Itchiness

Question
Jill, We have a 2 year old Norweigian Elkhound and he is very itchy. He takes revolution and the vet thinks it may be a food allergy so he eats hills Z/D. No real effect but since he started going to day care occasionally (2 afternoons a week) and is exhausted, the itching disappeared. Also when we are away camping he doesn't scratch at all. Could boredom make him scratch. He is very social.
Cindy

Answer
Scratching can be a learned behavior in response to boredom, but I very much doubt it as I've never seen it (and I've seen some VERY bizarre behavior!)  From your description, it seems to me that this behavior might be the result of allergy to something in your home environment: a floor or carpet cleaner?  Perhaps you have fleas and haven't seen them (in your carpet or floor)?  Is there evidence of fleas on the dog (flea dirt)?  There are also physiological problems that can cause itching (even in humans) so I suggest you do several things:
1.  Check your home environment for evidence of fleas and think about what cleaning products, including air fresheners and the like, you have used.  Try to track the onset of this problem with things in your environment.
2.  Have your dog professionally groomed with a thorough comb through and look for evidence of fleas or skin irritation (rashes), all of which are easily missed on a dog with such thick coat.
3.  Have your veterinarian do a super blood chemistry to check liver enzymes, kidney function, etc. and overall immune health, as itching can be a symptom of autoimmune disease.