If your dog suffers from allergic dermatitis, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of allergic dermatitis in dogs, as well as some tips on how to manage the symptoms. There are several treatments available that can help keep your dog comfortable and free from inflammation and scratching. With a little bit of effort, you can help make life easier for your furry friend!
What is allergic dermatitis in dogs?
Allergic dermatitis in dogs (atopic dermatitis, canine atopy) is an allergic response to airborne allergens. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory, pruritic (itchy) skin condition that affects animals with a genetic predisposition. Allergic dermatitis affects allergic dogs who are allergic to certain allergens or substances in their environment. Allergic dermatitis in dogs usually occurs between the ages of one and three years but can affect dogs at any age. Dogs with allergic dermatitis experience defects in the permeability barrier on their skin. The allergic dermatitis is then initiated when an external antigen contacts the skin's surface. The defect of the skin barrier allows it to penetrate and initiate inappropriate inflammatory responses.
What causes allergic dermatitis in dogs?
All allergic dermatitis is caused by allergic reactions to specific allergens in a dog’s environment. However, these allergens can vary from one dog to another because each animal has its own genetic makeup and allergic reactions to certain substances. Common allergens that cause allergic dermatitis in dogs include pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds, and dust.
What are the common dog breeds that are prone to allergic dermatitis?
In dogs, multiple breeds are reported to be predisposed to allergic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis) and they include:
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden retrievers
- West Highland white terrier
- Boxer
- German shepherd
- American cocker spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- French bulldog
Signs and symptoms of allergic dermatitis in dogs
The most common sign of allergic dermatitis is itching (pruritus). Typical areas in which dogs will become itchy include the face, feet, armpit, and flank regions. Dogs may also have red skin with small bumps or hives (urticaria), and they may lose their hair. The skin may become dry, cracked, or scaly. Dogs with allergic dermatitis often lick and scratch their skin excessively, which can lead to secondary bacterial infections. In severe cases, the dog's immune system may be so activated that it results in swelling of the face or body (angioedema).
Allergic dermatitis can also cause chronic ear infections in dogs, therefore if your dog develops recurring ear infections, the underlying cause could be allergic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis).
How is allergic dermatitis in dogs diagnosed?
The diagnosis of allergic dermatitis is made based on the patient's history, and physical findings, and ruling out other possible causes of symptoms such as skin mites, fleas, and food allergies. Allergic dermatitis is usually diagnosed by taking a complete medical history and performing a physical examination of the dog. Your veterinarian will ask questions about the dog's symptoms, diet, and environment. If your veterinarian suspects allergic dermatitis, a response to trial medication can help with the diagnosis. For example, dogs with food allergies or intolerances will not respond well to medication used for allergic dermatitis. While there are no definitive tests to diagnose allergic dermatitis in dogs, there are some tests that can be performed that point us in the right direction including allergy testing.
Intradermal Allergy Testing (pin-prick test)
Intradermal allergy testing can aid in the identification of allergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Intradermal allergy testing, however, may not be used to determine if you have allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. An intradermal allergy test can produce both normal and allergic responses.
Serologic Allergy Test (blood test)
Similar to intradermal testing, serum or blood testing for specific allergens cannot be used alone to diagnose allergic dermatitis in dogs. Certain laboratories can develop specific immunotherapy based on the results of the test.
How is allergic dermatitis in dogs treated?
There are several treatments available for allergic dermatitis in dogs that can help reduce inflammation and scratching and provide relief from symptoms. The goals of therapy are to reduce symptoms and provide comfort for the patient.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids such as prednisone are very beneficial for dogs with acute allergic dermatitis as they will quickly reduce inflammation and control pruritus (itching and scratching). Due to long-term side effects, corticosteroids are not recommended for long-term use.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a form of desensitization and can be administered either by injection under the skin or orally in a liquid form. Immunotherapy is generally effective in 60-75% of patients, but it may take up to a year for the medication to produce a positive result.
Allergen Avoidance
This is a process of identifying and avoiding allergens that cause allergic reactions in your dog. Allergen avoidance includes environmental controls (such as keeping your dog indoors) and eliminating food allergens. Modifying the environment involves lowering humidity levels to prevent indoor mold development. Bathing reduces skin-to-allergen contact and is very important for dogs with allergic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis).
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-three fatty acids are a dietary supplement for allergic dermatitis in dogs that can reduce allergic reactions by reducing the production of inflammatory substances produced by cells in allergic skin disease. Omega-three fatty acids also have other benefits such as improving the coat condition and supporting the immune response.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are often not effective when used as sole treatment but can be beneficial when used in conjunction with other medications to provide relief from allergic dermatitis. Antihistamines are a relatively safe medication that is often prescribed long-term by veterinarians for allergic dogs, but they may not be effective for all dogs at controlling allergic dermatitis.
Monoclonal antibody therapy
Cytopoint® is widely used with great success. It is administered by your veterinarian and can control pruritus (itching and scratching) for up to 8 weeks. This is a good option for allergic dermatitis in dogs as there are no significant drug interactions or side effects.
Apoquel®
Apoquel® is a non-steroidal daily medication used to reduce symptoms of allergic dermatitis in dogs. It works by targeting the inflammatory mediators produced by the allergic response to reduce symptoms. Clients have been very happy with the results of Apoquel® as it works well with no side effects making it a good option for long-term maintenance therapy.
Atopica®
Atopica® is a cyclosporine-based medication used to treat allergic dermatitis in dogs. It works via its immunosuppressive properties. Atopica® can be used long-term in dogs and is appropriate for maintenance therapy of allergic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis). Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects and can occur in 25% of all dogs. These side effects often respond spontaneously with continued doses of Atopica®.
What are the complications of allergic dermatitis in dogs?
Allergic dermatitis is not a fatal disease, but it can be quite uncomfortable for your pet and lead to other health problems if left untreated. Untreated allergic reactions may cause secondary bacterial infections that require antibiotics to treat. Dogs that suffer from allergic dermatitis will also have a higher frequency of skin infections, ear infections, hot spots, or hair loss.
What is the prognosis for dogs with allergic dermatitis?
Allergic dermatitis in dogs is a chronic condition that can severely affect both patients and clients, leading to poor quality of life and client satisfaction. Preventing flare-ups improves patient quality of life as well as minimizing adverse effects from prolonged administration of medication. Flare-ups can be prevented by identifying offending environmental allergens through the use of immunotherapy while desensitizing dogs with those allergens so they no longer cause an allergic response.
Allergic dermatitis in dogs is a common allergic skin condition that affects over 10% of dogs. There are many treatment options available to help keep your dog comfortable and free from inflammation and scratching, but you need to take notice if the symptoms persist or worsen. If left untreated, allergic dermatitis can lead to secondary bacterial infections and serious complications such as swelling of the face or body (angioedema). While allergic dermatitis has no cure, there are plenty of treatment options available that will provide relief for your dog with allergies. If you have any questions or if you're concerned that your dog may have allergic dermatitis, please consult with your veterinarian as they can help formulate an individual treatment plan for your dog.