How to Manage Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

As a pet owner in Arizona, you already know that allergies can hit our dogs hard this time of year.

Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to a variety of things, including food, fleas, environmental allergens (e.g. pollen, dust mites, mold), and certain medications.

Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, redness, ear infections, hair loss, skin infections, and gastrointestinal problems. If this list of symptoms seems non-specific, you’re right on point! That is why diagnosis of allergies can sometimes be tricky.

The good news is that, luckily, there are preventative and treatment options so that your pet’s discomfort doesn’t have both of you crawling out of your skin!

In honor of National Allergy Awareness Month, we’re bringing you everything you need to know about atopic dermatitis, one of the most common types of allergies in dogs.

What is Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is often caused by environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold (all common in Arizona). Dogs with atopic dermatitis will typically display symptoms such as itching, redness, and skin irritation, which can lead to secondary skin infections.

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition for atopic dermatitis and it tends to impact dogs before they are three years old.

What Are the Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis?

As your loving Revel Veterinarians, our primary goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients. This often involves developing a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the underlying cause of the atopic dermatitis and the symptoms it causes.

Antipruritics and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) are both treatments that can be used to manage allergies in dogs, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes.

Antipruritics are medications that are used to relieve itching and other symptoms of allergies in dogs. They work by blocking the histamine and other chemicals that cause itching and inflammation.

Antipruritics can provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they do not address the underlying cause of the allergy. Common antipruritic medications include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and essential fatty acids.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) is a treatment that is used to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. It involves exposing the dog to small, increasing doses of the allergen over time, in order to build up the immune system’s tolerance to the allergen. 

ASIT is a long-term treatment that can take several months or years to complete, but it can provide long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms and reduce the need for other medications. ASIT is typically used for dogs with allergies to environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or mold.

Both antipruritics and ASIT can be effective in managing allergies in dogs, but they are used for different purposes. Antipruritics are used to provide temporary relief of symptoms, while ASIT is used to address the underlying cause of the allergy and provide long-term relief. 

Your Revel Veterinarians can help you determine which treatment is most appropriate for your dog based on their specific needs and the underlying cause of their allergy.

We will also help you make the necessary lifestyle modifications, such as controlling your home environment, providing guidance on proper grooming techniques and other strategies to prevent future flare-ups. 

Are There Any Other Reasons Why My Dog is So Itchy?

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies in dogs, but it is not the only cause of allergies in dogs. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things, including food, flea bites, and other environmental allergens.

If your dog is excessively itchy, they could also be dealing with:

• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can all cause itching and irritation in dogs.
• Skin infections: Bacterial and fungal infections of the skin can cause itching, redness, and other symptoms.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can cause skin problems and itchiness.
• Stress or anxiety: Dogs can develop skin problems and itchiness in response to stress or anxiety.
• Dry skin: Dogs with dry skin may experience itching and flakiness.

Remember, identifying the underlying cause of a dog’s itchiness is the best first step to providing appropriate treatment. Set up a time to meet our Veterinarians today and get your dog some relief.

What Information Should I Share With My Vet If I Am Worried About My Dog Suffering From Allergies?

If you are concerned that your dog has allergies, it is important to share as much information as possible with your Revel Veterinarian. Here are some things you should be prepared to discuss:

1. Symptoms: Describe any symptoms that you have noticed in your dog, such as itching, redness, inflammation, ear infections, or gastrointestinal problems. Be as specific as possible about when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and how severe they are.
2. Triggers: Try to identify any potential triggers for your dog’s symptoms, such as certain foods, environmental allergens (like pollen or dust), or contact with specific materials (like wool or synthetic fabrics). Keep a journal of when your dog’s symptoms occur and what they were exposed to in the hours and days leading up to the symptoms.
3. Medical history: Provide your Revel Veterinarian with your dog’s complete medical history, including any previous allergies or allergic reactions, as well as any current medications or supplements they are taking.
4. Diet: Be prepared to discuss your dog’s diet and any recent changes you have made to their food. Your Veterinarian may recommend a dietary trial to rule out or confirm a food allergy.
5. Living environment: Discuss your dog’s living environment, including where they spend most of their time, how often they are exposed to potential allergens, and whether they have any other pets in the home.
6. Previous treatments: If you have tried any treatments for your dog’s symptoms in the past, be sure to share this information. This can help them determine the most appropriate course of treatment for your dog.

By providing your veterinarian with as much information as possible, you can help them make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan for your dog’s allergies.

Call the Queen Creek Revel Vet Practice today to set up a time for your dog to come visit! We look forward to providing you and your furry loved one with some relief.