Face Scratching + Paw Licking = Allergies?

[jc212]

I researched some of the older threads and I think that Chase has allergies. He scratches his face/head a lot and I do see him licking his paws. He's been on Wellness Puppy Dry (chicken is the main protein source) for the last three months. I try to keep his treats as healthy as possible. Feeding him mainly, hardboiled eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, etc. I'd hate to switch his food, but I guess I have to if he's allergic. He's been in perfect health otherwise. Any suggestions? Also, do you think that a vet would be any help on this issue?

[BamaFan121s]

Those definately can be symptoms of being allergic to something in the diet...

[Ellie May]

Anytime there is excessive scratching, it is probably best to talk to the vet but they will just try to give him a prescription food most likely. Natural Balance has a good line for allergies with novel protein sources. Wellness also has one with fish that might work. The carbs also have to be considered in allergies. After switching foods, wait at least 60 days to decide if it is working.

Is it his ears or chin and jaws?
If it is his ears, I would definately let the vet look.

[jc212]

That's interesting about the carb allergies... I've brought up the issue to my vet before and he just cleaned out his ears. The scratching is on the side of his face and chin, not so much his ears. I've heard a lot of great things about Natural Balance and allergies, I'll try to get a free sample and see if he likes it.

Do you think that it's ok to feed him food with fish as the main protein source? I've heard that they usually do not contain enough protein? Chase is still a puppy at 5 1/2 months old. I don't if that makes a difference?

Thanks!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by jc212

That's interesting about the carb allergies... I've brought up the issue to my vet before and he just cleaned out his ears. The scratching is on the side of his face and chin, not so much his ears. I've heard a lot of great things about Natural Balance and allergies, I'll try to get a free sample and see if he likes it.

Do you think that it's ok to feed him food with fish as the main protein source? I've heard that they usually do not contain enough protein? Chase is still a puppy at 5 1/2 months old. I don't if that makes a difference?

Thanks!

I would go with a puppy formula at his age unless your vet tells you otherwise. All life stages food is also fine. Some kibbles with fish are very high in protein. It isn't so much the protein source that would make it high or low protein food. It is how many carbs and other stuff they add. I suppose all companies are different...

[jc212]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I would go with a puppy formula at his age unless your vet tells you otherwise. All life stages food is also fine. Some kibbles with fish are very high in protein. It isn't so much the protein source that would make it high or low protein food. It is how many carbs and other stuff they add. I suppose all companies are different...

I'll start researching other foods. Someone else mentioned that bloodwork will indicate what he might be allergic to... he's going to be neutered in a couple of weeks, so I'll mention it to the vet then. Thanks for the info!

[RLC12345678]

The ingredients dogs are MOST allergic to are: dairy, soy, beef, corn, wheat, gleuten (barley, rye). I would cut the dairy out of his diet first. If that doesn't work, try Natural Balance Duck & Potato. My yorkie, Hobbs, has skin allergies from food. I've tried ALL kinds of foods and Natural Balance Duck & Potato is the only thing that has cleared his skin up.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by jc212

I'll start researching other foods. Someone else mentioned that bloodwork will indicate what he might be allergic to... he's going to be neutered in a couple of weeks, so I'll mention it to the vet then. Thanks for the info!

There are no tests available that will "accurately" tell you what foods he is allergic to. Vets do food allergy testing but an elimination diet is the only way to not get false positives and false negatives.