Approximately 15% of the population is allergic to either cats or dogs, yet when faced with giving up a family pet or dealing with the symptoms of allergies, only one in five would give up their furry friend. (source) So, if you or a family member has an allergy to cats or dogs, what can you do to make the co-habitation work?

1. Try selecting a breed that typically has a lower dander level and is considered “hypoallergenic”.
   • List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
   • List of Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
2. Have a non-allergic family member brush and bathe your pet on a weekly basis. This process alone will greatly reduce the level of pet dander in the home. There are specialty shampoos like Allerpet – For People That Are Allergic to Cats that help to reduce allergy creating dander levels.
3. Sweep and vacuum surfaces in the pets’ living area frequently. Using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter will help.
4. Use HEPA air cleaners in the areas of the house that the dog or cat spends most of its time. We have an Air Cleaning Tower Fan running in the main living area of the house most of the day. It is easy to clean and really does work well to reduce allergens in the air.
5. Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the pet. Additionally, over the counter anti-histamines or even allergy shots may end up giving the most relief – just consult your family doctor first.

For more information on selecting the best breed for your family, check out the Dog Guide – comprehensive dog lovers resource.

When considering what type of pet is best for your family, dogs are a natural pick, however, knowing what kind of dog is going to be best for your family can be a challenge. You need to take into consideration:

• Size of your yard and house
• Ages of your children
• Time you have available to spend with the pet

The best dog I have ever owned was a female Rhodesian Ridgeback who was so mild mannered and great with the kids. Right now we have a male Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Black Lab – both are great with the kids, too, but we also have 4 acres where they have plenty of room to run and they have a very large outdoor run as well.

According to the Dog Guide, the best dog for families with children is the Newfoundland. Which other breeds made their Top 10 Best Breeds for Families with Children? Check out the article and see if your dog made the list.

Before going to a breeder or the pet store, check out your local animal shelter. Shelter pets are usually wonderful animals who have found themselves in a shelter due to situations with their owners. For more information, check out the Shelter Pet Project’s PSA video.