Will a Hypoallergenic Dog Bed Help an Itchy Dog?

If your dog sneezes, itches, and feels uncomfortable, there could be a number of reasons. Allergies, external parasites, substandard foods, excessively dry air, infection or disease, and the wrong shampoo can cause or worsen sensitive skin problems.

If your dog is noticeably itchy or has an obvious skin condition, your first step should be to have your veterinarian assess the situation. They can help determine the cause of your dog's skin problem and prescribe an appropriate treatment.

There are many things to try if your pet is diagnosed with an environmental allergy (i.e. not a food allergy), and a hypoallergenic dog bed is an option to consider. The last thing you want is for your bed to make you unhappy, and the same idea extends to where your dog spends up to 12-14 hours a day as well. There are a number of reasons the bed might play a role in your pet's constant itchiness.

It could be mites

Some dogs are allergic to house dust mites, and tens of thousands of the microscopic animals can live in an unwashed or old dog bed. According to the Mayo ClinicHouse dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders that eat dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments, and items like bedding, upholstery, and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites. This includes your dog's bed.

If your dog is allergic to house dust mites, you may notice this

• Bald and irritated spots from excessive scratching and licking


• Red and watery eyes


• Runny nose


• Hives


• Sneeze


• Excessive snoring


• Dry, flaky, or red skin

Is it the filling or the fabric?

A typical dog bed can be made from many materials; The outer shells can be anything from polyester to faux fur. And while the inner filling is made of synthetic material such as memory foam, which may be allergen-resistant, with the presence of moisture or a porous outer shell, these fillings can encourage the growth of all types of allergens, from dust mites to mold. The inside and the outside work together: if the outside lets in allergens, the inside is vulnerable. Some pets are simply allergic to the fabric on the outside. If it's a synthetic material it is unlikely to cause allergies, but it can be irritating.

Hypoallergenic might be the way to go

If you suspect dust mites are the problem, then it can't hurt to try a hypoallergenic dog bed. But there are reasons to try, even if dust mites aren't the culprit. Hypoallergenic beds protect mites and other things like mold and mildew that can cause allergic reactions in your pet. They are usually made without chemically treated substances, as these can also lead to irritation.

Hypoallergenic beds are covered with finely woven fabrics that prevent dust mites from entering the foam insert. This is helpful as these inserts are generally not intended to be washable. According to PetMD.comFabrics made from 100 percent cotton, hemp, or tightly woven microfiber fabric are less likely to cause allergic reactions, and fabrics with a denser foam mattress are less prone to dust mites.

A new (or like new) bed is the best idea

Hypoallergenic beds also come with easily removable covers that can be washed regularly. This is a big reason why they can reduce allergens. Washing or replacing a dog bed regularly is a smart idea. Just make sure the cover and bedding (if washable) are 100 percent dry before putting them back together. A damp dog bed will only make a problem worse.

If your dog is allergic to house dust mites, switching to a hypoallergenic dog bed may not solve the entire problem because dust mites are everywhere in your house. But it can certainly help reduce the number of mites he or she has to deal with. If your dog is allergic to the fabric of their current bed, or you suspect mold or mildew could be the culprit, a hypoallergenic bed is certainly something to try. In addition to the advice of your veterinarian, of course.