Allergic Dermatitis In Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment

Is Your Pet Itchy? They may have Allergic Dermatitis.

What is Allergic Dermatitis?

Allergic Dermatitis is a general term given to both dogs and cats that itch, rub, chew, lick, bite, scoot or scratch themselves. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘summer itch’, ‘summer eczema’, ‘hot spots’, or ‘red itch’. The disease tends to be more prevalent in the warmer months due to pollen, although some allergies can persist into winter. It is very common and encompasses atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies and contact dermatitis. Yet, it is often a misunderstood or underdiagnosed condition..

As the name implies, allergic dermatitis results from an allergy. However, most of the damage seen on the skin is often not associated with the original cause but with the self-induced damage your pet does to themself through biting, licking or scratching. It is very important that both the cause of the condition is diagnosed and the irritation is relieved.

Atopic dermatitis, or atopy, is a common cause of allergic dermatitis. Most atopic dogs will have skin issues in the warmer months of spring and summer, reducing or becoming absent in the cooler months. If left untreated, these dogs will continue having seasonal itch until the original cause is treated. Visit your nearest Greencross Vets to learn more about itchiness and skin care for your pet.

 How is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing the cause of atopic dermatitis can be challenging. Sometimes, it may be diagnosed through a process of elimination and the results of skin tests taken within the clinic. Your everyday observations and history of the problem, combined with diagnostic tests and veterinary expertise, will help determine the allergy that is the source of the problem. Blood and skin tests are available, although the latter tend to be referred to specialist veterinary dermatologists.

Every pet is unique. Your veterinarian will ask questions about your pet to learn more about your pet’s history and experience. You will be asked about flea control, diet, bedding, laundry liquids used to wash bedding, shampoos, or any recent changes in your pet’s routine. Often there may be more than one cause of the skin problem, so it is important to be as thorough as possible.

What is the ‘Process of Elimination’?

You may be asked by your vet care team about where and what time of the year your pet is scratching, your pet’s flea control, diet, where your pet sleeps, where they spend time outdoors, what your pet is washed with or any recent changes in your pet’s routine. Previous treatment is usually discussed as this often yields information also. There may be more than one cause of the skin problem, so it is important to be as thorough as possible and note any recent changes in your pet’s environment.

Some of the more common reasons for atopic dermatitis include pollens, airborne particles, moulds, yeasts, and mites, just to name a few.

Once the source of the irritation has been determined, an appropriate and personalised treatment plan will be outlined.  Sometimes, the allergy can be managed quickly; however, sometimes, it can be a slow process requiring careful management from everybody in your household. Visit your nearest Greencross Vets to treat your pet.

How is Atopic Dermatitis Treated?

The treatment of atopic dermatitis is largely dependent on the underlying cause. It often consists of providing immediate short-term relief through medication. The medications commonly used are steroids and antihistamines. They may include injections, tablets, shampoos, or conditioners to allow the skin to return to normal while the cause of the allergy is brought under control. Your vet will prescribe a detailed treatment plan to help your pet, which may involve a change in diet.

This process may seem tedious at times, and it may be tempting to just give the medication rather than investigating to treat the problem at its source. Wherever possible, an attempt should be made to work with your vet care team to diagnose the cause of the allergy before resorting to continued use of medications. Desensitisation injections can potentially be successful.

It is vitally important that skin disease is treated as early as possible.  Long-term skin damage usually produces permanent changes, which will render treatment difficult. While supplements and home remedies help, correct and proper diagnosis and veterinary advice in the early stages are key to helping your pet enjoy a comfortable and itch-free life with healthy skin.

If your pet is itchy and uncomfortable, please visit your local Greencross Vets today. We can help to alleviate and prevent that dreaded ‘summer itch’.

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