Is there such a thing as an allergen-free pet? The pet breeders of the world would like you to think so. But really there is no such thing. Research has found that certain breeds of cats and dogs, while they may cause mild allergic reactions, don't overstimulate the immune system nearly as much as others. For instance, poodles are known to shed very little hair, and hair can carry and spread dander, which transports allergy-provoking proteins from saliva and urine. But if you think that dogs with hair instead of fur are the key to allergy-free living, think again. The differences between hair and fur are essentially little more than a matter of length and texture. Fur and hair are chemically indistinguishable. Whether a dog has hair or fur will not affect how allergy-provoking they are to you. There is a the mixed breed cat "created" by a San Diego company that has saliva that does not contain an allergy-causing protein. Coming with a hefty price and a money-back guarantee, it seems to be helpful to some folks. While the animal's breed can be a deciding factor in your allergy response, it's not a guarantee you'll be in the clear. If a cat or dog roams around outdoors, it may carry allergens - such as pollen, mold, and dust - back into your home. There is no way to know for sure if you are allergic to any given pet unless you have a skin scratch test. After testing, you can decide with your allergist what avoidance measures are appropriate or if desensitization is an option. For a truly allergy-free pet, consider dander-free fish, turtles, and other reptiles. To find out how to treat common allergy symptoms, check out other videos in this series.