Atopic Dermatitis (Inhalant Allergies) in Dogs

Atopic dermatitis is very common in dogs, with 3-27% of dogs affected. Atopy is not life-threatening, but the symptoms of allergies continue to worsen without appropriate treatment, impacting quality of life for the dog and humans in the household.

Dogs that are constantly itchy or have developed hair loss, reddening of the skin or skin damage require veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis can take a significant amount of time and a lot of trial and error. Working closely with a veterinary team is crucial for a successful outcome.

Determining what the dog is allergic to is rarely necessary for management of the disease, but examples of common dog allergens include pollen, dust mites, and mold spores.

Severe itching can lead to skin damage and potentially infection.

The severity of symptoms can vary with changing seasons or exposure to different environments, due to the different allergens inhaled by the dog. Recurring ear infections are common in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

In general, the causes of allergies are unknown. Genetic predisposition has been identified and environmental factors likely play a role, but a root cause has not been identified conclusively.

Atopic dermatitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to something in the environment. When the dog inhales the allergen, an inflammatory response begins, triggering itching in the skin. The main inhalant allergens in dogs are:

• Pollens
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Animal or human dander
• Insects
• Environmental yeasts

The major symptom of atopic dermatitis is severe itching, often of the feet, face, ears, armpits, abdomen, and Inner surfaces of the legs. Dogs generally first develop symptoms between 6 months and 3 years of age.

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis can be challenging. Other potential causes of itchiness must be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made, because there are no specific tests for atopy.

To rule out these conditions, veterinarians use some or all of the following tests:

• Skin scraping
• Fungal culture
• Skin and ear cytology
• Skin and ear swabbing
• Flea combing and hair plucking
• Skin biopsy
• Bloodwork
• Dietary trials

Allergy testing can help identify what the dog is allergic to. It is important to note that allergy testing does not diagnose allergies. Allergy test results are only considered significant if they correlate with the dog’s symptoms in terms of seasonality, history of exposure, or reduced symptoms when the allergen is removed.

Atopic dermatitis is a life-long condition. With appropriate management, the severity of symptoms can be reduced. A combined approach of medication and environmental management can help reduce symptoms. Immunotherapy injections may also help reduce symptoms in the long term in the majority, but not all, cases of canine allergies.

A combination of steroids and anti-itch medication may be recommended to manage symptoms. Many dogs also have secondary bacterial and/or fungal infections that require appropriate antimicrobial therapy, either orally or in medicated shampoos.

Maintaining best skin care practices as recommended by a vet also helps to reduce the itching caused by atopy. This includes staying current with external parasite control and regular bathing.

Managing allergen levels in the environment is an important aspect of treatment. Strategies include:

• Regular, thorough cleaning of the household
• Washing bedding and stuffed toys regularly
• Minimizing the number of house plants
• Air filtration systems

Allergies can not be prevented, only managed. They are not contagious, but genetic predisposition to atopic dermatitis has been identified. Symptoms can be reduced using a combination of medication, skin care practices, and environmental management.

Atopy is very common in dogs. Studies have shown 3-27% of the dog population have atopic dermatitis.

• Medication to control itching
• Medication to treat secondary infections
• Reducing environmental exposure
• Immunotherapy