Health: Allergies to dogs

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Thankfully, the days are gone when an allergic person was told to "just get rid of the dog." Doctors now realize that many people would rather endure a little sniffling than live without a dog, and they can work with you to minimize your symptoms.

That said, breathing is underrated until you can't do it. If your allergies are significant enough to set off a life-threatening asthma attack, you may be better off with a pet fish or turtle. But if your allergies aren't that bad, you can still have (and enjoy) a canine pal.

Causes

Because dander is the true culprit, the idea that low-shedding dogs are hypoallergenic isn't really true. All dogs have dander, even hairless ones. Low-shedding dogs tend to release less of it than heavy shedders, but they can still cause an allergic reaction.

You may be allergic to all dogs or just to some breeds, or to some dogs in one breed but not others. The only way to know how you'll react to a specific dog is to spend time with him.

How to treat your allergies

• Most importantly, don't let your dog sleep in your bedroom, and never in your bed. Keep the door closed and clean the room thoroughly.
• Animal allergens are sticky, so regularly remove the dog's bed, pull up rugs, and scrub the walls, floors, and woodwork.
• If possible, go with bare floors instead of allergen-trapping carpeting. If you don't like bare floors, use throw rugs that can be washed in hot water.
• Vacuum often and wear a dust mask when you do it. Invest in a good vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Cover your vents with cheesecloth, at least the ones in your bedroom.
• Keep your dog off furniture or cover it with fabric that you wash frequently in hot water.
• Forced-air heating and air conditioning can spread allergens, so add an air cleaner with a HEPA filter to central heating and air conditioning and run it at least four hours a day. An electrostatic filter will also remove airborne particles the size of animal allergens.
• Washing the dog every week may reduce allergens in your dog's fur, but may not help your symptoms. Have a friend or groomer do it if it makes you wheezy or sneezy.
• Have someone else brush your dog outside.

When it's time to see a physician