Allergies In Dogs

A dog's environment including the air and a dog's food are possible sources of allergies in dogs. An allergy is an acquired sensitivity. Our lives have become ever more filled with an ever-growing number of things that can cause allergies. As allergies are becoming more common in humans, so they are also becoming more common in dogs. In fact, dogs are in a position to become more affected by many contaminants in our environment than are humans. This is because dogs walk barefoot or bare paw, and their heads are at a distance that is much closer to ground level than humans. Also, dogs sniff whatever they find on the ground. Conversely, us humans wear shoes and we walk upright, at a much higher level from the ground level. I might also add that humans as a rule do not sniff everything in sight. Thus so, it is only natural that dogs might be exposed to a wider range of environmental contaminants, certainly those on the ground.

What Causes Allergies In Dogs?

An allergy is a reaction to a substance, called an allergen. Therefore, allergens can be thought of as the cause of allergies. (Technically this is not correct, but lets not split hairs.) Allergens can be a wide range of natural substances or unnatural substances. In a manner of speaking, the skin 'breathes in' or absorbs substances and 'breathes out' or eliminates small qualities of toxins through the skin. If the substance being eliminated has become an allergen, then the skin will react and become irritated by swelling and/or itching. Dogs can also become prone to asthma, just like a human. This is a swelling of the inner lining of the airways, which becomes irritated. Breathing could become more difficult. They can have bouts of coughing and wheezing, just like humans. However, the most common form of allergies in dogs is skin irritation. This is usually in the form of skin itching but can also include other specific problems.