Canine Atopic Dermatitis also known as "atopy" is a common itchy skin allergy in dogs caused by a disorder of the dog's immune system.. It is an allergy to substances in the environment that are inhaled by the dog. These substances are called allergens and cause the immune system to over re-act and release histamines.
Some of the more common allergens are:
House dust mite
Tree pollen
Flowers
Grass
Mold Spores
Fleas
The main symptom is excessive itching of the paws, face, groin, armpits and ears. Dogs will often chew their feet or rub their faces on the carpet or furniture. Owners may notice their dog licking, chewing and grooming for long periods of time.
The symptoms may be seasonal at first, for example the dog may be allergic to a pollen from a tree that only flowers for three weeks of the year, however as the atopic dog gets older the itchiness may occur year round.
What is the treatment for Atopy? Is there a cure for Atopy?
At present there is no cure for atopy in dogs but a degree of control can be achieved in some cases. Often it is not one single treatment that is effective but a combination of two, three or more different treatments.
