Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies. Unfortunately this is actually quite common. One common place that your dog might be getting allergens from could be their bed. Here are 5 of the top hypoallergenic dog beds that we’ll be covering in this review:
- Large hypoallergenic dog bed: Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed Denim Cover
- All natural hypoallergenic dog bed: NaturoPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Hypoallergenic crate pad: Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Filled Crate Pad
- Hypoallergenic dog beds with memory foam: Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed
- Eco-friendly hemp and bamboo hypoallergenic dog beds: Petique Bamboo Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed (Use it with their hemp cover)
Can dogs be allergic to their beds?
Your dog’s bed may be home to some common allergies that may be bothering your dog. One of the biggest causes of allergies in dogs is dust mites, and dog beds, especially if their bed is not washed regularly, can be a major source of dust mites.
Dogs can also be allergic to the filling in their beds. Most dog beds are filled with synthetic or latex foam. When your dog sheds some skin on their bed (which is completely normal!) it may stay on the bed and go onto the foam filling.
This will help form the perfect conditions for house dust mites to form on the foam, leading to allergic reactions. In some cases, this can even lead to the growth of mold or become a breeding ground for fleas, other common culprits of allergies.
To get a better picture on these house dust mites that cause most allergy problems, let’s look at these mites. House dust mites are a common allergen for dogs, cats, and humans. They feed on skin cells, animal dander, and hair, and prefer a humid environment.
What are some symptoms of allergies in dogs?
The most common symptom of allergies in dogs is itching of the skin. This can be either in one specific area (localized) or all over the entire body (generalized). Other signs to look out for include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, or runny eyes.
If your dog is showing signs of allergies, it is best to determine if your dog is allergic to the specific material in the bed or the dust mites or fleas that could be living in the bed. It is best to contact your veterinarian to talk to them about your dog’s symptoms and they can help you determine the next steps in helping with their allergies.
Your veterinarian may decide that it is best to test your dog for different allergens. One test, a radioallergosornemt test (also known as a RAST test) is a blood test that determines whether your dog is allergic to certain allergens. Other tests may use a swab on the inside of your dog’s mouth and the saliva will be allergy tested.
Once you have a better idea on what your dog is allergic to, you can take steps to limit their exposure to those allergens.
If you find that your dog is allergic to the specific material in their bed, it is best to opt for all natural materials when possible. Natural materials have limited chemicals used in production. And these chemicals can lead to more allergy symptoms in your pooch. Dog beds are usually filled with synthetic material, natural materials, or a combination or the two, so it is best to get the most natural bed filling possible.
If you find that your dog is allergic to the dust mites or fleas living in their bed, there are a few things you can do. Wash your dog’s bedding frequently- and this means the entire bed and all the blankets, not just the cover.
If possible, put your dog’s bed on a hardwood, vinyl, or tile floor as opposed to on carpet. If you must keep their bed on carpet, it is better to place it on an area of low pile carpeting. Clean the floor that the bed is on frequently. Vacuum or mop daily to limit the amount of dust mites in the area.
Lastly, make sure to groom your dog often, preferably outside of your home or at least outside of the room where they sleep.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Beds
There are a lot of hypoallergenic dog beds available, but these are our top five picks for your dog!
Dogbed4less Premium Memory Foam Dog Bed with a Denim Cover
Best hypoallergenic dog bed for large dogs
This bed is perfect for big dogs because you can get it in sizes up to Jumbo, which measures 55 inches by 47 inches, so even the biggest dogs can have a comfy place to rest. This bed also has four inches thick memory foam which offers optimal comfort.
This bed is treated to help reduce allergens, including common irritants like dust mites.
This bed is great because the cover is 100% denim which is nontoxic and machine washable. Even after multiple washings, this bed will look and feel brand new.
Another great thing about this bed is that the cover is waterproof, so the memory foam center will stay protected from any accidents or spills.
Not only is this bed hypoallergenic, it is also great for dogs who are suffering from joint pain or arthritis. The memory foam offers support for your dog, making sure they are comfortable and promoting good joint health. It also is a cooler sleeping surface to keep your dog comfortable all night long.
NaturoPet Natural Orthopedic Dog Bed
Best all natural hypoallergenic dog bed
The cover on this bed and the filling are both 100% natural. Select from either a small or medium bed and from three color selections. The beds can support dogs up to 120 pounds.
The bed is made with natural virgin wool, organic cotton, natural coconut coir fiber, and coco-latex.
This bed is easy to clean, which is important when trying to limit the amount of allergens that your dog is exposed to. Simply take the outer cover off of the bed and machine wash it in cold water and then tumble dry on low heat. This will help to ensure that your dog’s bed is always clean and dirt, dust, and allergen free.
Another great thing about this bed is that it is tough. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, with the outer cover protecting the bed from water, scratches, and sun bleaching.
The company promises that this bed is nearly indestructible and will outlive any synthetic bed that you purchase for your dog. The bed also provides your pet with orthopedic support. It cushions the body, relieves tension on the joints, and calms pressure points.
Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Filled Crate Pad
Best hypoallergenic crate pad
This crate pad is 100% all natural. It has a natural cotton cover and is filled with wool stuffing. Unlike a lot of dog beds that are available on the market, this bed is completely chemical free and is antimicrobial. This bed will keep your pet safe, healthy, and comfortable.
This crate pad is insulated to make sure that the bed stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter to make sure your dog is always comfortable.
The outer cover can easily be washed in the washing machine to keep it clean for your dog. Just note that the wool inside should not be exposed to extreme heat (like from a washer or dryer), because that will damage it.
Additionally, this bed is very durable and will last long. We love that it is heavy duty, so that their dogs cannot rip it open, but also comfortable for their best friends.
With multiple size options, you will be able to find the perfect bed to go inside your dog’s crate. It also comes in multiple color and design options.
Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam Pet Bed
Best memory foam hypoallergenic dog bed
This bed is filled with two inches dense memory foam and two inches of dense support foam, making it a wonderful choice if you are looking for orthopedic support for your dog.
The cover on this bed is washable in hot water and can be machine dried. This bed also has a waterproof layer beneath the cover that protects the memory foam in the case that the bed get wet.
It is durable for everyday wear and tear and it has a non-slip bottom which keeps the bed where you want it without slipping and sliding.
This bed can come in small, medium, or large (the dimensions of the large bed is 46 inches by 28 inches and can support dogs up to 65 pounds) and can come in a variety of colors.
Petique Bamboo Orthopedic Memory Foam Pet Bed
Best eco-friendly hypoallergenic dog bed
This eco-friendly hypoallergenic dog bed is made of hemp and bamboo. The bed is extremely comfortable for your dog because it has an egg crate foam topper and a wavy memory foam layer that will support your dog’s joints and pressure points. The cushion is also durable and will last long.
This bed is machine washable and can be tumbled on low or air dried. The insert can also be spot cleaned and then dried with a fan.
The bamboo cover is naturally hypoallergenic. Additionally, it also has antibacterial properties, is soft, and breathable. This keeps your dog cool and comfy all night long.
For best results, use this bed with the brands Eco-Friendly Bamboo hemp cover. Hemp fibers are very durable and strong and they are also sustainable. The cover is completely natural. Even after multiple washes (this cover can be machine washed), the cover will remain new looking and strong.
We love this bed for its durability, easiness to clean, how it is all natural, and of course, its comfort.
Dust mites and allergy in dogs
Do dust mites make dogs itch?
House dust mites can make your dog very itchy. They may be itching all over their body and some dogs may even itch so much that they begin to develop bald spots on their body. Some dogs may even develop hives on their skin which can make them itch even more.
Other signs that they may be itchy include sneezing and snoring while they sleep (which is caused by an itchy and inflamed throat).
How do you know if your dog has dust mites?
A study has shown that about 30% to 80% of dogs have dust mites on their skin. If your dog is showing any symptoms of a dust mite allergy (see our list below), it is best to contact your veterinarian for testing.
Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies in Dogs
- Excessive scratching and itching all over the body
- Excessive licking
- Hives
- Crusty skin
- Moist skin
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Snoring
If your dog is showing any signs of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), contact your veterinarian immediately because anaphylaxis is considered a medical emergency. Signs of anaphylaxis include blueish tints to the skin or gums, difficulty breathing, gasping for air, swollen face, excess salivation, and vomiting.
Dust mite allergies are considered nonseasonal allergies, meaning that they can be present year round. With that being said, dust mite allergies often get worse in the spring and fall.
Diagnostic Tests for Dust Mite Allergies: Talk to your veterinarian about any symptoms that you are seeing in your dog. They will do a general physical exam to rule out any other conditions. Your veterinarian may suggest some laboratory tests like a blood test, electrolyte test, urinalysis, saliva swab, or fecal examination. These will help your veterinarian to determine the root of your dog’s allergies.
How can I help my dog with a dust mite allergy?
Here’s how the experts advise on how you can help your dog with dust mite allergy. Wash the dog’s bed and cover often, at least once a week. When washing their bedding, make sure to wash it in warm or hot water (at least 130F or 55C). If you cannot wash their bed in the washing machine, toss it in the dryer on medium or high heat to kill any dust mites.
Replace their bed altogether at least once a year. When selecting a new dog bed, look for beds with denser foam. This creates less space for dust mites to hide.
Use washable blankets, mattress pads, and coverings on your dog’s bed.
Since dust mites thrive in humid conditions, use an air conditioning system or dehumidifier in your home. Experts recommend keeping the humidity levels between 30% and 50% in your home.
