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Animal behaviour expert, Karen Wild, discusses pet allergies in her latest column




As pet owners we are well aware that allergies exist when it comes to your dog or cat, but what happens when your pet themselves has an allergy?

A pet with allergies can suffer greatly, so it’s really important we are aware of things we can get to help.

With allergies, the immune system reacts or is sensitive to a particular substance (allergen), which are usually proteins from plants, insects, animals or foods. In dogs, their skin can itch, swell, or they may cough, sneeze and wheeze, lose fur, or may even vomit/get diarrhoea.

Karen Wild
Karen Wild

It’s essential that you seek veterinary advice in the first instance since these symptoms may be caused by a large number of other medical conditions. Don’t just assume it’s an allergy and try to treat it yourself - you could be delaying essential treatment, so give your vet a call straightaway first.

Pets can be allergic to dust mite debris, so beds can be made from naturally hypoallergenic materials including high density foam which makes it harder for dust mites to inhabit them (such as medical grade or memory foam). Some of these allow you to separate each part of the bed - more practical for the frequent washing that is required, especially if you have a big dog bed or two! This also helps eliminate fleas, a bite from which can also trigger an allergic response.

Cotton, hemp or tightly woven microfibre fabric are less likely to cause problems whereas synthetic fabrics are manufactured using certain chemicals, such as flame retardants, known to be allergenic. Be careful that your pet isn’t affected by the washing liquids you use too - find one that is least likely to cause a reaction.

Olive the cockapoo has no allergies her owner is aware of
Olive the cockapoo has no allergies her owner is aware of

Collars, harnesses and leads can also be designed to prevent sensitivities developing. A softer collar, such as a cotton or hemp design, rather than nylon or webbing, can assist with this. Not only are they less likely to cause an allergic reaction and are easy to wash, but they are also less likely to rub a dog’s fur when this may already be sensitive for other reasons.

Can toys escape the allergy trap? Toys with soft stuffing may harbour dust mites, so need frequent washing and must be durable. A flat’ dog toy is helpful, can still contain squeakers and so on, and still be fun for the dog. Chew toys involving food such as sweet potato may be considered for a dog on an elimination diet, so again, be careful what you give them. There is no point putting your dog or cat on a careful, expensive Veterinary diet and then feeding them treats which contain things you are trying to avoid.

Finally, pet bowls! Some cats can be allergic to plastics, although this is rare but irritation around the mouth can be caused by contact with plastic bowls and a choice of steel bowls may be
preferable.



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