There are steps you can take and products available to lessen allergies and keep you and your pet happy and healthy.

• Bathing. Shampoos that reduce dander and clean the coat: A product such as Allerpet shampoo (both dog and cat versions) can help. It's a liquid applied with a moistened paper towel or washcloth that you simply wipe your pet down with once a week. It neutralizes the allergens on the pet's skin and fur and takes about three weeks to reach peak effectiveness.

• Air Filters. The most often recommended is the HEPA type filter. Honeywell, Envirocare, and Holmes all use the HEPA technology. Those listed as a "class II medical device" (approved for use in hospitals and in medical applications) are preferable. Other suggestions include getting a high efficiency filter for your central system and change it every 2 - 4 weeks.

• Strategic Isolation. Keeping the pet out of the bedroom of the affected person helps in many cases.

• Use fewer throw rugs and upholstered furniture, which can trap allergens and dust.

• Vacuum often.

• Consider taking over-the-counter allergy medication or seeing your doctor.

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