Do you feel worse:

• Whenever you around animals?
• When you handle rugs, wear fur coats or down clothing, or sleep with comforter or feather pillow?

If also you’re allergic to animal hair, dander and odor. Allergy to pet dander – particles of hair and skin that cling to fur – can develop at tiny time, even if the same pet has lived with you for years. Cats are the worst offenders, with dogs running a close second.

Less frequently, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters or horses can set allergies. So can parakeets, since feather allergy is closely related to dander allergy. An recent studies indicate that a pet’s saliva or urine can also precipitate allergic attacks.

That seems to make goldfish just about only truly hypoallergenic pet on the market! True, a person can be allergic to only one breed of dog or cat, but that’s rare. And the popular notion that switching to a short haired animal will alleviate allergy is true only in some cases.

”I’ve seen some long haired dogs with silky fur that are no difficulty at all,” says Dr. Falliers. ”And I’ve seen short haired dogs whose dander is a big problem. So it depends. Generally, I’d say that a person with a lot of allergies should stay away from hairy pets. But a long haired dog that stays outdoors is still better than any dog that sleeps next to a child’s bed.”

Some families manage the problem by keeping the pet outdoors all the time and teaching allergic children to enjoy it from a distance. For others, a dog in the yard is still too close for comfort. But removing the pet doesn’t always relieve symptoms. Animal dander and other pet residue can linger in carpets or house dust for several months after animal in the child’s life.

”You have to be realistic , especially with children,” says Dr. Falliers. ”The doctor can say, ’No pets.’ But the children can still go next door and play with the neighbor's dog.”

Sometimes, it’s the parent who must make the sacrifice – one way or another. Dr. Falliers tells the story of a man who was allergic to the family dog, yet didn’t tell his three kids because he knew they would resent him for making them get rid of it. ”So he took his allergy medicine and suffered,” says Dr. Falliers.

Without a doubt, giving up a pet is one of the most painful choices some families will ever have to make. Dr. Falliers also relate the story of a family who refused to accept the fact that their dog was causing their allergies – until the pet was killed by a car and their allergies suddenly disappeared.

Occasionally, clothing made of mohair, alpaca, cashmere or goat hair will trigger an allergic. So can horsehair stuffed chairs and couches. On feathers and down stuffing. That means feather sensitive people should steer away from down filled comforters, sleeping bags and ski jackets.

Doctors often recommend dacron-filled items as acceptable substitutes. Feather pillows can be replaces by a cotton pillowcase with rolled up cotton T-shirts. Avoid foam rubber – it fosters mold growth.