thank you for the suggestion! i'm convinced i need to have him tested - i just can't stand to see him so itchy. i'll try the food - i did have him on Dick VanPattens Duck and Potato food for awhile but didn't really notice any change. We're buried in snow right now but things don't really get better in the winter which leads me to believe it very well could be a food allergy. I'll talk to the vet about the Temeril tablets too - anything to give him some relief. sammy's itchy spots are generally around the neck and chest area and down the middle of his back. hopefully the testing reveals the problem. thanks again!