Pet Allergies

From www.Pedigree.com: 

You love your dog. You also happen to be allergic to him. Or perhaps there's a member of your family who gets sneezy or wheezy around the dog. There are many pet owners who would rather cope with the occasional sniffle or watery eyes than give up their pet. If you're one of those people, this article will offer some suggestions to help you cope.

While you might think that you're allergic to your dog's hair, it could actually be the dander. There are tiny proteins in your dog's saliva that are transferred to your dog's coat whenever he licks himself. When the saliva dries, these proteins become what is called dander. For many people with allergies to dogs, it's the dander that causes the allergic reaction. The best way to remove dander from your dog is with bathing. In between baths, simply wipe your dog's coat down with distilled water and a towel.

Here are some other tips to help you defend against allergies:

Keep your dog out of the bedroom. As nice as it is to have your dog cuddle with you at night, having him in your bed will only aggravate your condition. Keep the bedroom door closed at all times or use a baby gate to keep the dog out.

Get an air filter. This will help clean the air of dander and other allergens throughout your house.

Vacuum and damp mop regularly. People with allergies are better off without carpets, which can quickly collect dander and dust. If you do have carpet, make sure you vacuum a couple times a week. If you have bare floors, sweep and damp mop them frequently.

Wash your dog's bedding and soft toys frequently. This will help prevent the build up of dander.

Consider getting allergy shots. If your allergy symptoms include rashes, sneezing or wheezing, you might want to consult an allergist.