Reducing Pet Allergies

Allergies can be a big problem for pet owners, but they shouldn't prevent you from enjoying your pet.
    
When people say that they're allergic to dogs and cats, what they're really allergic to is the pet's dander and saliva, not necessarily its fur. Dander is the residue from the pet's dead skin, so short-haired pets can be just as allergenic as long-haired ones. Some breeds of pets may be more hypoallergenic than others, but no furry creature is completely non-allergenic.
    
Some of the less allergenic breeds include the Wheaton Terrier, Bichon Frisee, Poodles, and the Rex cat.
    
Simply put, treating pet dander is the best way to minimize allergies. Bathe your pet with a hypoallergenic shampoo to reduce dander. There are also a number of other dander-reducing products that can be found in any pet store. Studies show that even spraying your pet with distilled water once a week dramatically reduces dander. You can always ask your veterinarian for more information on how to deal with pet allergies.

Be smart about exposure to dander if you're allergic-vacuum often and don't let your pets sleep in your bed with you at night if you're particularly sensitive. I'm a vet, and when I was a kid, I was allergic to cats. You know what I did? I got four of them! It was miserable for a couple of months, but now I'm perfectly fine-and in love!

I think everyone should have pets, but if you're really concerned about allergies, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor first. 

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM