Man's best friend can be anything but that to those with pet allergies. Here, the big problem is a protein in the skin and saliva of cats and dogs, not their hair, as is widely believed. Despite popular opinion, allergic reactions are not determined by an animal's breed or length of hair. Hairless or short-haired pets are just as likely to cause an allergic response as long-haired breeds.

The trouble starts when the pet grooms itself and the offending protein allergen attaches to animal hair or dander and to carpeting, furniture and other objects the animal comes in contact with. As the allergen dries, the loosened hair becomes airborne. And research shows that the cat allergen even sticks to walls, clothing and other surfaces, which explains why some people may be allergic in cat-free homes. Other people get a reaction from an allergen found in the urine and hair of guinea pigs and gerbils.

If you are allergic to pets, the only sure way to prevent reactions is the most painful one: Find a new home for the animal. If that's unacceptable to you and your family, here's how to reduce your exposure:

Send them outdoors…
When pets are outdoors, their dander is less likely to cause danger to you. After building their dog house (or cat home), do a little maintenance on your own abode. It's best to remove carpet and upholstery where pet hair collects, especially cat hair. As with dust mite allergies, bare wood or sheet-goods flooring is best. Area rugs are fine if they can be laundered.

If pets cannot be kept outdoors, restrict them to the kitchen and other non-carpeted rooms. Even if bedrooms aren't carpeted, keep pets from your sleeping quarters, since that's where most of your time indoors is spent.

…And bring the outdoors inside
Even if you keep your pets outdoors, and especially if you don't, try to improve ventilation by opening windows and air intake vents. These steps will improve indoor circulation and help keep pet dander from doing all its dirty work.

Get a new vacuum
A vacuum cleaner with a high-energy particulate air (HEPA) filter is the best kind to prevent indoor allergens from causing misery. Besides animal allergies, HEPA filters also are advised for those allergic to dust mites, mold, cockroaches and other indoor airborne allergies. And when vacuuming, wear a face mask.

Keep kitty groomed
To keep pet dander from spreading because of feline fastidiousness, brush your cat regularly while wearing a face mask. Regular brushing also is advised for dogs, but since they aren't as meticulous about their hygiene and don't clean themselves as often as cats do,, it may not be necessary to do it daily.

Watch for other allergens
If you are allergic to any airborne substance, including animal dander, it's also important to avoid other irritants like cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, insect sprays, dust and tar fumes. Even if you're not allergic to those substances, exposure to them could aggravate your pet allergies. An air filter can help.
 

The best way to avoid pet allergies is obvious: Find a new home for the pet. But that's often easier said than done.

There's no question about the physical benefits that results from ridding the household of an allergy-causing pet. But losing the family pet can be emotionally devastating. Unfortunately, keeping the critter out of bedrooms isn't enough, since dander and saliva are airborne throughout the house and also can hitch a ride on clothing. Here's how to ease the pain of parting:

Honesty is the best policy
Don't pull punches or sugar-coat the reason when telling your children of the need to remove the pet. Don't blame the animal's behavior, or pretend the pet will be happier elsewhere. State the reason as it is: "We know that Rover is making your allergies worse, and we have to find another good home for her so you can feel better." Stress that you are making the decision, as a parent whose responsibility is to make sure your children are safe. Avoid using terms like "getting rid of " and other callous remarks.

Let children express their feelings
An allergic child may blame himself or herself for causing the problem, or be angry with you for deciding to remove the animal. Siblings also may cast blame, either at you or their allergic brother or sister or both. Don't allow scapegoating, but do allow each member of the family to share his or her views, without blame.

Be sensitive to the grieving process
Losing a pet, even by choice, will likely affect all family members. It may help to talk about the good times shared with the pet, and how those memories can be treasured forever.

Make finding your pet's new digs a family affair
Have everyone in the family participate in locating a new home for the animal. It's helpful to have children be in charge of making a list of the pet's special needs, such as a big yard for running or a family with children. Then, the entire family should brainstorm suggestions on where and how to find a new home that meets the criteria. A good place to start is at your veterinarian's office.

Let the kids give their OK
Once you've found a home for your pet, let your kids check it out and give it their stamp of approval. You may want to first check with your doctor to make sure this won't set off allergies, but it can help bring closure to your child's worries. Of course, if your children don't approve of what appears to be a good replacement residence, it could be their fear of losing their animal. If that's the case, sit down with them and ask them to articulate exactly what is wrong with the new home.