Dog allergies have become more of a problem just the same as allergies appear more often among us humans. The argument is that with an increased number of possible allergenic substances used in a wide range of products and in the environment, dog allergies have naturally become more prevalent in recent years. This is particularly true of dog food allergies.

There can be many causes (or allergens) that can trigger dog allergies. The causes can be environmental and organic as well as chemical and artificial. The means of entry into the body can be airborne (such as pollen), by touch (pooch walking on grass), or by ingestion (dog food). The latter is the most common.

When dog allergies occur, symptoms will occur, most often itching; but there are many other symptoms that may become evident. The true cause of these symptoms must be determined as many diseases have the same symptoms as allergies.

It should be understood that dogs can become allergic to the same foods that cause allergies in humans-- such as eggs, fish, soy, and corn, to name only a few possible causes. Just as often, additives in commercial dog food are the problem. Especially "all-in-one" dog food, whether dry or moist, has become more of a problem in recent years not only causing dog allergies but also in encouraging increased incidences of diabetes and cancer in some dogs.

It is not clearly understood why this seems to be true. It is believed by some veterinary researchers that chemical preservatives used in dog food may be the source. Undesirably, quite a number of such additives are regularly used.

Two of these additives used in dog food (and in human food in the United States) are BHA and BHT. They are antioxidants and preservatives that protect oil and fat from spoilage. They are normally not a problem. Unfortunately, some dogs (and some humans) are believed to have particular difficulty in metabolizing BHA and BHT correctly, resulting in adverse health repercussions. When this happens, there is evidence they may contribute to carcinogenicity (cancer) and tumour growth. Both of these additives were banned in Western Europe more than twenty years ago but they are still very commonly used in the United States today.

Another problem that encourages dog allergies is the type of food given some dogs. The fact is that some dog species cannot tolerate dry dog food (kibble) well over a long period of time. In some species, kibble can eventually break down an otherwise healthy immune system. If this happens, then the dog may develop dog allergies or worse.

I believe all dog owners should do a little research and find out the needs and intolerances of food for their dog's species, and then they should be careful in selecting a species-appropriate dog food.

Certainly, awareness of dog allergies is growing rapidly as more and more studies become available. Becoming aware and taking action in preventing dog allergies will go a long way in maintaining a content, healthy and happy pooch.