Sensitivity to animals is one of the most frequently seen allergies. It is estimated that up to 30 percent of the population experience some sort of allergic reaction to companion animals.

But being allergic doesn't mean that you have to give up a pet you already have, or that you cannot have one. Science has made dramatic advances in the understanding and management of airborne allergens in recent years.

Causes of Allergies
The major causes of allergic reactions to dogs is not to the hair, by what's under it: the dander, or old skin scales, which dogs constantly shed into the environment. These are tiny, micron-like particles that allergy sufferers seldom even know are circulating in the air. Dander clings to the furniture, draperies and wall coverings.

What You Can Do
Some simple steps can greatly improve the environment in your home and help you live side-by-side with your best friend. Keep everything as clean and free of dust and dander as possible. Dust regularly with a damp cloth and vacuum the floors instead of sweeping; changing vacuum bags frequently. Get rid of heavy carpets, overstuffed furniture, fabric wall coverings, and other furnishings that gather dust. Air purifiers can dramatically improve the air quality inside your home. Look for ones that contain a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

If you can't allergy-proof your entire home, concentrate on the bedroom. Experts say that if you can breathe pure air for 8-10 hours each night, you can tolerate more exposure to allergenic substances during the day. Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers. Keep pets away from pillows. Wash your hands after handling your pet. Try not to touch your face and eyes until you have.

Regular Grooming Helps
Frequent pet grooming can also help allergy sufferers. A good grooming routine includes combing and brushing on a regular basis to keep the pet's coat free of dead hair, frequent bathing, and cleaning the coat of allergy-producing allergens with a product such as Allerpet.

Sponged onto the hair of your pet once a week, Allerpet cleanses the pet's coat of allergens, controlls their dispersal into the environment, and conditions the hair and skin to reduce future accumulations. It is widely available at quality pet retail outlets, including most Best Friends Pet Resorts.

Grooming your pet yourself may aggravate your symptoms. If your allergies are severe and there is no one else in your household who can handle the grooming, you may want to seek the help of a professional groomer for the brushing and Allerpet application. Check with your local groomer, or with the Best Friends nearest you.