Atopic dermatitis in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Atopic dermatitis is a skin allergy, meaning the skin is oversensitive to certain things.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Atopic dermatitis is a skin allergy, which is an oversensitivity to items such as pollen, grass, house dust mites or certain foods.[1] Skin allergies are one of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs.[1] Skin allergies can develop in any dog, at any age, and are particularly common in some breeds.[1]
Signs
Causes and risk factors
How vets treat it
- A vet may suggest antibiotics
- A vet may suggest steroids
- A vet may suggest a diet change
- A vet may suggest ear drops
- A vet may suggest medication
- If your dog has been allergy tested, a vet may suggest immunotherapy to desensitise them to their triggers
Breeds prone to this
Veterinary charities list these breeds as more likely than others to get this condition. Each breed page lists the inherited conditions documented in the breed.
Bichon FriséWhat the experts say
“Overview. A skin allergy is an oversensitivity (e.g. a strong reaction) to items such as pollen, grass, house dust mites and/or certain foods. Skin allergies are one of the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What can trigger atopic dermatitis in dogs?
Skin allergies can be triggered by items such as pollen, grass, house dust mites and certain foods.[1]
Can any dog develop a skin allergy?
Skin allergies can develop in any dog, at any age, but are particularly common in West Highland White Terriers, Bichon Frises and Shar-Peis.[1]
How might a vet treat a skin allergy?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan; if your dog has been allergy tested, a vet may suggest immunotherapy to desensitise them to their triggers.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Cherry Eye