Is your dog itching and scratching for no apparent reason? You've looked all over and don't see any signs of fleas. Could dog food allergies really be causing all this constant scratching?

Dog food allergy symptoms can include diarrhea, gas, hot spots, licking the paws constantly, and even a swollen mouth. But the most common allergy symptom in dogs involve the skin and coat. This can mean a dry coat, or a greasy coat. It also usually includes constant itching and scratching of the skin.

And don't think all this itching doesn't bother your dog just because they can't vocalize their discomfort like humans. It drives them crazy and stresses them out further, which just feeds upon the itching and scratching cycle. A scratch every once and a while is nothing to worry about, but constant scratching or scratching for long periods of time is not good for your pet.

Of course there could be other reasons your dog is scratching beside food allergies. Other common areas to consider are:

• mange - which you need to take your dog to the vet to confirm and treat
• flea allergies - some dogs are so sensitive to flea bites that just one or two fleas can erupt into a full blown scratching session
• inhalant allergies - some dogs have allergic reactions to pollen, dust, and mold, just like humans
• contact dermatitis - an allergic reaction to something that comes in contact with the skin, like household cleaners and pesticides
• nutrition - improper nutrition (poor quality dog food) can stress out your dog's immune system, which then attacks everything like an allergen