Pet Skin Doctor

Atopy or Canine Atopic Dermatitis is the second most common form of skin allergy in dogs.  Second to flea allergy dermatitis. It occurs when hypersensitive dogs come into contact with common allergens in the environment, resulting in skin inflammation and chronic itching that usually recurs seasonally.

Managing dog atopy is possible but usually requires lifelong therapy.  Begining a treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the length of the dog’s allergy season.  Avoidance of the offending allergen is the most effective form of control of the disease but this is often impossible. Management includes anti-inflammatory drugs, skin therapy, antibiotics or antifungals for skin infections, shampoos and hyposensitisation. It is also very important for any dog with atopy to be on a year-round, comprehensive flea control program as these dogs tend to be more sensitive to the bites of fleas as well.