Other pets
Before introducing a new family pet, make sure that your pet isn’t allergic to other dogs or cats. “Pets can be allergic to a new animal, and, just like people, they can develop allergies to dander at any point in their lives,” says Dr. Arndt.
Luckily, this is a rare allergy – but if your dog or cat is one of the few animals that have it, you should be careful about the interaction between the two.
“Typically, allergic pets have reactions to more than one thing in the environment, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about finding the source of the allergic reaction before jumping to the conclusion that another pet is the cause,” Dr. Arndt explains.
Cleaning products
Choose your cleaning products wisely, especially if you have pets and kids, because they can cause various skin irritations. “This is a good reason to use all-natural cleaners, as they will be less likely to cause contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Richter.
“Some laundry detergents and soaps can make fabrics more irritating and thus generate an allergic response, so look for organic, unscented detergents that are free from dyes and perfumes to wash anything your pet sleeps on,” says Dr. Rossman.
Many pets that like to swim can suffer from dermatitis because pool water is treated with chlorine. “One of the most surprising yet frequent causes of contact dermatitis is seen in dogs who lounge by the pool or swim,” says Dr. Arndt. “Exposure to the chlorine-treated pool water over time can cause an allergic reaction.”
If you notice that your pet may be allergic to something, try to do an elimination trial. “Try thinking about anything new in the home, such as a new laundry detergent, air freshener or cleaning product,” says Dr. Arndt.
