If you have a pet, you already know that your furry friend can be allergic to a lot of things and figuring out your pet’s allergy triggers can be a difficult task sometimes. Unfortunately, everything can be a potential allergen that affects your dog and cat’s health and your house is one of them. 

In general, animals can be allergic to many things, such as detergents, houseplants, other animals and so on, so you have to know what to do in this situation to help your beloved pet live in a healthy environment.  

Your house is one of the most important things in your life and it should always be your favorite place where you feel most comfortable. So try to make it a healthy and happy paradise for you and your family. Getting rid of allergens isn’t an easy task, but you can reduce the risk of getting sick for both you and your pet if you follow these tips. 

So, here are some things in your house that trigger your pet’s allergies. Read on for more info!

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny microscopic creatures that live on mattresses, bedding, sofas, carpets and curtains. They feed on the flakes of skin that humans and animals shed daily. 

Dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergies that pets are susceptible to. If your pet is allergic to dust mites, you will notice this on their skin. “They may become itchy, the skin may become red and inflamed,” and they may ultimately suffer from dermatitis, says Dr. Ashley Rossman, DVM, CVA, from Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital. 

“Pillows, bedding and carpets are frequent sources for dust mites, as well as hard-to-clean areas underneath sofas or beds,” says Dr. Travis Arndt, DVM, assistant medical director at the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America.

These microscopic creatures can’t be totally eliminated, but they can be reduced if you use a dehumidifier or air conditioner, use impermeable covers for your mattress, wash your bedding and blankets once a week and vacuum your carpets as often as possible.

Bed and blanket materials

“Certain materials and fabrics in your pet’s bed can cause an allergic reaction, but it’s more likely that it is the dust mites causing your pet to have an allergic reaction,” says Dr. Arndt.

Your dog or cat can be allergic to some materials and fabrics as well, so you have to choose some hypoallergenic beds for your pet. Check if the bed is made of wool, down or feather-based materials because they can trigger your pet’s allergies. Instead, you can opt for cotton blankets and beds.

“There are hypoallergenic beds on the market, but regardless of the type of bed your pet uses, it is important to wash it frequently to get rid of the dust mites and to remove the dead skin from the bed,” he says.

“I have also seen animals that have contact allergies to wool, found in carpets or sometimes bedding,” says Dr. Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA, who combines conventional and holistic treatment methods in his practice.

 “100 percent cotton is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction,” recommends Dr. Rossman.

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.

Indoor plants

Pets can also be allergic to certain indoor plants, so before you buy a new plant, try to make sure that it won’t trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. 

“Any flowering houseplant has the potential to cause pets to have an allergic reaction,” Dr. Arndt says. “Symptoms typically occur seasonally and present as itchy skin, excessive grooming, rashes, sneezing and eye discharge. To prevent mold in the soil, don’t overwater your plants, and keep them in a well-lit and ventilated room.”

Smoke

Pets, but especially cats, can be allergic to smoke. If your pet inhales high levels of smoke they can develop some respiratory problems. Try to pay attention to wood smoke when you use your fireplace and keep your pets away from it. “Some pets can suffer from asthma from inhaling the chemicals and irritants,” said Dr. Arndt.

Other smoke allergy symptoms include shortness of breath, watery eyes, sneezing or difficulty breathing, says Dr. Rossman.

Mold

If your room is exposed to moisture, it can form mold, so try to keep your pet away from the mold, as they may be allergic to it. The rooms prone to mold are your bathroom, basement, laundry room, mudroom and kitchen. 

As you probably know, mold multiplies in dark moist places and sometimes it might not be visible. So, you should ventilate your house every day and wipe up any spills. 

Mold can be bad for your health as well. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.”