ezzy.....
My quick search on the subject revealed the following....I sure if you take the time, you could find some article somewhere that supports your position, key point here is that no one really knows what is the top cause...Food is one I hear most, but I can find support for that or support for other causes.......but regardless this is my last post on this subject....facts are facts....I did provide the links to these articles, one if from a vet site the next one is from a supplier of vet meds....!
https://www.vetinfo.com/causes-allergies-dogs.html
What Causes Allergies in Dogs?
While humans show allergy symptoms often through their sinuses, allergies in dogs express themselves through the skin, resulting in overall itchiness and ear infections. Knowing the cause of the allergies can often help treat them, causing your dog greater comfort.
Flea Allergies
Even after you've eradicated a flea problem in your house, your dog could show signs of a flea infection if he's allergic to fleas. Bites can itch up to three weeks later for flea-allergic dogs, so it's important to prevent flea bites altogether.
If your dog is allergic to fleas, you will often notice him biting the lower half of his body, such as his sides, stomach, rear legs and possibly near his tail.
There is no way to treat these allergies, but they can be easily prevented by giving your dog flea preventative every three to four weeks. Try not to miss a dosage because even one rogue bite can cause the allergies to continue for another few weeks.
Food Allergies
Many dogs who eat the same food for long periods of time develop food allergies to those familiar substances. Dogs are commonly allergic to corn and wheat, which are found in many cheap dog foods, but they can be allergic to a range of things, including protein sources, fruits and vegetables or preservatives and other filler found in dog food.
Allergy tests are infective for diagnosing food allergies, so veterinarians usually prescribe a food trial, during which your dog is removed from all food and treats except a food with one novel protein source, such as duck or rabbit, and one carbohydrate source, such as potato. Then, foods are slowly added back in to determine which trigger allergic reactions.
If your dog has a food allergy, it should clear up when placed on the novel protein. If you don't want to go through a full food trial, try switching to a different brand of food with a different protein source than you currently feed and see if there are improvements.
Environmental Allergies
If your dog has environmental allergies, the symptoms will often appear seasonally. Environmental allergies are usually diagnosed by elimination. Once flea and food allergies are under control, environmental allergies are all that remain.
It's very difficult to treat environmental allergies since you can't control your dog's exposure to the environment. Some dogs respond well to antihistamines or steroids that treat the symptoms.
Dermatologists are now giving dogs allergy tests during which the dog's skin is exposed at low levels to likely allergens. Those that cause a reaction are used to create a vaccination through which the dog is exposed at low levels to the allergens for long periods of time, allowing him to build up immunity.
There are three main types of dog allergies: fleas, food and environmental. The difficulty in diagnosis is that your dog may have only one or all three. If your dog is troubled by persistent allergies, visit a certified canine dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis and begin to ease your dog's symptoms.
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/the-t ... allergies/
The Top 8 Causes Of Dog Skin Allergies
What Can Be Making Your Dog Itch?
By JESSE FELDMAN. March 22, 2014
Dogs itch and scratch on a daily basis. However, if you've noticed your dog scratching and licking more often than usual, it may be due to allergies. Find out the different type of allergies out there that could be plaguing your dog, and treatment options available.
If you’ve noticed your dog doing an unusual amount of itching, licking, or scratching, allergies may be to blame. Many vets report skin allergies as a top reason they see dogs. Allergies can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes and they can be hereditary or appear suddenly.
Inflamed, itchy, red, or scaly skin can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Abnormalities in a dog’s coat or skin should be a cause for concern, as they can indicate discomfort or an underlying health problem. Your vet will perform a full examination to determine if allergies are affecting your pup’s wellness.
Here are the 8 most common causes of dog skin allergies:
1. SEASONAL ALLERGIES
Common allergens like pollen, dust, grass, trees, mold, and weeds that affect humans seasonally can also affect dogs and their skin. Sensitivity to grass pollens (often misidentified as a grass allergy) is surprisingly common among dogs. Regular cleaning of paws, baths, and air purifiers can help lower incidences of seasonal allergies.
2. FOOD ALLERGIES
Food allergies or intolerance have unfortunately become very common in dogs. They can manifest suddenly, affecting your dog’s skin and digestion. Beef, soy, dairy, and wheat are common allergens. Exclusively feeding your dog a hypoallergenic food for several weeks can help unmask a food allergy.
3. SHAMPOO/SOAP
If your dog has a history of sensitive skin, consider switching to a hypoallergenic soap or shampoo as a proactive measure. A dog’s skin may react to insecticides or anti-flea chemicals in specialty shampoos. Also, never use your own hair products to groom a dog and only use products intended specifically for dogs.
4. FLEAS
Saliva from even one or two flea bites can trigger an allergic reaction on your dog’s skin. Flea allergy dermatitis causes red, bumpy lesions that can be very uncomfortable for the dog and require medical intervention.
5. CHEMICAL CONTACT
Things like household cleaning products and detergents can occasionally cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with a dog’s skin. Harsh carpet cleaners are one of the more common causes of a contact allergy indoors. Be cautious when applying chemicals anywhere your dog might step on or rub against.
6. MEDICATIONS
Antibiotics and vaccinations can sometimes cause a skin reaction in the form of hives. The hives often disappear within 24 hours of exposure to an allergen or medication, but if they do not, contact your vet.
7. FABRIC
Your dog’s bed could be contributing to a skin allergy. Fabrics like wool can cause itchy reactions for dogs. Choose hypoallergenic fabrics and keep bedding clean to avoid any triggers. Also remember to check labels because fillings like feathers can be allergens, too.
8. BACTERIAL HYPERSENSITIVITY
An underlying condition like hypothyroidism can make your dog’s skin overly sensitive to a regular amount of staph on their body.
If allergies are behind your dog’s discomfort, your vet will help you determine a management and treatment plan. It may include environmental control, immunotherapy, regular bathing and foot washing, antihistamines, or a new diet. With some extra care, your dog’s skin and coat can be healthy and bright once more.
Buy the food that works for your dog and the one you can afford.