I thought I would post this in the diet section of the board hoping that all of you diet/nutrition experts would see it! I have a 13 year old Sheltie, that has recently been chewing and licking both of his back paws..they are so red and sore looking. I did bring him to our Vet, and he was treated with Panalog cream and a antihistamine...it did help for a while, but now he is back to the licking and chewing. I can't help wonder if this is diet related? Unfortunately, I don't think my Vet is really that knowledgeable about nutrition...he treated the symptoms but not really the problem. I was wondering if anyone here knows what he would be allergic to in his food? Are allergic dogs usually allergic to the grains in the food or the protein source? I know there is very much to know about this topic...I just don't know how to go about the process of elimination to determine what he may be allergic too...I have never had any problems with him before with allergies...maybe it has to do with age? I forgot to mention that I do feed a good quality dog food...he is currently on Innova Senior...which he just loves! If anyone could steer me in the right direction...I would appreciate it very much! Thank you!
Also forgot to mention that we do not use any fertilizers, pesticides etc. on out lawns but unfortunately, many of our neigbors do...when I walk him, ,he sometimes walks on their lawns....wonder if this could be the problem???

Allergies are always to proteins (just by the nature of the immune system response), but grains do have proteins. Growing up, we always had Shelties. From what I recall, most of them developed atopy and I believe Shelties do have problems with allergies (kind of like hip dysplasia in Labs). With age (although 13 is still "young" for a Sheltie), and as the immune system declines, it isn't all that unusual for allergies and other problems to pop up.

LovemyLabby -

While my situation might not help you, here is what I dealt with. Bailey developed a yeast infection in both ears about three weeks ago. Vet told me that it could either be from environmental or food-related issues. So I switched to Natural Balance Potato & Duck. In just a week, I saw amazing results. Plus, like you, I also was feeding a good quality dog food prior to switching - Innova Adult.

Just a thought!

Thanks to both of you for your unput...that is interesting what you said Dad of Jes about the Sheltie breed...I kind of thought it might be related to aging...and just problems of the breed...I may try switching his food, jcatkc....you never know, it may help, I have heard many good things about Natural Balance...thanks again.

I think you'll find more allergies to proteins, as Dad of Jes said, but I think a great many "intolerances" to grains are overlooked. They are the least "natural" part of the diet we feed our dogs when we feed kibble.

Good luck with the NB, its success rate remains VERY high for a great many problems (including my greyhound, who used to lick his front legs/feet raw too).