• Vet Dr James Greenwood has a warning for pet owners about hard-to-spot red marks under dogs' fur that could signal serious allergic reactions.


• The BBC Morning Live regular said that indoor allergens including washing powder, dust mites and food can trigger dangerous reactions in pets. He particularly warned about dogs with red marks under wet fur, known as "hotspots" or acute moist dermatitis.


• Dr Greenwood debunked common myths about grain-free diets in advice issued last year that is still relevant now, 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." He explained that meat proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, soya, dairy and eggs are more likely culprits.


• The expert advised switching to single-source protein foods such as fish, turkey or duck to avoid common allergens. He also recommended hydrolysed diets where "the proteins have been broken down already to the point where the immune system doesn't recognise them as being an allergen."


• Dr Greenwood warned that hotspots appear as "wet sticky patch of fur where underneath that you have got some big red marks" and are "really itchy and actually quite painful." These commonly affect thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, St Bernards and Labradors.


• The vet also cautioned against self-medication, warning: "Talk to your vet before you start giving any kind of medication from your own bathroom cabinet." He also urged pet owners to avoid quick fixes found on social media.


• Dr Greenwood emphasised that proper veterinary diagnosis through skin scrapes and blood tests is essential before determining appropriate treatments such as anti-allergy medication or monthly injections.

READ THE FULL STORY: BBC vet message to pet owners over early warning sign when dogs have 'marks' under fur