What is Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

Introduction

By Dr. Phil Good, DVM | Reviewed by Dr. Phil Good, DVM

Understanding atopic dermatitis in dogs is a major challenge for pet parents. It profoundly affects dogs with chronic itching. Families often visit my clinic feeling entirely exhausted. They stay awake listening to their dogs scratch all night. Their dogs chronically chew and lick their paws raw. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and inherited skin disease. It causes intense inflammation and severe itching. It is driven by genetics and a hyperactive immune system. The dog’s immune system overreacts to harmless everyday substances. Normal environmental particles suddenly become major triggers. Owners often worry constantly about allergies in their dogs. This daily stress negatively impacts the dog’s quality of life. It also strains the special bond between human and pet.

To grasp this disease, we must look at skin biology. We must also understand the dog’s internal immune system. A healthy immune system acts as a vigilant guardian. It successfully fights off genuine biological threats. Harmful bacteria and dangerous viruses are good examples. However, an atopic dog’s immune system goes completely haywire. It loses the ability to recognize true dangers. The immune system mistakenly attacks ordinary environmental particles. House dust mites are a very common trigger. Tree pollen and mold spores also cause severe reactions. This mistaken identity triggers a massive systemic defense response. The body releases powerful inflammatory chemicals. One key chemical is a cytokine called Interleukin-31 (IL-31). This specific cytokine acts as a neural messenger. It sends intense itch signals directly to the dog’s brain. ^[1]

Canine atopy involves more than just the immune system. It also involves a major structural failure of the skin. Healthy skin serves as the body’s primary physical barrier. Think of it like a very sturdy brick wall. Skin cells act as the solid “bricks” in this wall. Natural lipids like ceramides act as the structural “mortar.” In dogs with atopic dermatitis, this mortar is highly defective. The skin simply cannot produce enough natural fats. This creates a microscopic structural flaw. Environmental allergens easily penetrate the broken outer skin layers. These microscopic particles reach the sensitive immune cells hiding below. The defective barrier also fails to trap vital moisture. Water escapes from the skin constantly. This directly leads to dry and flaky skin. The irritated skin becomes highly susceptible to secondary infections.

Navigating this complex condition requires patience and dedication. It also requires a solid understanding of veterinary dermatology. Atopic dermatitis is a permanent and lifelong condition. Veterinarians do not aim for a magical overnight cure. Such a cure simply does not exist in medicine. Instead, we aim to build a robust management plan. The primary goal is long-term comfort for your pet. First, we must understand the root causes of the allergy. Then, we meticulously identify the exact clinical symptoms. We utilize advanced diagnostic protocols to confirm the disease. Finally, we implement a multimodal treatment approach. This means using several different therapies at the same time. This comprehensive strategy successfully restores comfort to your dog. It also brings quiet peace back to your household.

What are the Causes of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

The development of atopic dermatitis involves several different factors. It requires a “perfect storm” of biological issues. First, the dog must have a genetic predisposition. Second, they must face heavy environmental allergen exposure. Third, they must have a compromised skin barrier. Understanding these underlying causes is absolutely essential. It helps us build an effective long-term management strategy. We cannot just treat the superficial itching symptoms. Treating only symptoms without fixing the core dysfunction fails. The dog will inevitably suffer a miserable clinical relapse.

Genetic susceptibility plays a massive role in this disease. It heavily dictates whether a dog will develop allergies. Canine atopic dermatitis is a complex genetic disease. Any mixed breed or purebred dog can develop it. However, specific breeds visit dermatology clinics much more often. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers face a high risk. French Bulldogs and Boxers are also incredibly prone. Terriers like Westies and Shih Tzus show strong genetic links. German Shepherds also frequently inherit this condition. These genetic mutations dictate two critical biological failures. First, the immune system favors a hyper-reactive inflammatory pathway. Second, the epidermis fails to produce enough protective proteins.

The second major cause involves environmental allergy triggers. These are specific microscopic particles in the environment. The dog’s immune system decides to wage war against them. Indoor allergens are the absolute most common offenders. House dust mites are a primary and ubiquitous culprit. Storage mites found in dry kibble also cause major issues. These indoor allergens are present all year round. Dogs allergic to them scratch constantly without seasonal breaks. Outdoor allergens act quite differently. Tree pollens from oak and cedar are common culprits. Grass pollens like Bermuda also trigger severe reactions. Mold spores cause similar intense allergy flare-ups. Outdoor allergens typically cause highly seasonal symptom spikes. These flare-ups correlate directly with local plant blooming periods.

The third crucial factor is called percutaneous sensitization. This means the allergy enters directly through the skin. Historically, veterinarians believed dogs simply inhaled these allergens. Humans inhale pollen and develop “hay fever” symptoms. Modern veterinary dermatology has proven this theory wrong for dogs. Dogs actually absorb allergens right through their broken skin. A dog walks through a freshly mowed grass lawn. Microscopic pollen physically sticks to the dog’s paws. It also sticks to their bare abdomen and groin. The atopic dog has a defective and leaky skin barrier. The pollen grains slip easily between the damaged skin cells. They bind to specialized immune cells inside the skin. These cells travel straight to the lymph nodes. They sound an alarm and trigger a massive systemic reaction. ^[2]

Secondary infections heavily amplify these allergic flare-ups. Normal canine skin hosts a perfectly balanced microbiome. Good bacteria and yeast live there peacefully. An atopic dog scratches and chews their skin constantly. This creates microscopic cuts and deep skin abrasions. The resulting inflammation increases the local skin temperature. The damaged skin also traps excess humidity. This creates a perfect incubator for opportunistic pathogens. Staphylococcal bacteria rapidly overgrow in these warm spots. Malassezia yeast also multiplies completely out of control. These infections cause profound secondary tissue inflammation. They multiply the dog’s baseline itch level tenfold. Identifying these secondary invaders is incredibly vital. We must clear them to manage the primary allergy effectively.

Is Canine AD Contagious?

Many panicked pet parents ask a very common question. They see their dog covered in red, oozing lesions. They wonder if the condition can spread. They worry about their other pets in the house. They also worry about human family members catching it. The definitive answer is a highly reassuring no. Canine atopic dermatitis is completely non-contagious. You cannot “catch” an environmental allergy from your dog. Your other dogs or cats are entirely safe. They will not catch it through physical contact. Sharing dog bedding or water bowls carries zero risk.

The disease is not contagious due to its nature. It is an intrinsic internal immune system dysfunction. This specific biological flaw is permanently hardwired into the dog’s DNA. Consider a human with a severe peanut allergy. They cannot pass this allergy to a friend. A hug will not transmit asthma to another person. Similarly, a dog cannot pass their hyper-reactive immune response. The affected dog simply overreacts to normal environmental dust. Everyone else in the house shares this dust safely. Healthy immune systems simply ignore the harmless particles.

The underlying allergy itself is never transmissible. However, owners must remain vigilant about secondary skin infections. Bacterial staph infections frequently accompany the allergic disease. These dog-specific infections rarely threaten healthy humans. They also rarely threaten animals with intact immune systems. Still, practicing good hygiene remains a fundamental best practice. You should wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Do this after handling inflamed or heavily infected skin. You should also wash up after cleaning infected ears. This keeps the whole household safe and remarkably clean.

Pet owners must differentiate atopy from contagious skin diseases. Several conditions closely mimic the intense itching of allergies. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious mite infection. Ringworm is a common contagious fungal disease. Severe flea infestations also cause terrible itching and hair loss. These parasitic or fungal conditions spread rapidly through households. This is why a definitive veterinary diagnosis is crucial. You should never assume an itchy dog just has allergies. A licensed veterinarian must properly evaluate the symptoms.

Symptoms of Allergic Dermatitis in Dogs

The clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are incredibly distressing. Pet parents hate watching their beloved animals suffer endlessly. The absolute hallmark symptom is severe pruritus. Pruritus is the medical term for unrelenting itchiness. A dog’s itch does not always look like normal scratching. Dogs show pruritus in many different and complex ways. You may see your dog excessively licking their paws. They often lick until the fur turns a rusty brown. Porphyrins in the dog’s saliva cause this distinct color change. Dogs may violently chew at their own tail base. They might repeatedly rub their face against the carpet. Scooting their hindquarters across the floor is another common sign.

The physical location of these symptoms is highly specific. Veterinarians use these locations as primary diagnostic clues. They help cleanly differentiate atopy from other skin conditions. Environmental allergens affect specific vulnerable body parts. These are areas touching the ground or the circulating air. We routinely see intense redness called erythema. This bright inflammation localizes closely around the muzzle. The skin around the eyes often turns very red. The underside of the dog’s neck is highly susceptible. The armpits and groin areas become extremely inflamed. The small spaces between the toes swell painfully. The area underneath the tail also shows severe redness.

The dog constantly traumatizes their own delicate skin. They do this in a desperate attempt to relieve the itch. This trauma causes a cascade of secondary skin lesions. Pet owners will frequently notice profound focal hair loss. This alopecia happens in the areas the dog chews most. The skin itself becomes badly damaged over time. It develops open scratches and painful, weeping sores. Thick crusts and dark bloody scabs begin to form. Chronic friction and inflammation cause a process called lichenification. The skin thickens dramatically to protect itself from damage. It eventually resembles the tough grey hide of an elephant. Hyperpigmentation also occurs in these chronically inflamed areas. The irritated skin turns a deep, abnormal black color.

Atopic dermatitis also heavily impacts the dog’s sensitive ears. A chronic ear infection often seen in allergic dogs is common. Sometimes this is the absolute only symptom present. The skin lining the ear canal connects to body skin. It reacts to circulating allergens with the exact same inflammation. This allergic reaction leads to painful ear canal swelling. The ear produces excessive dark and foul-smelling wax. Yeast and bacteria rapidly overgrow in this warm environment. This makes the dog shake their head violently. They may cry out in pain when you touch their ears.

The overall demeanor of the dog suffers greatly. The sheer exhaustion of constant itching takes a massive toll. The dog often develops noticeable clinical lethargy. They may show uncharacteristic irritability around family members. They often completely lose interest in playing or eating. The smell of an atopic dog is also quite distinct. Malassezia yeast overgrowth produces a pungent, musty odor. Owners often compare this smell to old corn chips. Recognizing this complex web of symptoms early is vital. Early detection halts the vicious cycle of systemic inflammation. It prevents irreversible structural tissue damage from occurring.

How Do Vets Diagnose Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs?

Diagnosing atopic dermatitis frustrates both veterinarians and pet owners. There is no simple or magical blood test available. A quick skin swab cannot instantly confirm environmental allergies. Canine atopic dermatitis is strictly a “diagnosis of exclusion.” The veterinarian must systematically rule out every other possible cause. Many issues cause completely identical itchy skin symptoms. Parasites and food allergies look exactly like environmental atopy. A meticulous and step-by-step investigative process is absolutely mandatory. We cannot skip any steps in this vital medical workup.

The diagnostic journey begins with an exhaustive clinical history. Your veterinarian will act exactly like a medical detective. They will ask detailed questions about the dog’s itching. They need to know when the symptoms first started. The exact age of onset is a crucial diagnostic clue. They will ask if the itching is highly seasonal. They need to know what the dog eats daily. Where the dog sleeps is also highly relevant. We rely heavily on specific clinical guidelines called Favrot’s Criteria. Symptoms usually start before three years of age. Affected dogs usually live mostly indoors. The itching responds very well to steroid medications. The front feet and ear flaps are heavily affected. The ear margins and lower back remain completely clear. These combined clues make the suspicion for atopic dermatitis incredibly high. ^[3]

The next critical step involves ruling out ectoparasites. You may not see a single living bug on your dog. However, a thorough microscopic parasite workup remains required. The veterinarian will use a fine-toothed flea comb. They will carefully check the coat for microscopic flea dirt. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy worldwide. The vet will also perform specific diagnostic skin scrapings. They use a dull scalpel blade to collect surface skin cells. They meticulously examine these cells under a microscope. This rules out microscopic mites like Demodex. It also rules out highly contagious Sarcoptes mites.

Once parasites are eliminated, the vet checks for infections. They must rule out secondary bacterial and fungal invaders. This is a common infection among dogs with broken skin. Veterinarians easily find these infections via skin cytology. The vet presses a piece of clear tape against the skin. They might also take a swab deep from the ear canal. They stain the collected sample with special laboratory dyes. They examine the slide for staph bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Any present infections require highly aggressive treatment. The vet prescribes appropriate antimicrobial medications immediately. Clearing the infection reveals the dog’s true underlying allergy level.

The third major hurdle is ruling out dietary triggers. The dog might have a food allergy instead of atopy. A food allergy is clinically called an adverse food reaction. The veterinarian will prescribe a strict elimination diet trial. This dietary trial must last for 8 to 12 weeks. This diet is the absolute gold standard for diagnosis. The dog must eat a prescription hydrolyzed protein diet. The protein molecules in this food are broken down. They are incredibly small. The dog’s immune system simply cannot detect them. Alternatively, the dog eats a novel protein diet. This features a unique protein the dog has never eaten. Kangaroo or alligator meat are common novel examples. During this trial period, extremely strict rules apply. Zero treats or tasty table scraps are allowed. Flavored chewable medications and rawhides are strictly forbidden. If the itching completely stops, a food allergy is diagnosed. If the dog remains relentlessly itchy, atopy is finally confirmed.

Allergy testing happens only after completing this exhaustive process. It is a massive misconception that tests actually diagnose allergies. Allergy blood tests do not confirm the primary disease. Skin prick tests also do not diagnose the clinical condition. They are only used after a diagnosis is made. Their sole purpose is identifying specific allergic triggers. They pinpoint the exact pollens, mites, or molds involved. This specific information helps formulate a customized immunotherapy vaccine.

Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic genetic immune condition. It cannot be permanently cured by any known medicine. It can only be expertly managed over time. The goal of therapy is dramatically reducing the severe itching. We also aim to clear any secondary skin infections completely. We must actively repair the broken epidermal skin barrier. Finally, we want to gently retrain the dog’s immune system. Veterinary dermatologists employ a comprehensive multimodal treatment strategy. They strategically attack the disease from multiple angles simultaneously. This gives the dog the highest possible quality of life.

Topical Therapies: Soothing the Skin and Preventing Secondary Infection

Topical therapy is the foundational bedrock of allergy management. Giving a dog a pill might seem much easier. However, directly treating the failing skin provides vital immediate relief. It also fundamentally alters the course of the disease. Frequent and targeted bathing serves a very important dual purpose. First, it physically washes away microscopic pollens and dust mites. Second, it delivers potent active ingredients directly to inflamed tissues.

Veterinarians frequently prescribe specific medicated shampoos. These contain active antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine effectively kills overactive staph bacteria on the surface. Shampoos also contain miconazole or ketoconazole to eradicate yeast. We must also address the highly defective skin barrier. Modern dermatological products help fix this specific biological flaw. Mousses and leave-on sprays contain phytosphingosine and ceramides. These act as artificial “mortar” for the damaged skin cells. They temporarily patch microscopic holes in the dog’s skin. This prevents massive and damaging trans-epidermal water loss.

Localized areas like paws need special daily attention. Pet owners often use medicated wipes on these exact spots. They physically wipe allergens off the feet after outside walks. Colloidal oatmeal sprays are also incredibly useful for quick relief. Pramoxine-based sprays help numb the skin temporarily. These excellent products successfully break the painful itch-scratch cycle.

Systemic Therapies: Addressing the Underlying Cause

Topicals expertly soothe the outside of the dog’s body. Systemic medications shut down the internal immune system fire. Historically, corticosteroids like prednisone were the primary weapon. Steroids are incredibly cheap and act very fast. They eliminate severe inflammation very effectively. However, steroids act as a very blunt medical instrument. Long-term steroid use causes devastating systemic side effects. These include profound immunosuppression and muscle wasting. Liver damage and iatrogenic Cushing’s disease also frequently occur. Today, steroids are generally reserved for short-term rescue therapy.

Modern veterinary dermatology has completely revolutionized atopic dog treatment. Oclacitinib, known commercially as Apoquel, is a common prescription. It is a highly targeted Janus kinase (JAK-1) inhibitor. It blocks the specific neurological pathway of Interleukin-31 (IL-31). This specific cytokine transmits the itch sensation to the brain. Apoquel routinely stops a dog’s itch within hours. It lacks the widespread dangerous side effects of traditional steroids. ^[4]

Lokivetmab, known as Cytopoint, is another groundbreaking systemic option. It is a biological therapy, not a daily chemical pill. It is a targeted caninized monoclonal antibody. Your veterinarian administers it via a simple subcutaneous injection. Dogs receive this shot every four to eight weeks. These specialized antibodies act like molecular sponges in the bloodstream. They efficiently neutralize free IL-31 itch proteins. They do this before the proteins ever reach nervous receptors. Cytopoint bypasses the liver and kidneys entirely. This makes it an incredibly safe option for dogs.

Cyclosporine, or Atopica, fundamentally suppresses overactive immune T-cells. It can take several weeks to reach maximum efficacy. It may also cause transient gastrointestinal upset initially.

Zenrelia (ilunocitinib) is a newer FDA-approved treatment addition. It targets the JAK1 enzyme with extreme precision and selectivity. It successfully interrupts the specific pathways driving atopic itch. Zenrelia represents an important new disease management option. It offers refined safety margins for dogs needing daily therapy. ^[6]

Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT): Building Tolerance

Drugs like Apoquel and Cytopoint act as clinical miracle workers. They expertly control severe allergy symptoms for your pet. However, they only mask the underlying chronic disease. The severe itching returns immediately if you stop the medication. Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) works entirely differently. It is the only treatment modality that reverses the disease course. It actively alters the immune system’s abnormal underlying response.

Your veterinarian will first perform highly specialized allergy testing. Intradermal Testing injects small allergens into the dog’s shaved chest. The veterinarian carefully measures the resulting skin swelling. Highly advanced IgE blood serology is another excellent testing option. The specific results help create a custom vaccine formulation. This customized “allergy vaccine” contains precisely calculated allergen concentrations. It features the exact pollens or molds triggering your dog. ^[5]

This therapy slowly introduces allergens to the immune system. It gracefully forces the immune system to shift its response. It moves from a hyper-reactive state to a calm tolerance. ASIT is traditionally administered via subcutaneous injections (SCIT). Owners give these simple shots safely at home. Sublingual immunotherapy drops (SLIT) are another highly popular delivery method. Owners place these drops directly under the dog’s tongue daily. This progressive therapy requires immense patience from the pet parent. It can take up to twelve months to see results. However, it successfully manages symptoms in most canine patients. It heavily reduces the need for lifelong pharmaceutical drugs.

Nutritional Therapy: Supporting Skin Health

Never underestimate the immense power of clinical nutrition. It heavily impacts chronic dermatological conditions in pets. A dog may not have a true immune-mediated food allergy. Still, their daily ingredients profoundly dictate their overall health. Nutrition impacts the structural resilience and inflammatory state of the skin. Nutritional therapy remains a true cornerstone of multimodal management.

The most critical nutritional intervention involves Omega-3 fatty acids. These specifically include Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). We derive these highly potent acids from cold-water fish oil. High-potency Omega-3 fatty acids naturally enter the skin’s cell membranes. An allergic reaction causes cells to release these fatty acids. They actively modify the intense inflammatory cascade. They produce much weaker inflammatory mediators than standard Omega-6 fats. Omega-6 fats are highly prevalent in standard commercial dog kibble.

Veterinary dermatologic diets offer additional targeted skin support. They are meticulously fortified with highly bioavailable zinc. They also contain vital B-vitamins and pantothenic acid. Linoleic acid is another extremely crucial added dietary ingredient. These specific nutrients serve as critical cellular building blocks. The dog’s body requires them to synthesize new protective ceramides. This effectively reinforces the highly defective epidermal barrier. It builds structural integrity beautifully from the inside out.

Regular Check-ups: Monitoring Progress

Canine atopic dermatitis is a highly dynamic and shifting disease. It constantly changes over time based on environmental factors. A flawless treatment protocol in winter may fail completely in spring. Spring tree pollens can easily overwhelm a previously stable dog. Therefore, routine veterinary re-checks are absolutely non-negotiable for success.

Establishing a strict visit schedule is vitally important. These regular appointments serve several very crucial medical functions. They allow the veterinary team to monitor the dog’s comfort. Vets can catch brewing secondary staph or yeast infections early. Early detection stops minor infections before they spiral out of control. The team can also carefully adjust systemic drug dosages as needed.

Dogs taking long-term systemic medications require routine laboratory monitoring. Routine blood profiles thoroughly check the liver and kidneys. Urinalyses ensure the internal organs handle the therapies very well. We must routinely verify that no silent side effects are developing.

Always consult your veterinarian before altering the approved care plan. Do not change prescribed medication dosages independently at home. Do not introduce new over-the-counter supplements without asking first. These unapproved changes can easily interfere with the prescribed plan. They disrupt the very delicate balance of dermatological management. Regular communication ultimately keeps your dog safe and extremely comfortable.

How to Prevent Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is fundamentally driven by underlying genetics. Therefore, you cannot entirely “prevent” a susceptible dog from inheriting it. However, you can expertly manage the dog’s environment and skin barrier. Proactive management drastically prevents the frequency of excruciating clinical flare-ups. It also reduces the terrible severity and duration of these episodes. A well-executed preventative strategy is absolutely key for your pet. It keeps your dog safely below their “pruritic threshold.” This is the specific biological point where the itch becomes unbearable.

Environmental control is your critical first line of daily defense. House dust mites and storage mites are totally ubiquitous triggers. Meticulous home hygiene drastically lowers your dog’s daily allergen load. Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in very hot water. Water above 140°F effectively kills all hiding dust mites. Utilize high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in main living rooms. These excellent filters pull circulating pollens out of the indoor air. Keep your dog indoors during early morning and late afternoon. Keep the windows closed and run the air conditioning instead. These specific hours represent absolute peak seasonal pollen counts. Furthermore, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp washcloth daily. Do this every single time they return from the grass. This physically removes adhered allergens before they percutaneously penetrate the skin.

The second major pillar of prevention is absolute parasite control. The Prevention of fleas is entirely non-negotiable for atopic dogs. Allergic dogs already possess a highly reactive and sensitive immune system. A single bite from a single flea injects potent salivary antigens. This tiny bite can send the dog over the clinical edge. It triggers a massive and painful whole-body inflammatory cascade. Your dog must take a prescription-strength flea and tick preventative. This critical medication must be administered 365 days a year. You cannot allow a single lapse in preventative coverage.

Routine maintenance of the skin barrier is equally vital. Do not wait for your dog to become red and itchy. You must not delay bathing until active symptoms appear. Implement a proactive and weekly bathing routine immediately. Use mild and hypoallergenic shampoos designed specifically for dogs. Choose products that actively restore depleted skin ceramides. This constant reinforcement makes the epidermal barrier much stronger. It becomes substantially harder for allergens to percutaneously penetrate. Combine rigorous environmental control with flawless veterinary parasite prevention. Add dedicated skin barrier therapy to this specific routine. Pet owners can significantly diminish the disease’s daily impact. This comprehensive effort allows beloved dogs to lead extremely comfortable lives. It ensures they remain joyful, healthy, and deeply fulfilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can canine atopic dermatitis be completely cured?

No, it cannot be permanently cured. It is a genetically inherited immune dysfunction similar to human asthma. However, it is highly manageable. Multimodal treatments utilize allergen-specific immunotherapy, itch-blocking medications like Apoquel, and targeted topicals. With strict environmental control, most atopic dogs live completely normal, comfortable, and happy lives without suffering.

Are there specific dog breeds more prone to atopic dermatitis?

Yes. Any dog can develop allergies, but genetics play a massive role. Specific breeds face a much higher risk. These include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and West Highland White Terriers. Shih Tzus and German Shepherds are also highly predisposed. Owners of these breeds must watch closely for early paw-licking.

At what age do dogs typically develop atopic dermatitis?

Clinical signs most commonly appear between 6 months and 3 years of age. A young dog’s immune system requires repeated allergen exposure before developing a hyper-reactive response. If severe itching suddenly starts in a senior dog, it often indicates an endocrine disease, cancer, or a new food allergy instead.

References

1. ^[1] American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Skin allergies in dogs and cats.” https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/allergies-dogs-and-cats
2. ^[2] Hensel, P., et al. “Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification.” BMC Veterinary Research. https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-015-0515-5
3. ^[3] VCA Animal Hospitals. “Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs.” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/inhalant-allergies-atopy-in-dogs
4. ^[4] Gonzales, A.J., et al. “Oclacitinib (Apoquel) is a novel Janus kinase inhibitor with activity against cytokines involved in allergy.” Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PubMed). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24641320/
5. ^[5] Marsella, R. “Fixing the skin barrier: past, present and future.” Veterinary Dermatology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/vde.12053
6. ^[6] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “FDA Approves Ilunocitinib (Zenrelia) for Canine Atopic Dermatitis.” Elanco Animal Health, 2024. https://www.elanco.com/en-us/products/zenrelia