1. Wash your hands frequently.

Wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately after handling your dog. If you are unable to wash your hands right away, avoid touching your hands with your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes throughout the day.

2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet.

Your dog's diet should include some natural fat. This fat helps to make your dog's skin less dry, resulting in less shedding. Talk to your vet about his recommendations on how to safely add fat to his diet.

3. Don't allow your dog in the bedroom.

This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. Also, as an extra precaution, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers.

4. Brush your dog often.

It is ideal to brush your dog daily. However, if you suffer from allergies, you'll need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. If possible, the dog should be brushed outdoors. If you live alone with your dog, consider taking him to a professional groomer. You could wear a dust mask and gloves for brushing him in between grooming visits.

5. Bathe your dog often.

Check your dog's current shampoo. It should be hypoallergenic or oatmeal based shampoo. If it's not, try switching brands. If your allergies can't handle the bathing, have another family member be responsible for giving baths. Or, have your dog visit a groomer.

6. Wash your dog's belongings.

Get into the habit of washing your dog's bed, blankets, and toys on a weekly basis either by hand with a safe soap or in the washing machine.

7. Check your vacuum.

Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. This type of system will help pull up and trap more of your dog's dander from the floor.

Note: vacuuming is recommended over sweeping because sweeping can stir the dander into the air, rather than trapping and removing it.

8. Have carpets cleaned regularly.

Even though you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system, it is important to still have your carpets steam-cleaned throughout the year. Try to have this done at least quarterly.

9. Dust often.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces such as tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. If necessary, wear a dust mask as you clean.