to discover that they caused your allergies. Or you’ve decided that you really want a cat or dog, even though you’re a bit allergic to them.
Don’t worry, you can still minimize flare-ups by using certain methods, Parikh says. In this case, she encourages you to:
- Do not let your pet sleep in your bed or bedroom
- Use an air purifier
- Consider seeing an allergist for allergy shots that can reduce the severity of your allergies
In addition, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends these prevention strategies to reduce your exposure to pet-related allergens:
- Wash hands and clothes after playing with your pet.
- Wipe the house regularly with a damp cloth.
- Remove or replace your carpet.
- Upholstery cushions and pillows in hypoallergenic upholstery.
- Clean your home regularly with a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. If possible, have someone who is not allergic to pets complete this step.
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