Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to break out all things Christmas. And that means putting up those Christmas trees, wreaths and more. This also means that pine will be everywhere.
As pet parents, you might be concerned about your pup and their safety when bringing these things into your home. And one thing that we were curious about was whether or not dogs might be allergic to pine, which could be problematic if you have a live tree in your home.
In order to find out whether or not dogs can be allergic to pine, we reached out to some experts for answers. And not only did we get those answers, but we also got some insight into what to pay attention to.
Can dogs have pine allergies?
Thanks to Lorraine Rhoads, the Director of Health and Safety at Dogtopia, we have a very straightforward answer regarding potential pine allergies. When asked if dogs can be allergic to pine, she shared, "Yes, but that is very uncommon. If your dog has symptoms like itchy skin, sneezing or watery eyes, it might be time for a vet visit and maybe a fake tree next year!"
So while this allergy is not very common, it is possible. And we got another very similar answer from Dr. Kathryn Dench, the Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins.
According to Dr. Dench, "Yes, dogs can be allergic to pine, although it is quite rare. Symptoms may include skin irritation, sneezing, or more severe allergic reactions. If you notice your dog showing signs of discomfort around pine trees or wreaths, it's best to remove the source and consult with a veterinarian."
Honestly, it is good to know that this is a possibility, as we have certainly had dogs with odd allergies in the past. And knowing why our dog might suddenly be sneezing or itching during the holiday season is very important. We don't want them to be uncomfortable during the holidays, and if they have an allergy to pine, then they would definitely be Grinchy this season.