no fleas, but always itching and licking like it

Question
My mother has a Terrier of some sort, about 5years old, male, he's spunky and healthy, she saved him last year and a mess he was hair all tangled, skin raw, was used for breeding for the first couple years of his life so we're told. Anyhow, he keeps digging and scratching and licking like he's infested with fleas and yet there are none, the vet has given him pills on 2 different occasions (steroid we think) just stating that he thinks the dog is allergic to flea poop, it helps for while he's taking these pills but within a day or two of no more pills he's right back to digging and scratching. the inside of his back legs and his groin are almost raw and hair free in only 5 days. can't keep giving him pills. and flea baths only give him some minor relief for about an hour and can't keep bathing him either. have tried feeding him specialty food - lamb and rice I think it was - dermatologically tested for animals with sensitive skin the bag says. all to know avail! just looking for someone who may have seen or heard this before and can give some answer, thought, even just suggestion to this to help relieve this poor guy. Any help is much appreciated.  Thanks, Michelle.

Answer
Michelle -

This problem is much more common than one might think - Terriers are particularly prone to skin problems... Commonly it's food, but sometimes it's something very much like the seasonal allergies humans have.

The ingredients that need to be removed from his diet are beef, corn, wheat and soy.  There are a number of brands of dog food that make a kibble without those ingredients, but unfortunately they are usually not available at grocery stores, and even at some of the large chain pet supply stores.  I personally feed Eagle Pack Holistic Select - the sardine formula - because I have a foster dog who is highly allergic.

Here is a link to a skin care regimen that will make him much more comfortable and is likely to help him heal up:

http://cairnrescue.com/docs/SkinCareRegime.htm

If a dog continues to be uncomfotable, my vet will give a cortisone shot that lasts for about a month. This means you don't have to give pills and also means you don't have to keep doing it if the dog responds to the other things you try in the meantime.

My jack russell also has a problem with his skin - but his is heat related, so I use a light lavendar oil and water spray to help keep him cooled off (and fans for him to lay in front of)

I sure hope this gives you some ideas.  There are dogs who do not respond to a combination of one or more of these things, but they are pretty rare.


Best wishes

-Beth