Dogs do not have the same allergy symptoms humans do. A dog's reaction to an allergy often comes in the form of dog skin distress, such as excessive itching and biting as well as generating a poor quality coat of fur. Anal itching and chronic ear infections can also be signs and are something most pet owners don't think of as being allergy related.

While dog skin problems and sensitivity can be caused by many things, allergic reactions to food are very common. Food sensitivity may take years for signs to develop, even if you have been feeding your dog the same food.

Once dog skin problems or other allergy symptoms do initiate appearing, it's a good idea to check your pet's diet first. You do this by simply taking away their normal food for several days and giving them a diet that consists of protein and starch. A good diet to try is lamb or rabbit mixed with rice. Do not give them anything else during this test period.

When the reactions improve, go back to giving your dog its regular meal and take notes. If the dog skin problems or other signs return, you know it's something in their food.

Next you return to the test diet above, but start adding one new ingredient each week. For example try chicken one week, beef the next, wheat, then corn. If symptoms get better, for example with beef, you know that beef is not the origin of the allergies. If they get worse, then there is a good chance that you've uncovered the culprit.

Even if you find that your pet is allergic to one ingredient, it's important to continue this process with all ingredients because your dog could be allergic to more than one thing.

Once you uncover what your dog is allergic to, you can start to look for commercial foods that do not contain those ingredients. Some of the best choices with brand name dog food are foods that are made with lamb and rice. Both lamb and rice are considered hypoallergenic (as long as it does not incorporate wheat or corn.).

Do not restrict yourself to just commercial pet food. Many pet owners have used a raw food diet with enormous success for treating dog allergies. This natural manner of diet consists of raw meat, raw bones and raw vegetables. You can find out more data about the raw food diet for dogs by doing a quick search on the internet. (If your dog is already on a raw food diet, you should still use the test diet outlined above and vary ingredients.).

Dog skin problems, sensitivity and food all boil down to one basic fact. Your dog's diet is the foundation of a long, comfortable and joyous life. You need to get the best dog diet data available and take a proactive stance so your pet does not have to needlessly suffer.