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Comment by Christine and Meeko on December 7, 2011 at 9:05pm

Meeko has been on a raw food diet since he was 9 weeks old he gets chicken and an egg. Never had problem before? Have not changed anything since we got him. Tried the Benadryl and it seemed to help but not sure how often to give it? Gave him a 25 Mg last night at 9 and he is beggining to really itch so is it every 12 hours??

Comment by Jane on December 7, 2011 at 10:19am

10% may sound like a small amount, but food allergies are still the third most common allergy after flea bite allergies and atopy (inhalant) allergies. Has Meeko always been itchy? Does it come and go? Have you changed his food or treats lately, or used a different type of cleaning agent in your house, such as detergent to wash his bed, or something special to clean the carpets? If it's a constant itch I personally would try switching his food to a different protein source and something without corn, as long as he doesn't have too sensitive of a tummy. It might work, it might not, but it's easy enough to try. You could also try checking the pollen count in your area on weather.com when he seems really itchy to see if you can target what it might be.

Comment by Beth on December 7, 2011 at 9:03am

I would try Benadryl first and that will tell you if it's allergies or something else.   Like people, dogs are more likely to be allergic to environmental factors than food.  For some reason that I am not sure of, people know that THEY itch and sneeze from pollen, grass, hay, certain fabrics, mold, dust etc etc.  Yet when dogs itch the first thought is it's the food.   You can try an elimination diet but you must be diligent about treats as well as food and it's not as easy as it sounds.  Also contrary to popular opinion (sorry folks) corn is not a very common culprit of food allergies.  "The most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. And, most dogs are usually allergic to more than one thing."

Food allergies also make up only 10% of all dog allergies, according to Web MD:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/caring-for-a-dog-that-has-food-all...

Here's another good source about general allergies.  Dogs can be allergic to pollen, grass, fleas, mold, other pets etc.  

http://www.allergicpet.com/dog_allergies.html

Comment by Morgan on December 7, 2011 at 4:46am

My Foxy Bear was itchy all the time. Switching her to a fish based protein in her kibble did the trick. If I go back to another protein source she gets itchy again. If she has flare ups I put doggy lotion on her that contains hydrocortisone (have to make she she doesn't lick it off). Also Fixil used to  nibble his paw raw, but it wasn't allergies. I think it was nervous energy because the only thing that stopped it was TONS of exercise. He was just getting out of his puppy stage at that time.

Comment by Jane on December 6, 2011 at 11:22pm

If he actually has a hot spot I think it is recommended to trim the fur so it can dry out easier, but if he's just itchy I wouldn't shave or trim him. I've also given my dogs benadryl before which seemed to help quite a bit. We've also used something called Genesis Spray (I think?) from the vet which was a topical spray that really stopped Luke from chewing on his feet.

Comment by Jane Christensen on December 6, 2011 at 10:07pm

I also would check into changing his food and in the mean time try the benadryl for the short term. I would not trim him. Good luck!

Comment by Sandy Stickney on December 6, 2011 at 9:49pm

I have a 25lb border collie mix who has pretty bad allergies, and when he starts to itch, I give him 25 mgs of benadryl twice a day (as recommended by the vet).  We have used steroids for many years, but our current vet recommened also using the benadryl so that we can cut down on the steroids.  It has definitely helped.  We also use aloe & oatmeal shampoo from the vet.

Comment by Kristen on December 6, 2011 at 9:42pm

Jenny and Coby are on to something. I would try a grain free and/ or salmon based food especially if what you are feeding has corn as a primary ingredient I like Natures Variety Salmon. Not grain free, but great for allergy prone dogs. Does wonders for a glossy coat too. I would not recommend trimming the coat. Good luck!

Comment by JENNY & COBY on December 6, 2011 at 8:48pm

you might want to change his food.

Coby had ear infection due to food allergy, but everything got back to normal after i changed his food.

Comment by Sarah C. on December 6, 2011 at 7:58pm

Have you tried Benadryl?