My puppy is scratching and has red spots. Is it a food allergy?

Question

I currently have my pup on taste of the wild puppy food. He has been eating the roasted bison and venison flavor. It seems like he has always had a slight itch and is always scratching. I recently switched up the flavor to salmon and he is scratching a lot more and has red spot all over him. I know this is most likely a sign that he could be allergic to his food. Are there any recommendation on how to treat this or what foods would be better? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 3 days old | 45 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about your puppy! While food allergies are one possible cause of itching and rashes, there are also other possibilities, including fleas (even just one flea bite can make a hypersensitive dog break out and itch), mites, and allergies to airborne allergens like pollen, grass, trees, etc. I would recommend bringing your puppy to the vet for an exam to ensure that mites are not present (these are microscopic so you cannot see them) and to get him started on an effective flea preventative if he is not on one already. They can examine the skin and determine if prescription medication is needed or if a special shampoo would be adequate to treat him. You can consider starting him on a fatty acid supplement (sold at many pet stores and your vet's office) which can decrease itching and inflammation. You can ask your vet if they feel a trial of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which is an antihistamine would be ok for your dog. You also may try a soothing shampoo and creme rinse such as Episoothe shampoo and creme rinse or Duoxo Calm products.

My puppy is scratching and has red spots. Is it a food allergy?

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