It may come as a surprise to some people that dogs do indeed suffer from dog allergies. There are many different kinds of allergies affecting man's best friend and many different sources that can cause adverse physical reactions:

Food

Dogs that tend to suffer from itchy skins are often allergic to the soy, wheat or corn products in the dog food. Dog owners should rotate the different dog foods on the market in order to pinpoint which ones are causing the itching.

Mold

Another food related cause can be mold which is found growing on the grain particles in the dog food. Molds are known for producing toxic immune system suppressants called mycotoxins. This will cause dogs to scratch their skin frequently since they are more vulnerable to these uncomfortable elements.

Mold spores are also found in unventilated kitchens and bathrooms. Mold growth can be controlled by keeping the humidity level down in the home as well as keeping the mold level down by regular cleanings. Mold and mildew can grow wherever it is dark and damp such as in ventilation ducts, air conditioning and fan filters as well as in electronics.

Cats

Dogs may also be allergic to cats. Cats emit allergens called feld-1 that is found in their skin. When these are released, they tend to stick to many surfaces sometimes for as long as a decade. This can be controlled by giving the cat periodic baths which prevents this allergen from being released into the environment.

Top of the line air filters are also effective in picking up the allergens. The filters will need to be washed or replaced on a regular basis to keep the allergen levels low. Sprinkling tannic acid on the floor and carpets is also effective in minimizing the potency of the feline allergen.

People and Other Animals

Dogs can also be allergic to people since people, too, give off allergens in the form of dandruff, or other animals. In these cases, it may be helpful to give the dog allergy shots. Outdoor pollens may also cause reactions in some dogs that have not been exposed to certain allergens at an early age when the immune system is still building in strength.

Often pets and their owners are allergic to the same things. No one knows the reason for this but it does occur. Shampoos containing tea tree oil have been proven to provide temporary relief but often they cause additional skin irritation. It helps to ask the veterinarian if the dog can be administered the same remedies that work for their human owners.

Tracking down the cause of dog allergies is a trial and error process. The veterinarian can subject the dog to the scratch test where different pollen extracts are injected into the dog to ascertain which naturally occurring pollens are negatively affecting the dog. It is a good idea to be patient when trying to pinpoint the cause for the dog allergy.

How Probiotics Help Alleviate Allergy Problems

Scratching

Food allergies, the response to the high level of grains in dog food, causes itching which in turn causes mild to severe scratching. At the same time, the dog food is lacking the natural enzymes that your dog's stomach needs to fully digest the food. Probiotics help your dog's intestinal track to accept the food and absorb the needed nutrients into the body.

Dry and flaky skin

Red, blotchy or dry, flaky skin can be a sign of your dog not getting enough needed nutrients from his food. Probiotics can help dogs to absorb the vital nutrients they need from their food and crowd out an overgrowth of bacteria in the body. It also helps the dog eliminate wastes and toxins in the body, resulting in an overall healthy skin and coat.

Excessive Shedding

Excessive shedding can be caused by allergies, age or poor digestion. Of course, dogs can be expected to shed but excessive shedding can be greatly reduced by introducing probiotics into the digestive system.