Wire Fox Terrier - licks the air

Question
We rescued a WFT about a year ago - he is approx. 2 1/2 y.o. and have been told that he has allergies.  We tried allergy shots, with no relief, benadryl, and have changed to a salmon/veggie/corn food.  He still scratches and licks a lot and constantly licks the air.  Is this air licking behavioral or allergy related.  We have not done the allergy testing due to cost and the fact that we have been told it probably wouldn't help that much.  (If the dog is laying on our lap or active playing he does not lick).  I'm concerned it could dehydrate him, among other things.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

Answer
Phyllis -

This behavior is most likely allergy related, but could have developed into a neurotic behavior as a result of having licked so much for the allergies.

I have a suggestion about food. Please make sure to try kibble with **no** corn, wheat or soy.  Food sensitivities are quite common among the terrier breeds, and these items are always the first things to eliminate. It is true that some dogs are sensitive to the forms of protein, these carb sources are far and away the most common cause.

By allergy shots, I assume you mean a steroid shot ?  They usually work for about a month but do not offer a long term solution.

I had to chuckle a little since my gordon setter licks the air... but because she is a bird dog, she is literally tasting the air for scents.

Good luck for your poor fella.

-Beth