Identifying allergens makes treatments easier

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

Did you know that your dog may be allergic to the new puppy you just adopted? Allergies to the dander of other pets aren’t common, but they are possible and worth considering if you can’t identify the source of your pet’s allergies. Your cat or dog is more likely to be allergic to several household items:

Dust Mites. Dust mites are one of the most common airborne allergens that affect pets; mold and pollen are the others. Most pets show dust mite allergies via their skin, which becomes red, itchy and inflamed (dermatitis). Unless you wash it frequently, your pet’s bed may cause allergies. Pillows, bedding, carpets and hard-to-clean areas under sofas and beds are other common sources of dust mites. 

Pet Bed Stuffing. Certain fabrics and materials in your pet’s bed may trigger allergies, although the aforementioned dust mites are probably to blame for your pet’s allergic reactions to her bed. Wash your pet’s bed frequently to remove the dust mites and dead skin. If washing the bed doesn’t help, check to see if it’s made from wool, down or other feather-based materials that are more likely to be allergens. One-hundred percent cotton is much less likely to trigger allergic reactions. You can buy hypoallergenic pet beds.

Chemical skin irritants. Household cleaners can cause contact dermatitis, so it’s important to buy natural cleaning products. Detergents, shampoos, soaps and hair sprays can also trigger allergies. Laundry detergent can make fabrics more irritating, so use unscented detergent that’s free from dyes and perfumes to wash your pet’s bedding or clothing. Repeated exposure to the chlorine in swimming pools can also cause contact dermatitis. 

Plants. Many indoor and outdoor plants can cause airborne or contact allergic reactions. Any flowering houseplant can trigger seasonal allergies. Excessive grooming, itchy skin, rashes, eye discharge and sneezing may be signs of an allergic reaction. Potting soil may contain mold that also triggers allergies. To prevent mold in the soil, avoid over-watering your plants and place them in ventilated, well-lit rooms. Keep in mind that some plants are toxic to pets. For example, sago palms are toxic to dogs and cats, and lilies are toxic to cats. Refer to the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants at aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

Smoke. Pets — especially cats — can be sensitive to any kind of smoke, including smoke from cooking. Smoke is a respiratory irritant, which can cause asthma when your pet inhales the chemicals and irritants. If someone in your household smokes cigarettes, your pet is more likely to develop atopic dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes itchy skin. Shortness of breath, watery eyes, sneezing or difficulty breathing are other signs of a smoke allergy. 

To determine what may be causing your pet’s allergic reactions, eliminate new (or old) detergents, cleaning products or other potential allergens and see if that makes a difference. Then you can slowly reintroduce products and monitor your pet’s reaction. To minimize the allergens in your home:

• Clean your house thoroughly with natural cleaning products

• Clean your pet’s bed regularly

• Vacuum frequently

• Disinfect surfaces often (particularly for allergic cats)

• Change your furnace filter monthly

• Use a HEPA filter to pull pollen and dust out of the air

• Add plug-in air purifiers in every room

• Avoid using wool blankets

Talk to your veterinarian about what may be causing your pet’s allergies. Your vet, or a veterinary dermatologist, can do allergy testing and recommend management and treatment strategies.