Living with a pet that makes your nose run and your throat swell up is problematic. If you don’t have a life-threatening allergy, there are ways to live comfortably with your new furry friend.

When shopping for a new pet, you have to consider the people in your family who have allergies. Children will generally outgrow allergies, but adults rarely overcome an allergy to a pet by living with it for a long period of time. Surprisingly, all pets have the capacity to cause allergic reactions. There are no breeds of cats or dogs that are free of allergy causing traits, not even the hairless varieties.

There are many challenges to living with a pet when it makes you sneeze and scratch your eyes, but it’s not impossible. Here’s a list of must-do’s to make your home environment more livable:

1. Consistently wash the covers on your bed, couch and chairs. Use plastic covers on mattress and pillows. Constantly dust and clean to remove dander around your home which includes drapes, carpets, blinds and the pet’s bed.

2. Keep an allergy-free area in the house where the animal isn’t allowed to go. A high efficiency HEPA filter and air cleaner is recommended.

3. Regular grooming and bathing weekly can help get rid of dander and dead skin cells on your pet. Use the pet products labeled “shampoo-safe” for kittens. Talk to your veterinarian or choose a pet care book about bathing your animal.

4. Visit your family doctor or allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander. Some individuals suffer from more than one allergen, and you may find your indoor plants and hemp rug are also causing you to sneeze.

Look for treatments such as immunotherapy, over-the-counter antihistamines and steroidal nose sprays – even these treatments can make a real difference. Let your allergist and/or pharmacist know about your commitment to your new pet and ask for their help.