If your dog is itching and scratching like crazy and you've ruled out fleas and mange, the next logical step in the diagnosis is allergies. Dog allergies, like with humans, are difficult because there are so many things that can cause an allergic reaction.
Common allergens for dogs are food, inhalent (atopy), and flea bites. Some of the more common allergy symptoms include scratching, ear infections, nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, odors (gas and stool), and dull coat.
Food Allergies/Food Intolerances
Although much is said about food allergies and dogs, true dog food allergies are the least common allergy among dogs. And unfortunately, food allergies in dogs cannot always be accurately determined with blood tests. More often than not, your dog develops a food intolerance, not a true allergy, in which a healthy dog food might be all your dog needs.
The only way to reliably tell if your dog is allergic to a food is by using the elimination diet. This is where you provide one new protein source and one new carb source for your dog to eat, and only eat this, for 8 to 12 weeks. There should be no treats or table scraps while on the elimination diet.
CAUTION: If you have a special needs dog, a puppy, or a pregnant or lactating dog, the elimination diet may not be advisable, as your dog may not be getting all the necessary nutrients during this time period.
If your dog's allergy symptoms disappear (this will not happen for a couple of weeks), then it may be a food allergy. To confirm this, after the 12 week elimination diet is completed, you can either go back to the old diet or try introducing foods one at a time and watch for reactions. The most common foods to provoke allergies in dogs are meats (proteins), wheat, corn, and soy.
If your dog has a food intolerance you may be able to just switch to a new, quality, healthy dog food. Lack of quality nutrients can frazzle an immune system into thinking foods are allergens.
Inhalent Allergies
Inhalent, or atopy, allergies can also cause dog itching. Inhalents can include pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers. Rubber and plastics are also common allergens, as well as different fabrics, like wool and nylon. Another culprit are chemicals that are used on carpets and chairs. Remember, your dog is constantly on the ground and therefore constantly breathing the toxins of these chemically treated items.
If the allergy symptoms are seasonal, then pollen is a good bet. Unless your dog is tearing up his skin with all the scratching, most people just tend to let it play out, as it usually only lasts for a few weeks. Omega-3 and biotin supplements have been reported to help alleviate some allergy symptoms and could make your dog more comfortable during pollen season.
Flea Bite Allergies
Flea bites are a common cause for your dog's itchy skin. It is actually the saliva of the flea that gets under the skin when bitten that causes the itching and scratching. There will be actual bite(s), but depending on your dog's coat, they may be very difficult to see. Your best bet for a flea bite allergy is flea control.
The main thing to remember about flea bite allergies is that your dog does not have to be infested with fleas. If your dog is has a severe allergy to flea bites, one bite can cause a major allergic reaction.
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