Animal Allergies & Your Kids

Spring is on its way, along with a bunch of babies. You know it, too, like kittens, puppies, bunnies and chicks. It all starts with Valentine’s day peeps and doesn’t end until after Easter bunnies are eaten (chocolate ones, of course)! With all these babies (yes, we are having a granddaughter born), your kids might try to talk you into a pet (or into a nanny, in my case). You’ve done a great job holding off until now, so here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering finally giving in and getting a pet (or a nanny).

What kind of pet is right for you? Depending on where you live, the ages of your kids and health and interests of your family, this varies greatly (also applicable to nanny selection). Cats are the most offending pet when it comes to allergies, but people are usually allergic to dander, or dead skin flakes, not fur. Got a family member with asthma? He or she has a 20-30% chance of being allergic to a cat or dog (not the nanny). If someone in your house suffers from allergies, pets with fur may have to be kept outside. Be sure he or she has proper shelter from weather, like a rabbit hutch or dog coop. The best pets for families with an allergic member are turtles, hermit crabs, fish snakes, reptiles or any animal that does not have hair.

Where will it live? If a child, or anyone, in your home is allergic to your pet, the pet probably needs to go, at least go outside (nanny might need a room). If that is completely impossible, the pet needs to be restricted to a limited space and definitely out of the bedroom of the allergic person. Pets can leave their dander on bedding or other surfaces, and even with an HEPA air cleaner, can remain for months. Wood or linoleum floor surfaces clean better than carpet, which holds in hair and dander.

Who will be responsible for it? Is it always going to be the other person’s turn when it comes time to feed or clean your pet? Will your nanny be willing to supervise the extra chore? Non-allergic family members should be responsible for cleaning the animal, including its litter box or cage. Urine may also be a source of allergens, especially in rabbits, guinea pigs and little, cage-creatures like that. Bathing once a week may be helpful, if your vet thinks your furry friend can handle it. Brushing should be done outdoors (by a non-allergic person) to minimize hair and dander deposits in the house. If you keep your furry friend in the house, try to limit him or her to a hard floor and have a non-allergic family member sweep, vacuum and mop at least weekly. If this is too much work for the non-allergic family members, good to know that now.

How much will it cost? Pets are not cheap, even if you get the kitten for free, but they are worth the love they provide (just like your nanny). You will have to have vaccinations, spay or neuter and feed your little buddy. Look at prices of animal food and shavings (if you’re getting a small, cage animal) before you commit to buying that pet. If you’re not positive a family member has an allergy, find out first. If having a pet makes one family member suffer, it may not be worth the cost at all.

Will it be a good match for your family? I am not a dog person, but we have a dog. He lives outside, except in the bitter cold of winter. He is a good boy, but I will be in no rush to replace him when he goes. Why? Puppies, and dogs, are a lot of work, require time and attention, eat and poop a lot and the list goes on. Cats, on the other hand, are the pet for me. They stay outside, live in the barn, come around when they want to be pet, and eat any mice that might be lurking. We are not allergic, but I like a hair-and-stink-free home and I don’t want to change a litter box. If you DO decide to get that pet (or nanny), good luck!