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The itching should be investigated. 

I suspect allergies based on age, breed and described symptoms. 

Allergy is an over-reaction by the body's immune system to a stimulus that the body usually can  tolerate and can be divided into two main types:

• Food allergy (allergic to a protein source)
• Atopy (allergy to something in the environment such as pollen, house dust mites, etc). 

In dogs, allergies often present in the form of itching. The dog is scratching by licking, biting or by using its paws to scratch its body.

In order to make a correct diagnosis, it is essential that the examinations are carried out systematically. Unfortunately, this takes time and several visits to the clinic are necessary.

A typical investigation might proceed like this:

• The first step usually undertaken in an itch investigation is to rule out that the itch is caused by parasites such as lice, fleas and mites. Then samples are taken from the skin and fur. Often people choose to blanket-treat the dog against these parasites even if parasites are not visible to the naked eye nor diagnosed by your veterinarian via skin scrapes. 
• It is then ruled out that the itching is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. This is also done by taking samples of fur and skin and examining these samples under a microscope. 

If both parasites and infection are ruled out as the cause, the dog is put on an elimination diet:

• The dog receives a special food, which consists of proteins that the dog has not previously eaten or proteins, within the food, that have been processed in a way that means that the immune system does not react to them. 

The dog is usually on this feed for 8 weeks. It is then important that the dog does not get anything else to eat, such as leftovers, treats or chew bones.

If the dog's itch improves or resolves as a result, it is likely that it is allergic to food:

• To confirm this, you can provoke the dog's immune system by giving it food you suspect the dog is allergic to. If the dog then starts to itch, the diagnosis is clear. 

If it only gets a little better or doesn't get any better from this diet, you move on to investigate whether it is atopic (allergic to something in the environment):

• A blood sample is then taken which is analysed for certain types of antibodies. This blood test cannot be taken until other causes of the itching have been ruled out. 
• If the blood test shows high levels of antibodies against certain substances, a vaccine can be made especially for this dog. 
• The aim of the vaccine is to make the immune system more tolerant and less reactive. The vaccines are administered via injection under the skin once a month or as a drop under the dog's tongue daily. 

Some manage by this treatment alone, others have to be bathed regularly in special medicated shampoo in addition, some also have to receive cortisone or other anti-itch medication, while some have no effect from the vaccine treatment at all. There are several other ways to manage allergies. Together with the vet, your pet is prescribed a treatment which is tailored to and optimal for the individual dog.

You are always welcome to contact us again for a follow-up call should any doubts or additional questions arise.