It's not uncommon for people to have allergies to pets. Keeping the pet groomed regularly and often will help keep the hair and dander down on all breeds. There are also some products available that you can rub on your pet once a week between baths for people who have allergies. These products help by reducing the dander on the pet.

A good diet, frequent grooming, and products such as Allerpet® can help you live with your pet without the torture of allergies. Allerpet® products are available in some pet stores and online and other online retailers.

Some dogs have a coat that sheds less or sheds only when you comb it out and are less allergenic than other breeds. All breeds shed; some just shed less and may be more suitable for people with allergies.

Sometimes grooming your own dog may be too much for your allergies. Perhaps you have a family member willing to help groom the dog. If you don't, you may need to seek out a groomer and put your pet on a regular schedule to help keep your allergies at bay.

Most people are not allergic to the dog's hair, but to the dander or skin flakes under the hair. You can also be allergic to the saliva or urine. Many people with cat allergies fall into this category because cats lick their fur all over to groom themselves. Luckily, dogs rarely lick all over their bodies; if they do lick and chew themselves, it's likely they may have an allergy to something in their diet or environment that needs to be addressed.

Once your dog's coat and skin are in good shape, you can put him on a routine of regular grooming and a product to reduce your allergies to him. Frequent bathing will not harm a dog if you are using the right products.