Persistent scratching, paw licking, face rubbing and frequent ear shaking may point to more than a temporary irritation.
Skin allergies are the leading reason dogs visit veterinarians. While people may sneeze in response to environmental allergens, dogs often develop itchy skin.
Parasites, bacterial infections, yeast infections and food sensitivities may also cause itching. Some dogs experience more than one of these problems at the same time.
What is atopic dermatitis in dogs?
“Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin condition where a pet’s immune system reacts to environmental allergens, leading to itch, inflammation, and skin-barrier disruption,” says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Director: Companion Animals at global animal health company, Zoetis South Africa.
“When the skin barrier is stressed, secondary issues like yeast or bacterial overgrowth can also become part of the problem.”
Atopic dermatitis has no cure, but veterinary care and a consistent management plan can help control the symptoms.
Signs your itchy dog should see a vet
Itching alone does not identify the cause.
Consult your veterinarian if your dog shows any of these signs:
- Recurring itching
- A seasonal pattern to the symptoms
- Frequent paw licking or chewing
- Face rubbing
- Repeated ear problems
- Symptoms that return after short-term relief
“Your veterinarian will examine your dog and take a detailed history, asking questions about when the itching started, whether it’s seasonal, which areas appear to be affected, whether your dog’s ears seem to be itchy, and what you’ve already tried that has or hasn’t helped. They may recommend additional tests,” says Dr Tarryn.
How is atopic dermatitis managed?
Treatment often combines several approaches to address the allergy and other factors worsening the symptoms.
“Treatment is often ‘multimodal’, meaning the veterinarian may combine approaches to address both the dog’s underlying allergic tendency and the additional ‘flare factors’ that can pile on top,” says Dr Tarryn.
A multimodal plan may include:
- Checking for parasites such as fleas and mites
- Maintaining parasite control
- Treating skin or ear infections
- Anti-itch treatment prescribed by a veterinarian
- Supporting the skin barrier with medicated shampoos, sprays or wipes
- Managing triggers
- Allergen-focused strategies in some cases
The exact plan will depend on the dog and the causes contributing to the itching.
Why do dogs experience flare-ups?
A flare-up is a temporary increase in itching and inflammation after the condition appeared to be under control.
It does not necessarily mean the owner has failed to manage the condition correctly.
“A flare-up is a temporary worsening of your dog’s itch and skin inflammation, even if things have been fairly well controlled recently,” says Dr Tarryn.
Possible triggers include parasites, skin infections and food-related allergic reactions.
“You may suddenly notice more scratching, chewing or licking; red or irritated skin; hot spots; or worsened ear issues,” says Dr Tarryn. “These symptoms should improve again once the flare trigger has been addressed and the management plan has been adjusted.”
Questions to ask your veterinarian
Preparing questions before the appointment may help you understand your dog’s condition and treatment plan.
Ask your veterinarian:
- What are the most likely causes of my dog’s itching?
- What should be ruled out first?
- Could parasites or a skin or ear infection be contributing?
- What will a flare-up look like in my dog?
- What should we do when a flare-up occurs?
- Which treatment format suits my dog and our household routine?
“Normalising caregiver burden helps families seek manageable solutions and stick with care,” says Dr Dent.
Discuss long-term treatment options
Managing allergic skin conditions may require ongoing treatment.
“Ask your veterinarian about options that can reduce at-home treatment tasks, such as vet-administered injectable options (dosing schedules vary by therapy and by dog) or palatable chewable oral options when medication is needed,” says Dr Tarryn.
Veterinarian-administered injections may reduce the need to give medication at home each day.
“For many households, a vet-administered injection given on a schedule your veterinarian recommends can be simpler than remembering and managing medication at home every day, especially for dogs that resist handling or for families with busy schedules,” says Dr Tarryn.
Palatable chewable tablets may offer another option for dogs that resist swallowing pills.
“Ultimately, the ‘best’ option is the one your veterinarian recommends and your household can realistically maintain, because consistent care is a major part of keeping allergic itch under control over time,” concludes Dr Tarryn.
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