When it comes to treating allergies, avoiding your triggers is the best medicine. But that’s not easy when what makes you sneeze is a beloved pet. If finding your pet a new home isn’t an option, talk to your doctor about treating your symptoms with medications or allergy shots.

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Roughly 10% of Americans may be allergic to animals, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. But people who have sensitivities to common household allergens such as dust mites and molds may overlook the chance that they’re also allergic to their own pets. This is because animal allergies might not surface on your first trip to the pet store. In fact, these allergies may develop long after you’ve taken your new puppy or kitten (or ferret, or parakeet . . .) home with you.

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If you’re allergic to your pet, your doctor may have recommended that you give away your furry or feathery friend. If your response was an emphatic “no way!” you’re not alone. Over 40% of people with animal allergies will not give up their pets, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Before you start looking for a more pet-friendly allergist, consider these tips for working with your doctor on a treatment plan that’s acceptable to both of you.

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The conventional wisdom about allergies is to avoid triggers whenever you can, but when it comes to their pets, many people don’t consider “allergen avoidance” an option. Over 40% of people with animal allergies will not give up their pets, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports (and some surveys put that percentage far higher). By taking steps to reduce animal allergen and your exposure to it, you may be able to live comfortably with your pets — and your asthma or allergies.

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The conventional allergy wisdom is to avoid your triggers whenever possible, but when it comes to pets, many people don’t consider “allergen avoidance” an option. Over 40% of people with animal allergies will not give up their pets, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports (and some surveys put that percentage far higher). Here’s what you need to know about animal allergen, and how you can control it.

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Furry, feathery, or scaly pets can be great companions and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, those furry coats, feathers, and scales can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. If you think you’re allergic to your pet, an allergist can help you find out for sure. Allergists can perform skin or blood tests to determine if you have sensitivities to a variety of allergens, including dander, the most common pet allergen.

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