According to the Champaign Human Society in Urbana, Illinois, up to 15 percent of people, including children, are allergic to dogs, cats and rabbits. Contrary to popular belief, most people are not actually allergic to pet hair but to the proteins in their skin flakes, called dander, saliva or urine. Although your child may be allergic to conventional pets, it is still possible to honor his desire for a pet.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians do not have hair or dander and make good non-allergenic pets for kids with allergies. A child who does not care to handle his pet often may enjoy a pet frog, salamander or chameleon. Turtles can make good pets but may also carry salmonella, so hand-washing after handling is necessary. Pet snakes can be interesting for kids; consider the adult size of the snake in question before purchasing. The Green Iguana Society recommends easy-to-care-for corn snakes, king snakes and ball pythons for kids. The society does not recommend iguanas as good pets for children because of the high needs of the species.
Fish
Fish are easy to care for, interesting and colorful. AquariumFish.net suggests giving children a bowl of small fish and other animals. Some aquatic animals that do well in a fishbowl include freshwater crabs, small frogs, tadpoles, water snails, shrimp and freshwater clams. Tropical fish need heated tanks, but several types of fish, such as guppies, mollies and tetras, only need a bowl, making them more suitable for young children.
Less Allergenic Dogs
Though no dog is truly hypoallergenic, certain breeds may be less prone to causing allergies than others. The American Kennel Club suggests looking for non-shedding breeds, as less dander is produced and released from dogs who do not shed. Some breeds on the "less allergenic" list are bichon frises, Portuguese water dogs, poodles and schnauzers. With any dog, observe certain practices to reduce the amount of allergen your child is exposed to. These include not letting the dog sleep in the child's bedroom, removing carpets that might trap hair and dander and having your dog groomed frequently.
