I am an animal lover. I also have allergies. A few years ago, I visited a doctor for help dealing with my allergies and what turned out to be cough variant asthma. In the course of his examination, the doctor tested me for all kinds of allergies. Much to my great surprise, it turned out I am allergic to dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits. I've spent my whole life around dogs, cats, and horses and never knew they were part of the reason I tend to cough, sneeze, and itch. Despite those discomforts, I am unwilling to part with my furry friends. I'm in good company. It so happens that a lot of people choose to live with pet allergies rather than give up their furbabies.

Most people who are allergic to their pets are not actually allergic to their fur or hair. Generally, pet dander is what causes people to experience the telltale signs of pet allergies. Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of skin that animals constantly shed. Those little flakes of animal skin are sticky and they can adhere to furniture, carpet, and people. They can cause people to cough, sneeze and have itchy, watery eyes. People can also be allergic to an animal's saliva, although it's less common.

Pet allergies affect sufferers in different ways. Some people, like me, have mild reactions when they are exposed to furry animals. For example, I know I'm supposed to be allergic to my dogs, but I'm still able to sleep with them and still breathe. Other people have more severe reactions. My husband is moderately allergic to cats. When he's around them, his eyes get very watery and he itches. Still others may find themselves unable to breathe when they are exposed to pet dander.

For people without pet allergies, pet dander and saliva is completely harmless. However, exposure to pet dander can cause people with oversensitive immune systems to mistake the dander for a harmful substance. Their bodies respond by producing an antibody against it called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Then, the next time the body is exposed to the dander, the body launches an allergic reaction which causes the immune system to release the IgE. A byproduct of IgE is a chemical called histamine, which causes an inflammatory response. That's why allergies cause swelling, itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Naturally, the best way to avoid suffering from pet allergies means not living with animals and making sure your living space is as free of pet dander as possible. For people who have

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