I definitely agree with the suggestions regarding possible environmental allergens, which is what I posted about earlier, as well. I prefer ceramic dishes over plastic or metal. I find it interesting that Whitestar's clinic has such a high occurance of demodex. Most dogs have demodex mites on them from birth and pups that are affected by them are usually able to fight the mites back to a healthy population once their immune system has matured. Mature dogs that are affected are usually afflicted with some other ailment and you're right, it is hard capture the little buggars on a scraping, though one should be done.
What's amazing to me is that a dog can get enough nutrition from what's in S/D, or Purina, or Iams/Eukanuba products. Just take a look at any of the ingredient lists. To me it's like a person who is allergic to nuts who stops showing a reaction when switched to eating McDonalds meals instead of a diet that includes trail mix. That may do fine (for a while or their lifetime), but it's not a healthy, balanced diet.
Mona - Instead of switching to a common protein and carb. source, I suggest you try a formula with Rabbit, Venison, Duck or Herring with Sweet Potato, etc. No matter what, a better quality diet won't hurt. If the changes you make are going to help, you should expect to see a difference in about two months. It takes time for the body to relieve itself of the allergens and your dog is likely coping with more than one. Just in case, you should also be changing out anything in your dog's environment that you can which may be a contributor (such as regular shampoos/conditioners, detergents, cleaners, carpet and air fresheners, etc.).

Mona - Instead of switching to a common protein and carb. source, I suggest you try a formula with Rabbit, Venison, Duck or Herring with Sweet Potato, etc. No matter what, a better quality diet won't hurt. If the changes you make are going to help, you should expect to see a difference in about two months. It takes time for the body to relieve itself of the allergens and your dog is likely coping with more than one. Just in case, you should also be changing out anything in your dog's environment that you can which may be a contributor (such as regular shampoos/conditioners, detergents, cleaners, carpet and air fresheners, etc.).
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