DEAR ERIC: I am very allergic to dogs. I have been bitten numerous times throughout my life so I am quite wary of dogs.

Banfield says food-allergic dogs are six times more likely to develop skin infections than non–food-allergic dogs. Once diagnosed with allergies, treatment for dogs is similar to how humans ...

Talking to a counselor can also help to heal some of the trauma you’ve experienced from the dog bites. You may not get to a place of welcoming dogs, but you shouldn’t deprive yourself of plane trips ...

Consider getting an allergy test before bringing home a pet to confirm which animals trigger your symptoms. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a truly allergen-free breed of dog or cat.