Breeding, not lifestyle, linked to increase in dogs developing more allergies

A leading veterinary expert believes the real culprit behind an increase in pet allergies could be the growing popularity of flat-faced dogs

Dr Dan O'Neill says the apparent rise in pet allergies could be caused by the changes in dog breeds we own, particularly flat-faced dogs like pugs.

A Tipperary-born veterinary expert says the cause of allergies and illnesses in dogs is not their pampered lifestyle but their genetics.

Dr Dan O’Neill, a senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, noticed an apparent rise in conditions in pets over two decades during the course of his veterinary work.