Despite most people’s assumption that if your dog has an allergy, it must be the food, this is just not usually the case. It’s common for folks to come in the pet store wanting to change their food due to their dog being itchy.
More pets are allergic to fleas and seasonal/environmental factors than to foods. About 40% of pets by some estimates, are allergic to flea bites. Skin allergies are the most common. Then we have those with atopic allergies, which are in the environment like dust, pollen and mold. Note that about 80% of dogs with atopic, will also have a flea bite allergy.
Food allergies are less common than people think and rank third on the list of most common causes of allergies. Of those allergic to food, more are allergic to the protein in the food than any grain element, i.e. corn, wheat, oat, etc.
By various estimates, a true food allergy only is found in 1-10% of pets. Some experts estimate the prevalence of true food allergy in dogs at only 1% to 5% of the population. About half of dogs who do suffer from food allergies also exhibit others and this overlap can make diagnosing and treating or eliminating the problem a real challenge.
A bit of info on gluten allergies in dogs, from glutenfreeliving.com:
“True celiac disease is rare in dogs, with the exception of Irish Setters, which can have a congenital disease that causes gluten intolerance, and in some cases Samoyeds and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. However, even if a dog doesn’t have the true disease, gluten can be a problematic ingredient.
Dogs who are sensitive to glutenous grains may exhibit diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, repetitive chewing the feet, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, bumps, rashes, constant scratching and chronic ear infections, according to The Honest Kitchen. Additionally, they state that other health problems that could be related to grain sensitivity include arthritis, epilepsy, abnormal behavior, allergic and inflammatory reactions and increased susceptibility to infection.
These symptoms can be indicative of other issues outside of a grain intolerance, so check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet if you suspect they may have a sensitivity or allergy. Blood tests, saliva tests and an elimination diet can be ways of confirming why your dog is experiencing these symptoms.”
My little rat terrier was allergic to things like oak pollen, certain plants, and many weeds, in addition to fleas. How does one eliminate pollen and weeds from their yard, no, their whole neighborhood? Her allergies were so widespread, we chose to do monthly allergy shots. But you don’t have to go that extreme. There are a couple of things to try that can offer great benefits to an itchy pet.
From smartypawshealth.com:
“Just like with humans, figuring out other ways to help relieve allergy symptoms for your dog can take some trial and error. Here are a few recommendations:
- Fatty acid supplements: These can help soothe itchy and irritated skin, according to the NASC.
- Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoos: This can help remove possible allergens like pollen and grass that your dog may come in contact with as part of your daily routine.
- More ways to help: Some people use remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil, fish oils or other omegas and oatmeal shampoo, according to (Kim) Carvalho. (Carvalho is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and is a Clinical Professor at Western University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, Calif. She currently serves as one of the Medical Directors.”
flea and mosquito preventative
fish oil
Nupro
Milk thistle
allergy relief medication : Atopica, prednisone, apoquel – expensive and not without side effects
allergy relief supplements: Vet’s Best seasonal allergy support, Naturvet Aller-911 skin and coat,
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs
https://www.thesprucepets.com/help-your-itchy-dog-with-allergies-1117867
For The Love of Dogs 
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