The Verdict on Jack's allergic reaction

[Jennifer and Jack]

F Parker, was right, it was his cedar bed. I purchased it at Costco several weeks ago and that is when the itching started, it just got worse and worse and worse as time went on, but I associated it with his new topper food that had beef in it.

 

I know Karen, the Jane's, Adina and a few other of you said the same thing that it didn't sound like a food allergy. For one, Orijen red meat does not contain beef, though his topper did, for two it was only on his belly and groin area where the hair is sparse.

 

I decided to add back the cedar bed the other day, just to see what would happen, the itching and licking came back with a great intensity. I took the bed away and no itching or licking.

 

I will try beef again on him in a few weeks if I want, but I am glad to know it was a topical reaction and not a food allergy. Thank you for all your help.

 

As a side note the aloe vera gel did really soothe his belly and calm down the itching but when he licked the gel he got diarrhea so I had to make sure he didn't lick it before it all got absorbed. Thanks again..

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I just remembered we have one of those beds also, and was just posting how itchy Bella has been recently. Hummmm???

We have had it for about 3 months though, however, she doesn't sleep on it every night. I will have to keep an eye on this. Thanks Jen for the information.

[Pat and Traveler]

Here's something from a vet, from a dog forum:

"Cedar shavings cause contact allergy in some dogs, due to the oil in the
chips. Dogs with this problem usually have itchiness and sometimes
hairloss. There may be secondary infections if the problem goes on for a
while. I have seen two or three dogs with this problem during the time
I've been in practice.

There is a chance that cedar chips may cause respiratory problems in
sensitive animals but I have only heard of actual cases of this in guinea
pigs.

Wood chips in general can sometimes cause constipation or physical injuries
to the digestive tract in dogs, at least according to clinical reports. We
have seen this in dogs that chew sticks a lot.

A lot of people use cedar chips for bedding and we see very few problems
with them, overall, but there is some potential for causing problems."

Mike Richards, DVM

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you so much. I am returning our bed to Costco next time I go....