Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common—and frustrating—skin conditions affecting dogs today. If your dog is constantly itching, scratching, licking their paws, or suffering from recurring ear infections, you might be dealing with more than just seasonal allergies. Understanding canine atopic dermatitis is the first step toward helping your furry companion find lasting relief from this chronic inflammatory skin disease.

What is Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

Atopic dermatitis is an itchy skin disease that affects dogs and cats when their immune systems overreact to allergens. While the condition can also affect cats, it’s significantly more prevalent in dogs, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the canine population.

In general terms, it is an allergic reaction when the animal inhales or ingests substances to which they are sensitive. When humans encounter airborne allergens like pollen or dust mites, we typically experience respiratory symptoms—sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes. Dogs, however, manifest these allergic reactions primarily through their skin. The allergen triggers an immune response that causes intense itching (pruritus), inflammation, and skin damage as your dog scratches, rubs, bites, or licks desperately seeking relief.

Why is atopic dermatitis so challenging? This isn’t a simple rash or temporary irritation. Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Left untreated, the constant scratching and inflammation can lead to painful secondary infections, significant discomfort, and a diminished quality of life for your pet.

Is Atopic Dermatitis Hereditary?

Yes—genetics play a significant role in atopic dermatitis. Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to developing this allergic skin condition, including:

• Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• English and French Bulldogs
• West Highland White Terriers
• Boxers
• Boston Terriers
• Dalmatians
• Shih Tzus
• Cocker Spaniels
• Irish Setters

If you own one of these breeds, staying vigilant about skin health and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups becomes even more important.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

Common environmental allergens that trigger atopic dermatitis include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers (seasonal allergen)
• Dust mites that live in carpeting, bedding, and furniture
• Mold spores found indoors and outdoors
• Dander from other animals
• Storage mites present in dry dog food
• Insects such as fleas (flea allergy dermatitis often occurs alongside atopic dermatitis)

While food allergies can cause similar symptoms, true atopic dermatitis specifically refers to environmental allergies rather than food-related reactions. However, some dogs may have both conditions simultaneously, complicating diagnosis.

Most dogs first show signs of atopic dermatitis between 6 months and 3 years of age, though symptoms can emerge at any point in a dog’s life. Many pet owners notice their dog’s symptoms worsen during specific seasons when particular allergens are most prevalent—spring and fall are particularly problematic for pollen-related atopic dermatitis.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Atopic Dermatitis: Signs and Symptoms

Because this condition is chronic and progressive, symptoms may start mild and worsen over time. If you’re noticing repeated skin or ear issues, it’s worth asking your veterinarian whether allergies could be involved.

Common signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs include:

• Red, inflamed, itchy skin, often warm to the touch
• Excessive scratching, licking, chewing, or rubbing
• Recurrent ear infections, especially those that keep coming back
• Paw chewing or licking, sometimes leading to raw or swollen feet
• Hair loss, flaky skin, scabs, pustules, or red bumps
• Odor from the skin, often linked to secondary infections

How Veterinarians Diagnose Atopic Dermatitis?

Diagnosing atopic dermatitis can be challenging because many skin conditions cause similar symptoms. Your veterinarian will typically use a “rule-out” approach, eliminating other potential causes before confirming atopic dermatitis.

The diagnostic process usually includes:

1. Complete physical examination focusing on skin condition and distribution of symptoms
2. Skin scrapings to rule out parasites like mange mites
3. Fungal cultures to check for ringworm
4. Flea combing to identify flea allergy dermatitis
5. Food elimination trials lasting 8-12 weeks to rule out food allergies
6. Allergy testing through blood tests (serology) or intradermal skin testing to identify specific environmental triggers

Once other conditions are excluded and atopic dermatitis is confirmed, identifying your dog’s specific allergens helps create a targeted treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis

Because atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, the goal is management rather than a “cure.” A multi-modal approach usually works best:

• Topical Therapy: Medicated shampoos and antiseptic mousses containing chlorhexidine or phytosphingosine to repair the skin barrier.
• Oral Medications: Prescription drugs like Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or steroids to stop the itch signal in the brain.
• Injectable Biologics: Monthly injections that use monoclonal antibodies to neutralize the proteins that cause itchiness.
• Immunotherapy: “Allergy shots” or oral drops customized to your dog’s specific environmental triggers to desensitize their immune system over time.

Because every dog is different, finding the most effective combination may take time and adjustment.

What to Do if Your Dog is Suffering

If your dog’s scratching is keeping you (and them) up at night, don’t wait for “allergy season” to end. Early intervention prevents secondary infections and yeast overgrowth that make the condition much more challenging to treat.

At Gallant, we believe in looking beyond just “masking” symptoms. We are currently conducting a clinical trial in dogs with atopic dermatitis to evaluate an investigational stem cell therapy designed to provide real relief. This therapy aims to modulate the immune system naturally, potentially providing long-term relief for dogs who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.

Could your dog be a candidate? Learn more about the study and see if your dog is eligible to participate.