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Canine atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, hereditary allergic skin disease. The dog reacts excessively to banal substances in its environment: house dust mites, pollen, mold, dander. The skin of an atopic dog protects poorly. It lets allergens pass t...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, hereditary allergic skin disease. The dog reacts excessively to banal substances in its environment: house dust mites, pollen, mold, dander.

The skin of an atopic dog protects poorly. It lets allergens pass through and loses water more quickly than normal skin: this barrier defect maintains inflammation and itching.

This disease cannot be cured, but it is very well controlled. The goal of treatment is a dog that no longer scratches and sleeps at night, not a dog free of its allergy.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Itching Hair loss Scabs and skin lesions Red eyes Dull coat Skin redness Constant licking Strong skin odour Thickened or darkened skin Ear scratching

Itching is the central sign: the dog scratches, licks, bites, rubs against furniture or the floor.

The affected areas are quite characteristic: face and around the eyes, lips, ears, under the legs and between the fingers, armpits, groin, under the belly.

Repeated licking of the paws colors the light hairs reddish-brown.

Redness, skin that thickens and darkens over time, broken or missing hairs in the scratched areas.

Recurrent ear infections: in some dogs, the ear is the first and sometimes the only place that manifests itself.

Red, watery eyes in some dogs.

The first signs most often appear between six months and three years. They are first seasonal, then spread over the whole year.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

A genetic predisposition associated with a defect in the skin barrier: the skin lets in what it should stop.

The allergens in question are breathed in or pass through the skin: house dust mites, grass and tree pollen, mold, dander from other animals.

Inflammation opens the door to secondary infections by bacteria and the Malassezia yeast. These secondary infections in turn aggravate the itching: it is a vicious circle that must be broken.

Family territory: a dog from atopic parents is more likely to be atopic.

Certain breeds are more often affected, including the German Shepherd, Labrador and Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, West Highland White Terrier, Shar Pei and Boxer. A mixed dog can absolutely be atopic.

An interior rich in mites (heating, carpets, cushions, textiles) fuels attacks.

The presence of fleas, even in very small numbers, clearly aggravates an already atopic dog.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

No single test is sufficient to confirm atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis is made by eliminating other causes of itching.

The veterinarian first rules out parasites: fleas, scabies, chiggers, demodex, using a careful examination and skin scrapings.

He looks for a superinfection by bacteria or yeast with a skin sample observed under a microscope.

A strict food trial is often necessary, because food allergy gives exactly the same picture.

Once the diagnosis has been made, skin or blood allergy tests may be offered. They are not used to make the diagnosis but to compose possible desensitization.

Treatment

The treatment combines several levers, adjusted to the dog and re-evaluated over time.

Calm the itch: the veterinarian has modern molecules specifically targeting itching, corticosteroids used in a controlled manner, and cyclosporine. The choice and duration are his prescription.

Treat superinfections: antiseptic shampoos, local treatments, antibiotics or antifungals when justified.

Repair the skin barrier: regular gentle shampoos, essential fatty acids, moisturizing products.

Reduce exposure: continuous flea protection all year round, frequent washing of bedding, regular vacuuming.

Desensitization, or allergen immunotherapy, is the only treatment that acts on the basis of the disease. It takes several months before we can judge its effect.

Never give an anti-itch medication on your own initiative, or a leftover prescription: corticosteroids in particular distort the tests and expose you to unwanted effects.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

We cannot prevent the disease itself, which is part of the dog's genetic heritage. We prevent crises.

Continuous flea protection is the most cost-effective measure: a single bite can restart weeks of itching in an atopic dog.

Washing of beds at high temperature, regular vacuuming, fewer dusty textiles in the room where the dog sleeps.

Maintenance skin care carried out outside of crises prevents relapses.

An atopic dog should not be put for breeding.

Possible complications

Bacterial and yeast superinfections which return until the allergy is controlled.

Chronic otitis externa, which can eventually affect the middle ear.

Thickened, dark skin, permanently modified when the inflammation lasts for years.

Real impact on sleep and behavior: a dog who scratches at night sleeps poorly, and so does his family.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog scratches, licks or bites himself to the point of damaging his skin.

He licks his paws constantly and the hairs turn red.

He gets repeated ear infections.

Their skin smells bad, oozes, or has crusts.

The itching prevents him from sleeping.

A current treatment is no longer effective: you must reassess it with the veterinarian, not increase the doses yourself.

Prognosis

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but a well-monitored dog leads a completely normal and comfortable life.

It often takes a few months and several consultations to find the combination that works in the long term: it is an adjustment, not a single prescription.

Dogs in which fleas and superinfections are truly under control have much fewer attacks.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog be cured of his allergy?

No, the predisposition is genetic and remains present throughout life. On the other hand, the disease can be controlled: if properly monitored, an atopic dog no longer scratches and lives normally.

Why does my vet insist on fleas when I don't see any?

Because you almost never see fleas on a dog that licks itself: it swallows them while grooming itself. In an atopic dog, a few bites are enough to trigger an attack, resulting in continued protection all year round.

Can a change in diet be enough?

Only if the allergy is food. As the two diseases are similar, the veterinarian often suggests a strict food trial to decide. Changing kibbles at random does not allow any conclusions.

Are corticosteroids dangerous?

Used occasionally and under veterinary supervision, they provide great services. The problem comes from their prolonged or improvised use, which exposes them to undesirable effects. Today, other treatments often allow them to be reserved for crises.