scratching

Question
Good morning Doctor,
I have a question about my dogs scratching.  I realize nutrition has a lot to do with that however, she has never been biting or scratching like this before.  My question is:  Could the fact that she is due to come in heat, be the cause of her itching?  I've been brushing her everyday and she is blowing her coat, could that cause her to itch severely?  I haven't found fleas or hot spots.
Thank you for your time.  Leslie Benning

Answer
If a dog is sensitive to a component of the diet, then they can itch.  Have you recently changd foods?

Most dogs itch from allergies to something in the environment.  Have your vet do an examination to see if there is a reason for the itching, like mange, and if there is a treatment that will help relieve the itching in your dog.