We can't tell you how many times we've heard someone say ‘I love cats' or ‘I love dogs', only to be followed by ‘unfortunately I'm allergic to them.' Having a pet certainly has its rewards. They bring us joy, love, companionship and happiness. It's not always easy, though. There's also training, veterinary care, patience, tolerance, and more. And if you've got allergies to pets, that patience and tolerance can be tried all the more.

Regardless of what you may have heard, there is no dog breed that is truly non-allergenic, or not allergy causing. This is because all dogs produce dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine that people can be allergic to. Allergy-producing proteins, or allergens, in the dander or saliva can produce nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, and serious asthma attacks. The word hypo-allergenic (less allergy causing) is typically used with skin care products that tend to be less irritating to sensitive skin.

Read more about pets and allergies.