What is hypoallergenic pet bedding?

Pets, like humans, can suffer from allergies. Medi-Vet, an online resource for pet medications and health, reports the incidence of pet allergies seems to be on the rise. One type of problem becoming more common among pets is atopy. Atopy is an environmental allergy or an allergy that is within the pet's environment such as dust mites, mildew, mold or pollen. It is most common in dogs, but some cats are also affected. In these cases, eco-friendly hypoallergenic pet bedding may be helpful.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary defines hypoallergenic as something that has a reduced propensity to cause an allergic reaction. Pet bedding that is hypoallergenic is made mostly of textiles and fillers that may cause fewer allergic reactions than non-hypoallergenic pet beds. Hypoallergenic pet beds help relieve environmental allergies by combining all-natural materials, reducing the likelihood of your pet's allergic reaction. Atopy depends on your pet's susceptibility when exposed to the allergen itself, and allergens can build up in non-hypoallergenic bedding. . Reducing the number of agents causing allergies to which your pet comes in contact will help reduce allergic reactions.

Why a hypoallergenic bed?

Organic or hypoallergenic pet bedding first and foremost will decrease any allergic sensitivity your pet may have to the various chemicals that may be in his bedding now. Dust mites found in bedding can cause health problems to pets as well as humans. Hypoallergenic bedding is specially designed to resist dust mites and other allergy-causing agents, making for a healthier sleeping environment for your four-footed friends.

What are hypoallergenic pet beds made of?

Most of the organic hypoallergenic pet beds on the market are filled with 100% cotton, organic buckwheat hulls, “green fiber” — stuffing made of recycled plastics -- and some contain hemp. Hemp bedding in particular is resistant to tears, mildew and sun damage.

Some hypoallergenic pet bedding is made with wool fleece which is naturally resistant to mildew, mold and dust mites. The wool fleece products also tend to resist odor-causing bacteria. Those with lanolin will add protection to your pet's skin and even discourage fleas.