People suffering from allergies don't have to give up pets, they just need to know how to choose the right pet. For example, a naked rodent can be a good choice if you don't have time for a cat or a dog.
Although many people think allergies are caused by animal hair, it is not so, but it is related to their hair. Animal hair catches allergens and carries them into their surroundings. People are most commonly allergic to animal saliva, flakes of skin, urine and mites that live in fur. They are also allergic to allergens that get caught in the animal's coat (such as pollen or dust). Therefore, although hair is not directly responsible for the allergic reaction, it is largely responsible.
A naked animal, such as a rodent, can be a good solution for allergy sufferers. However, it is good to test if the pet we are planning to buy causes a reaction. You can visit a kennel, which you would have to do anyway to buy an animal if you want a healthy animal without the risk of genetic burden.
A Skinny Pig is a good option; it was created in Canadian laboratories, originally as a test animal for dermatology research. Their skin is warm and soft to touch, and they can come in just one color or tricolor. Caring for them does not differ significantly from normal guinea pigs, you just need to pay more attention to the cold and draft. However, they are not suitable for those who with allergies to dandruff, sweat or hay, which is an essential component of their diet.
Another naked rodent is the Nunu nude mouse. However, these are not recommended as a pet and they are inappropriate for breeding, as these mice are genetically predisposed to have almost no immune system (they have no thymus). Holding them or cuddling them would expose them to great health risks.
Nude rats have the same problem (Rowen nude rat). They also have an undeveloped thymus, and they have a defective immune system. They are bred under strict conditions, and just like the nude mice, they are inappropriate for hobby breeding. However, these are only homozygotes (individuals who have both alleles in the gene pair mutated, i.e. nu/nu). In contrast to heterozygous mice (only one allele in the gene pair mutated) that also have impaired immune systems, heterozygous rats are healthy, but they have a glossy, short coat.
There are also Sphynx rats. These rats are either completely hairless, or they have clusters of hair on their head. They're not very popular in Europe, but they can still be found in our country. They are also reported to have reduced immunity. Additionally, the females usually have a problem rearing their young, so another furry female is necessary.
Let's talk about how to prevent rodent allergies, especially in children. These pets should be kept in well-ventilated rooms, and should ideally not be placed in children's rooms; this would expose your child to high doses of allergens. If your child is prone to allergies, reactions may appear very soon.
As we mentioned before, urine is often responsible for reactions; it gets into the air after it dries and coats dust particles. It is therefore important to thoroughly clean the rodent cage, and an effective air purifier will help eliminate these allergens. Of course, allergens are also spread by touch. A special product for removing allergens from hair (Petal Cleanse) can be helpful.
Do you have a nude rodent other than the Skinny Pig at home? What breed do you have, and how is their immune system?
Heroparkour is a great sport for problem dogs. Since a great part of problem behaviour has roots directly in timidity. Such dog is unable to handle more complex situations of ordinary life due to fear. It doesn’t believe non-standard conditions.
The use of dogs in search and rescue (the so-called SAR) is an integral part of natural disasters, mass accidents or, for example, when search for missing people. Do you know, when the first dog rescuers appeared?
Every dog has its individuality and is unique in its own way, so even the period of growing up can differ significantly in every individual. I know dog owners, who didn’t know what to do with puberty excesses of their otherwise loved four-legged...
A handy assistant not only for dog owners, who need to work on training with their dog, but also for sport cynologists who, on the other hand, are refining the discipline called the “track” with their dogs. The original purpose of the long cord with a...
One dog isn’t enough for you and you’re looking for an excuse that will help you vindicate having a whole pack at home? One option is to become a musher - a dog sled racer. For adrenaline lovers, who’d love to ride through the landscape on a sled using...
Of course there are more apps, we chose only the ones for you that intrigued us the most. Have you tried an app or have you got a favourite one that you could recommend to others?
It’s like a rollercoaster ride with outside temperatures this winter, once you’re up and then back down. All the more attention should we pay to the care for our dogs. Since it’s not only us, people, who don’t take well to the changing temperatures.
Unfortunately, in the life of dog owners, even unpleasant situations occur, which aren’t only an intervention in the life of your dog partner, but also affect your wallet. For example, if the dog gets hit by a car or it is otherwise injured and the...
With changes of the temperatures accompanying the autumn, higher demands are put on the organism and thus its immune system. That’s why it’s not unreasonable to start and boost the immunity already now. Remember, that prevention is always better and...
Before we get to winter sports that you can do with your four-legged buddies it’s good to remember the care that you shouldn’t forget about in this period.
If you’re planning to go abroad, even just for a few days, then definitely don’t forget about the animal’s passport. When you’re packing this dog passport, make sure that you check off-hand, that your four-legged friend has all its vaccinations valid....
Kittens, as well as a number of other animal offspring, are born blind. Their eyes open around the tenth day of their life and only after another week, they are fully functional. Even though the sight in a cat belongs among the best-developed senses,...
