Itch, scratch, itch, scratch, it’s a vicious cycle for humans and pets. But it’s not the only one tied to allergies. Food, seasonal, and yes, dog beds can cause allergies, and the symptoms can be anything from coughing to gastrointestinal discomforts.
So, if you’re noticing some strange behavior in your pet (or you), we’ll fill you in on why your dog bed could be problematic. And, even if you think your dog bed is causing allergies, don’t throw it away just yet. There might be a better solution.
- Is it possible for dog beds to cause allergies?
- How can you tell?
- Do you have to throw away the dog bed?
- Could you end up with dog bed allergies?
Is It Possible for Dog Beds to Cause Allergies in Pets?
Dogs have skin, eat food, and breathe in the same air as the rest of us. So, they can be just as uncomfortable from time to time. Sometimes things just don’t agree with us.
Were you aware that houseplants, smoke, pollen, and cleaning solutions are just a few on a long list of irritants for pets? It might take a while to figure it out, though. You can tell when your fur baby has an adverse reaction to food, but scratching or just general yuckiness could be quite a few things.
As a responsible dog parent, you want the best for your little guy or girl, so it’s a good thing that you happened upon this blog post. Because, yes, dog beds cause allergies in some pets. But there’s more than one reason, so a solution isn’t one-size-fits-all.
How Your Dog Bed Could Prompt an Allergic Reaction?
It might seem a bit odd to say that your dog bed is causing allergies but think about it. It’s fabric-covered and filled with unknown materials. Those two things are enough to prompt irritation in some pets.
Have you ever worn a wool sweater and ended up with welts on your skin?
Three Ways Dog Beds Cause Allergies
However, while the material seems like the apparent catalyst, there are three reasons why your dog bed could cause allergies.
- The material (inside or outside)
- What the bed is attracting
- Cleaning solutions
The Material
We have another blog post dedicated to dog bed safety for puppies. In that rundown, we address toxic versus non-toxic fabrics and filling. It’s a good idea to look for chemical-free options and removable covers.
Non-toxic alternatives keep your furry family members safe if they end up chewing up their comfy sleeping area. Additionally, though, there’s less chance of dog bed allergies with natural fabrics and stuffing. That’s not a slam dunk solution, but your choice of bed can make a significant difference.
Dog Beds are Like Magnets
One of the top causes of dog bed allergies is what they attract. Dust mites, molds, and pollens are airborne and looking for a soft spot to land (just like your pet).
So, if you notice that your canine friend was doing well sleeping on a dog bed but later exhibited symptoms like inflamed and itchy skin, you know who to thank. In this case, you might be able to turn things around quickly with a good vacuuming and surface cleaning.
When Cleaning is Problematic
It seems a bit odd to suggest cleaning the dog bed to ease allergy symptoms and then turn around and suggest that it’s a problem. But, again, dog beds cause allergies for different reasons.
Your pets may do just fine with their beds, and then you tidy up, and bam – everything changes.
When cleaning solutions prompt dog bed allergies, you’ve got a relatively easy fix. There are plenty of natural products that’ll erase the damage done by former cleaning methods and get your dog right back on track enjoying restful, peaceful, non-irritating sleep.
Do You Have to Throw Away Your Dog Bed?
We’ve reviewed a seemingly endless list of dog beds, and we know that they’re not cheap. Some of the better ones can run you a few hundred or more. So, we get it. You don’t want your pet to suffer from adverse reactions, but you’re hesitant to get rid of your investment.
Well, the good news is that you might not have to hire movers to get that dog bed out of your house.
Just as there are three reasons for dog beds causing allergies, there are equally as many possible solutions to the problem.
Is the dog bed the problem itself?
This is the most challenging dilemma to solve. But it’s worth trying a cover. If it’s thick enough, it’ll do the trick. And, the good news is that there are covers that’ll fit most beds, and they’re usually washable, so cleaning is a breeze.
What about dust mites, molds, and pollens?
When your pet is allergic to what the dog bed is attracting, frequent cleaning could help tremendously. Again, when it comes to pet beds, a cover is your best friend. Throw it in the wash with some hypoallergenic detergent every few days or so, and Rover and Fifi could be as good as new, too.
How to solve the cleaning issue?
If cleaning products are causing dog bed allergies, all you have to do is find a good hypoallergenic alternative. You could even make a homemade custom blend. Give the bed and cover a good re-cleaning, and, hopefully, you’ll see a noticeable difference.
Note: these are suggestions for minor allergy symptoms. If you notice that your dog is having a severe reaction or nothing seems to ease the discomfort, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
Can Dog Beds Cause Allergies in Humans?
We started by discussing how dogs are like humans when it comes to various irritants. Now, we’ll do a 180, as dog beds can also prompt an adverse reaction in you.
But, unless you’re severely allergic to the fabric or filling, the dog bed is probably just contributing to your symptoms. You’re most likely affected by dust mites, molds, or pollens that can rest on the bed and become airborne again when your pet lays down.
So, if you find that you’re sneezing more often or feel itchy from time to time, you might want to give the bed a good cleaning and see if that helps.
Again, though, we’re not medical professionals. So, don’t hesitate to contact your physician. Allergies aren’t fun for anyone.