Understanding Pet Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis

Understanding Pet Allergies: Atopic Dermatitis

Does your pet constantly scratch, lick their paws, or develop recurring ear or skin infections? These may be signs of atopic dermatitis, a common allergic skin disease in dogs and sometimes cats.

Atopic dermatitis occurs when a pet’s immune system overreacts to substances in the environment. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, grasses, and sometimes certain foods. These allergies often appear as itchy skin, but pets may also develop redness, hair loss, ear infections, or skin infections from excessive scratching.

Unlike people, pets rarely show allergy symptoms as sneezing or watery eyes. Instead, allergies usually appear as itching and skin irritation.

Common Signs of Allergies in Pets

Pets with allergic skin disease may show:

• Constant scratching, chewing, or licking
• Red or inflamed skin
• Recurrent ear infections
• Hair loss or thinning coat
• Licking or chewing of paws
• Skin infections or “hot spots”

Because pets instinctively hide discomfort, itching may gradually worsen over time before owners realize there is a problem.

Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis

There is no single test that diagnoses environmental allergies. Instead, veterinarians rule out other causes of itching such as fleas, mites, infections, or food allergies.

Once these conditions are excluded, environmental allergies become more likely. Allergies often require lifelong management, but the good news is that there are many effective treatment options available today.

Newer Treatments for Itch Control

Veterinary medicine has made major advances in managing allergic itch in pets. In addition to traditional treatments like medicated shampoos, topical sprays or mousses, and steroids, newer targeted medications are now available.

One commonly used medication is Apoquel® (oclacitinib). This drug belongs to a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which work by blocking signals in the immune system that cause inflammation and itching. Newer JAK inhibitors are being introduced including one called Numelvi® by Merck that is more targeted to reducing itch without affecting other JAK receptors that control immune functions.

Another option is Cytopoint®, an injectable therapy given by your veterinarian. Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets interleukin-31 (IL-31), a protein responsible for triggering itch in allergic dogs. By blocking this signal, Cytopoint can provide relief from itching for four to eight weeks after a single injection.

These medications often have fewer side effects than steroids and allow veterinarians to tailor treatment to each individual pet, helping control itching while allowing the skin time to heal.

Managing Allergies Long-Term

While allergies cannot be cured, they can often be managed very successfully. Treatment plans may include:

• Flea prevention
• Prescription medications to control itch
• Medicated shampoos or topical treatments
• Allergy testing and immunotherapy in some cases
• Treatment of secondary skin or ear infections

If your pet is scratching more than usual, don’t wait! Early treatment can prevent secondary bacterial and yeast infections, reduce discomfort, and greatly improve your pet’s quality of life.

If you notice signs of itching or skin irritation, schedule an appointment so we can help your pet feel comfortable again.

References / Sources

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats.
• University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Update on Treatment Options.
• Zoetis. CYTOPOINT and APOQUEL product information.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
This content was drafted with the assistance of an AI language model and reviewed for accuracy by Patton Veterinary Hospital.