You’ve just adopted an amazing dog. You let her sit beside you on the couch, eat scraps from your dinner plates, and maybe even sleep beside you in bed. But you’ve noticed you aren’t feeling like your usual, chipper self lately — your nose itches, your eyes are always red and watery, and you might even have trouble breathing.

If this is the case, you’re not alone. As much as 15% of the population has allergies to pets, including cats, birds, and yes, our favorite canine companions.

If you know in advance that you’re allergic, it’s probably not in your interest to get a dog, considering the inconvenience and discomfort that you’ll have to deal with. Even if you love dogs, you can get your fix by volunteering as a dog walker with a local animal shelter. That way, as soon as you wash your hands and clothes, you should be back to normal. You may also be able to find a breed of dog that doesn’t set off your allergies — make sure to spend time with a dog before committing to take her home, but some of the best dogs for people who suffer from allergies are Bichon Frise, Shih Tzus, Malteses, and Wheaten Terriers.

But what if you’ve already gotten a dog and just discovered that you’re allergic, or have moved in with someone who has a dog? Does Fido really have to go?

In most cases, depending on the severity of the allergy, you should be able to find ways to co-exist without too much trouble. The trick is in allergy-proofing the house, so that you don’t feel awful all day long. Here are some tips:

Keep the dog out of your bedroom. Even if she whimpers and whines about it, don’t give in. Even if you have to deal with allergy problems during the day, you deserve a good night’s sleep. You’ll also want to buy a HEPA air filtration system to remove pet dander and other allergens from the air. Hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers can also be helpful.

Place air filtration systems throughout the house, and vacuum frequently. Both of these will go a long way to reduce the amount of dog dander in the air. Carpets — especially shag carpets — have a tendency to trap allergens, so get rid of them if possible.

Start taking allergy pills on a daily basis, or see your doctor for immunotherapy shot treatment. Both of these methods can really help to ease your discomfort around your pet. Talk to your doctor for details about the best method for you.

Even though it can be a pain when your dog causes allergy problems, she shouldn’t be the one to suffer. Follow these steps, and check out more helpful tips from the Humane Society. An ultimatum doesn’t have to be the answer — do what you can to make the house comfortable for both you and your dog, and you’ll both be happy for it.