Scratching and Food Allergies?

[Esther and Joey]

Joey is a month away from 2. She has been on Acana since we got her as a pup. She's never been a licker or a scratcher but in the past 4 weeks she's been scratching heavily. So much so that we can feel scabs on her neck. She doesn't scratch her face so much but she does bite her foot and scratches her ribs/side. On her tummy, there are no scabs nor rashes visible. She's also constantly licking herself now, which she never did before.

This morning was our 2nd trip to the vet to figure out what was going on. He said it could be scabies mites or food allergies. He's treating her for mites just in case but I really don't think it's it cause I've combed her for fleas and other parasites. So then he thinks it's good and tried to peddle us some hypoallergenic food that they sell. Do you all have recommendations on how to go about determining food allergy?

I also wonder if perhaps it's the sea water. We moved to SF from NYC about 5 months ago. For the past 3 months, Joey goes to the beach every day for an hour with her dog walker. Sometimes she goes in the ocean, sometimes she doesn't. As of this week, we've also cancelled her doggy playgroups to the beach/park thinking that it might be environmental. 

Anyone with similar issues?

Thank you

[Esther and Joey]

oh i did not realize there was such a thing! i'll look it up!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are veterinary specialists just like there are human specialists. A general practice vet is like your primary care doctor; they cannot possibly be experts in every type of medicine, just like your primary care doctor cannot be an expert in orthopedics, dermatology, gastroenterology, gynecology, etc. 

JD has four specialists: A dermatologist, an internist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a veterinarian who does acupuncture and "complementary therapies".

You don;t have to look it up. Here's the website and the specialist locator: 

https://www.acvd.org/locator/locator.asp

[Esther and Joey]

thank you! made an appo