It is unfortunate that many dog lovers also suffer from allergies that mean coming into contact with dogs can leave them with runny noses, watery eyes and can even bring on asthma attacks. There are ways to minimise the effects of a dog allergy, that can mean owning a dog is a possibility for almost everyone.

While it is not possible to completely cure a dog allergy, it is very possible to eliminate some of the allergens that cause the majority of people to suffer. It is important to understand why some people have an allergic reaction to dogs as this will help give a greater understanding of ways to prevent allergic reactions being severe.

An allergic reaction is your bodies immune system mistakenly identifying a harmless substance as something that is a threat to your system. When your immune system can't properly identify what is harmless and what is not it goes into overdrive when it detects anything, including dust, pollen and animal dander - these are known as allergens. When someone with an allergy is exposed to an allergen their immune system produces antibodies which then lie in wait for the next type it encounters that specific allergen. To simplify a fairly complex process, when you next encounter this allergen your immune system releases chemicals, one of which, histamine is responsible for most of the reactions associated with allergies - runny nose, watering eyes, itching and wheezing.

So, by minimising the presence of allergens in your house you can minimise the potential reactions you may have to it. This is actually easier to do that it may seem. Simple things such as keeping your dog regularly groomed and bathed, hoovering any areas your dog goes into regularly, and keeping the upstairs of your house adog-free zone can all help reduce the amount of dander floating around your house and therefore minimizing the risk of allergic reactions. Also, if possible the ideal flooring for someone who suffers from allergies is wood or tiles as these are unable to harbour dust and dirt like a carpet, and are so much easier to keep clean and allergen free.

There are certain breeds of dogs that are more allergy-friendly than others, so it is also worth investigating which breeds are suitable for allergy sufferers, as you may well find that your dog allergy isn't as restrictive as you once thought.