Question:
I have two 12-year-old male poodles. I've never had a problem with them until recently.
I just moved in with my daughter, and the dogs have developed allergies. They itch, scratch, bite, and lick themselves and have bald spots on their bodies. I've spent $500 at vet, so far. They lie on the sofa all the time, and it has a covering with a fuzzy feeling to it. I wonder if laying their bodies against it all day could cause allergic reactions. When I lie against the back of the sofa for a while, my face becomes very itchy and uncomfortable. Can certain materials cause allergies? Am I defeating the purpose of the medicine if the sofa is the cause of the allergies?
M.M., Barnegat, NJ Jun 14, 2009
Answer:
Various synthetic materials can cause allergic reactions on skin contact and with the inhalation of particles. Sofa upholstery and carpeting often contain hazardous chemicals (such as stain-resistant and fire-retardant compounds). You should invest in some tough, decorative cotton sheets that you can use to cover the sofa and take off to launder every week or so with a scent-free, "green" laundry detergent. Have your daughter remove or use all scented products like paper towels, room fragrances and other household products that are artificially perfumed. Use natural-scent cleaners, like organic Orange TKO. You should also bathe your dogs before you put the cotton sheet down. My guess is that either microfibers or volatile chemicals in the sofa are the problem. A thorough shampooing and vacuuming of the upholstery may also be a good idea.
Subscribe