Laundry Detergent Allergies in Dogs
Is it possible for your four-legged friend to be allergic to laundry detergent? The answer is yes. Allergic reactions to laundry detergent are caused by an aggressive response of the immune system to a protein within that specific detergent. There are many laundry detergents, and if one is causing your pet distress, you may need to switch to another to alleviate the issues. Allow us to dive deeper into the issue.
What are the symptoms of laundry detergent allergies in dogs? Allergic reactions to laundry detergents can be caused by contact with laundered clothing, bedding, or clothing you wear. These symptoms may include:
- Paw biting
- Lesions
- Head shaking
- Hives
- Obsessive licking
- Ear infections
- Inflamed feet
- Skin rashes
- Skin infections
- Ulcerations on the skin
How do you diagnose laundry detergent allergies in dogs? Your dog’s symptoms may prompt your veterinarian to collect skin scrapings during a physical. Your veterinarian may recommend a patch test if an environmental allergen is suspected. Due to the large number of chemicals used in laundry detergents, the results can be mixed. If an allergy to laundry detergent is suspected, a change in the type of detergent may be recommended to see if the symptoms are alleviated.
The good news is that you can quickly cure a dog allergic to your laundry detergent. Most of the time, a simple switch in the type of laundry detergent is enough to ease the allergic response. Consult your veterinarian for additional tips on how you can help your four-legged friend!
