If someone in your family has environmental allergies , potential triggers abound. While stuffed animals might seem risky, since they can be a haven for dust mites, there’s a simple way to keep them safe for your child to play with. Think about conducting a test by visiting a friend or family member who has a pet to make sure your child doesn’t get sick, suggests Martha White, an AAAAI fellow and research director at the Institute for Asthma & Allergy, a private practice in Maryland with offices in Wheaton and Chevy Chase. Spend 30 minutes or more around the pet, then observe the child for the next day or so to see if allergy symptoms develop. If your child has a known allergy to pets, it’s best not to risk bringing an animal into your home, White says. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, although some breeds, such as poodles and Portuguese water dogs—like the one President Obama’s family chose because of daughter Malia’s allergies— produce less dander .

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