I have an allergic reaction to the Labrador owned by my brother, but would really like a dog. Is there anything I can do?

By its very nature, allergic reactions to dogs are very personal, and something that causes an allergic reaction in one person may not have any effect on another person.

Allergic reactions to dogs are usually associated to the hair and skin flakes of the dog. So if this is what causes your particular allergic reaction to dogs then one possible solution would be to choose a dog that sheds little, are "hairless" or that have no fluffy undercoat.

Examples of dogs in this category could be Poodles, Bedlington Terriers, Schnauzers, Irish Water Spaniels and Bichons Frise.

Kenneling outside can help to prevent allergic reactions as most of the "pet dander" will be shed outside rather than in your home environment.

Also, there are a variety of grooming products that are available that can be used to try to reduce the allergic effects of the dog.

The methods and ideas above may help you to cope with the allergic reaction you have suffered to dogs in the past, but we would suggest that you try to spend some time with a dog before taking them on to see whether you will be able to live with one.

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