Food allergies are a common cause of itching and account for about 15 percent of all allergic skin disease in dogs.

In contrast to inhalant allergies, which cause dogs to itch during certain seasons, food allergies can cause itching all year round. Typically, pets don't respond to antihistamines and other medications for skin allergies. Of course, some pets have food allergies along with flea-bite sensitivity or inhalant allergies. These pets usually have severe symptoms if they are not treated.

The most common clinical sign of a food allergy is intense itching, which can last all year and doesn't respond to medication, even steroids. These dogs will constantly lick their feet. Unlike humans, dogs itch when they have allergies.

Sometimes skin lesions will occur, but they vary in severity and location. Dogs with food allergies often get ear infections.

Dogs with food allergies are allergic to certain proteins or carbohydrates in pet foods. They can be allergic to more than one food substance. The best way to diagnose a food allergy is using a food elimination diet and should only be done through the guidance of a veterinarian.

This diet consists of only one single source of protein and carbohydrate to which the pet has not been previously exposed. The diet must be followed exclusively for a minimum of 13 weeks.

Dogs with a food allergy will show improved signs as early as four weeks with resolution of all signs by three months. The key here is that the only things the pet can eat are these single sources of protein and carbohydrate. One piece of chicken will throw everything off.

Once the clinical signs have resolved themselves, introducing the original diet will bring about the allergic reaction usually within 10 days of restarting that diet.

To diagnose which ingredient is the culprit, you restart the elimination diet, and once clinical signs have resolved, start adding in single food ingredients and monitor for allergic reactions.

The most common allergens include beef, chicken, fish, pork, lamb, egg, dairy, corn, wheat, soybeans, rice and potatoes.

Once the antigen is identified, it must be removed from the animal's diet. If present, any secondary skin infections should be treated using antibiotics. Concurrent flea allergies must also be treated.

Yeast infections are another common cause of itching in dogs. These pets usually have red itchy skin that has a distinct odor.

There are many predisposing factors that contribute to the development of yeast infections. Pets with folds in their skin, hypothyroidism, compromised immune systems and chronic steroid use may all predispose an animal to developing yeast infections.

Diagnosing yeast infections can be difficult because yeast is a common resident of normal skin in dogs and infection only occurs when there is an increase in population. Excessive scratching, increased moisture and excessive seborrhea can also cause an animal to develop a yeast infection.

Your veterinarian can detect yeast infections using slides and a microscope and sometimes even a skin biopsy.

There are several ways to treat yeast infections including topical and oral medication. Most pets will stop itching within one to two weeks after starting treatment. However, recurrence is common, so your veterinarian should monitor your pet closely.

Don't let your itchy dog suffer any longer. If they are scratching excessively, take them to the veterinarian right away. Try and find out what allergies they have and start treatment. Your pets will love you for it.

Skin Allergies Part 1