Health A-Z
Skin Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Owner and veterinary guidance with linked treatments and source citations.
Skin Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Species: Dog
Breeds Affected: All Breeds (common in retrievers, terriers, bulldogs, and other breeds; often starts <3 years of age)
Clinical review: Veterinary reviewer metadata is not available yet.
Guidance by audience
Use the global Pet owner/Vet toggle in the header. Each mode shows only what that audience needs.
For Pet Owners
Quick summary
Canine atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin condition caused by hypersensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold. It leads to chronic itching and inflammation of the skin. Flea allergy dermatitis (allergy to flea bites) is another very common skin allergy in dogs. Allergies often have a genetic predisposition and are one of the top reasons for vet visits, as skin/allergy issues are widespread in dogs. Track appetite, hydration, stool/urine changes, energy level, and symptom pattern over time.
Red flags
Call your vet today: Persistent or worsening symptoms. Emergency now: Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
What to expect at the vet
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Prevention checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
For Veterinarians
Diagnostics
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Differentials
Differential diagnosis considerations are not available yet.
Treatment considerations
Management is usually lifelong and focuses on controlling itch and avoiding allergens. Avoidance of known allergens (when possible) – e.g. using air filters, keeping dogs indoors during high pollen times – can help. Medical therapy to relieve itching and inflammation is central: options include antihistamines (sometimes helpful in mild cases), omega-3 fatty acid supplements (to improve skin barrier), and frequent bathing with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos to remove allergens from the coat. For moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, modern immunomodulatory medications are often used: Apoquel (oclacitinib) is an oral medication that blocks itch signals, and Cytopoint (lokivetmab) is an injectable monoclonal antibody that neutralizes an itch-inducing cytokine – both provide effective itch relief. In addition, corticosteroids (prednisone) can be used, particularly for acute flares, but long-term steroid use is avoided if possible due to side effects. Immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) can be pursued: after allergy testing, dilute allergen injections are given regularly to build tolerance. Treating secondary infections with antibiotics or antifungals when they occur is also important.
Follow-up strategy
Follow-up strategy is not available yet.
What To Do Now
Escalate care quickly if symptoms worsen, persist, or include emergency warning signs.
| Urgency | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Call your vet today | Persistent or worsening symptoms | Call your veterinarian the same day for guidance and exam scheduling. |
| Emergency now | Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
Prevention Checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
Treatments and Medication Links
Use these medication pages as a reference for options your veterinarian may discuss.
Detailed treatment strategy remains in the Vet view to avoid duplicate narrative blocks.
No linked medications are available yet.
Find a Vet Near YouFrequently Asked Questions
FAQ content is not available for this condition yet.
Data Sources
Last updated: February 16, 2026, 11:11 AM UTC
View source list
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Owner_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Reference search for condition background. -
Triage · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Clinical triage framing. -
Vet_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Clinical workflow reference. -
Diagnosis · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Guideline discovery link. -
Prevention · public_health
https://www.cdc.gov/search/?query=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Public health discovery link. -
Treatment_overview · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Skin+Allergies+%28Atopic+Dermatitis%29Treatment guideline discovery link.
Revision History
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
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