Vet Dr James Greenwood has issued a warning to pet owners over dogs that have hard-to-spot red marks under their fur. The regular guest on BBC Morning Live informed co-hosts Gethin Jones and Kimberley Walsh that pets can be allergic to a variety of things.
He said that indoor allergens, such as certain types of washing powder, dust mites, storage mites, and even food, can trigger allergic reactions in pets. But he also warned about dogs with red marks under wet fur.
Beginning the discussion by talking about allergy triggers in pets, he said: “They can trigger off an allergic type reaction. Food is something that is often overlooked.
“Food intolerances. Food allergies are something slightly different to classic skin allergies as such but it can manifest as itchy skin. It can also manifest as tummy issues and things like that.”
He debunked the myth around grain-free food being essential for all dogs, stating: “Grain-free food is often marketed as being this great thing that all dogs need but actually grain for lots of dogs – they can tolerate it absolutely fine. What is more common is certain allergies to meat protein. Chick, beef, lamb, soya, dairy, eggs: they are much more likely to be triggering some kind of allergy.”
Dr Greenwood advised pet owners to avoid these common allergens by opting for single source protein foods, considering fish-based diets or turkey or duck. He suggested: “So try to avoid those common allergens by using single source protein foods, maybe looking at fish-based diets or turkey or duck. Something that isn’t in that list of common causes. and hydrolysed diets – so talk to your vets about a special type of food that we can prescribe, a hydrolysed diet.
“This is where the proteins have been broken down already to the point where the immune system doesn’t recognise them as being an allergen. so it can really help work out whether the food is or isn’t involved here.”
He then discussed infections, informing the co-hosts: “Something that is worth knowing at this time of year is hotspots.
“This is actually called acute moist dermatitis. That is basically where a scratch or graze on the skin, especially in thick coats of dogs such as Golden Retrievers, St Bernards, Labradors.
“You will get this kind of wet sticky patch of fur where underneath that you have got some big red marks.”
Gethin asked if this was painful.
James responded: “Really itchy. and actually quite painful.”
He also cautioned pet owners to be vigilant for ringworm and dandruff, advising them to consult a vet if they have any concerns.
Kimberley then queried: “With all this information, how do we navigate treatments?” James emphasised the importance of contacting your vet.
But he stressed that treating the issue was only part of the solution, the key thing was to address the cause. Vets, he explained, can conduct various tests to identify the causes of such conditions, including skin scrapes and blood tests.
The expert pointed out the importance of diagnosing pet allergies accurately, saying that only then can the appropriate treatment, such as anti-allergy medication, monthly injections, tablets, or other options, be determined. He noted that while some people may turn to antihistamines, he warned that there is no licensed antihistamine for pets and questioned their effectiveness; however, he encouraged speaking to a vet for guidance.
Additionally, he cautioned pet owners: “Talk to your vet before you start giving any kind of medication from your own bathroom cabinet. That could be where we do not want to be going.”
He also urged caution against quick fixes found on social media and suggested that remedies like medicated shampoo could be beneficial. Alternatives like colloidal oatmeal and essential fatty acid supplements might offer relief, but his resounding advice was to consult with a vet to find the best course of action for your pet’s needs.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
