Hamsters are common pets for people across the globe. These small rodents are popular pet choices because they’re easy to care for and not very demanding, so people can easily fit them into their lifestyles.
Despite their small size and low-maintenance needs, however, hamsters are not the perfect pets for everyone. Some people can experience an array of allergy symptoms when around them, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
That means it’s possible for someone to be allergic to hamsters, but why and how do these allergies occur?
In this article, we talk more about hamster allergies and how to relieve the symptoms!
Why Do Hamsters Cause Allergies in People?
For allergy sufferers, allergies can often be annoying and tiring, especially when the person is unsure of the source of their allergy. Most people believe that they’re precisely allergic to the animal that they own, but this is not always true.
If you’re experiencing allergic reactions and have a pet hamster, your pet may not be the main culprit. Other pet-related foreign substances can also cause allergic reactions.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hamster Allergies?
Hamster allergies are similar to any other pet allergies, in that sufferers can experience a reaction that can trigger different health issues.
People who are allergic to hamsters can experience an array of nasal, skin, eye, and respiratory signs and symptoms, including:
These can vary from person to person depending on their sensitivity to the allergens. A few of these symptoms can also be indicators of a common cold; the main difference between the two is that allergy signs should improve or stop when you are away from the allergen.
Are Hamsters Allergy-Friendly Animals? Can They Be Good Pets for People With Allergies?
Hamsters are not hypoallergenic, but they can still be suitable companions for allergy sufferers. They spend most of their time inside their enclosure and don’t require much handling. This means their dander has less chance of spreading throughout the house and affecting a particular allergy sufferer.
So, if you’re an allergy sufferer who’s determined to have a pet, a hamster could potentially be a good choice for you. While many other pets are considered to be more hypoallergenic, you should know that any animals with fur can’t be entirely hypoallergenic, as they all produce dander.
What Can You Do to Relieve Your Hamster Allergy Symptoms?
If you have a pet hamster but suffer from hamster allergies, there are several things that you can do to be more comfortable around your pet and experience fewer symptoms:
What Should You Do If Your Symptoms Are Not Improving?
Like all animal allergies, hamster allergies can come and go; sometimes, you experience severe symptoms, while other times, the symptoms are milder and easier to handle. However, this situation is not to be taken lightly, as you could end up having an extreme allergic reaction, such as asthma and sinus infection.
So, if you have a hamster allergy and your symptoms are not improving despite your efforts to relieve them, visit your doctor, as they will run additional tests and give you practical medical advice.
In this situation, it’s common for the doctor to have you do an allergy test to confirm the source of your allergy. Depending on the outcome, you may need to intake medications, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, to alleviate your symptoms.
Sufferers of severe allergies may need to accept that they need to have a pet-free home, or only hairless creatures; they still produce dander, but the lack of fur to retain saliva and urine etc. means that they are as close to a fully hypoallergenic pet you can get, without delving into the interesting world of reptile and aquatic pets. Examples include the Sphynx cat, Mexican hairless dog, “Skinny Pigs”, and even the Hairless Hamster!
Do All Pets Cause Allergies?
All furry and hairy pets, including hamsters, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, can all cause allergies in humans. Short-haired animals and breeds that are born hairless can also lead to allergies as the allergens are located in their saliva and urine.
That’s why animals like fish and reptiles are considered the best options for allergy sufferers because they don’t have hair or feathers. While these critters are not overly cuddly, they can still be excellent pets and provide companionship to those who need it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re prone to pet allergies, you could be allergic to hamsters. Despite their small size, these rodents can cause major allergic reactions in some people, which is why you should be cautious when handling them.
If you have a pet hamster and suffer from hamster allergies, it’s best to follow these tips to relieve your symptoms. You might also need to consider getting another pet, preferably a reptile or a fish, as these are known as allergy-free animals.
Featured Image Credit: Stratos Giannikos, Shutterstock
