Boxer Scratching Her Face/Sneezing & Exessive Shedding

Question
My 6 1/2 yr old female Boxer mix (have no idea what the "mix" is as she is a rescue I have had for 3 yrs. but she looks like/acts like a full Boxer) sheds excessively. She seems to have a thicker coat with an undercoat that I do not recall my boxer from my childhood having.  Also, when she goes outside to do her business, she scratches her face and alot of times sneezes.  We live in an apartment building with no grass, her area to go potty is just dirt.  She also does the scratching thing when we go for walks and she sniffs everything in sight (we call this reading the newspaper).

I have her eating the allergy version of Natural Balance dry food mixed with their wet food (1 cup dry with approx 4 oz of wet) twice a day.  She gets uncooked marrow bones a few times a week for treats, and Dogswell Chicken Jerky strips for treats as well.

When I first adopted her, I had her on a BARF diet, but she gained weight.  So I put her on this.  She has always done the scratching and sneezing thing, as well as the shedding.  Sometimes she does the reverse sneezing too.

She does not have fleas (we use Advantage on all the pets, and the cats do not go ouside.  Only Abby goes outside.)  

I am wondering if she has allergies to pollens or something.  Is there anything I can give her over the counter to help her?  i am reluctant to give benadryl because of her being a boxer and her short muzzle. and the shedding doesn't stop even with daily brushings.  Dont know if it is related or just whatever she may be mixed with (she isn't as tall and slender as most boxers, so we thought maybe she was mixed with a Staffshire terrier or American Bull dog) She has typical fawn markings with the black mask and flashy paws and stomach, her face is all boxer too. Just the weird undercoat and being short.


Answer
Certainly the reverse sneezing and itching (pruritus) outside makes sense she could definitely be an atopic dog (environmentally allergic). Several OTC antihistamines can be given to dogs, however I would refer you to speak with your primary veterinarian prior to administering these.  Allergy testing and shots based on this testing may be performed in dogs just the same as humans.  This is an effective treatment for many dogs with atopy.  Good job keeping up the flea control.  My suggestion would be to further investigate environmental allergies (seasonal or nonseasonal, etc).  

Thanks for your question.