Is your dog constantly scratching, licking their paws or suffering from recurring skin irritation? While occasional scratching is normal, persistent itching can be uncomfortable for your dog and frustrating for you as an owner.

Itching can be caused by parasites, such as fleas or mites, or an allergy to something in your dog’s food. However, when these causes have been investigated and the itching continues, a condition called canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) may be responsible.

The good news is that, with the right approach, many dogs with atopic dermatitis can enjoy a comfortable and happy life.

What is canine atopic dermatitis?

Canine atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin condition triggered by environmental substances such as pollen, moulds and dust mites.

Some dogs are genetically predisposed to developing this condition. Their skin barrier, which normally helps keep irritants and allergens out, may not work as effectively as it should. Their immune system can also overreact to otherwise harmless substances in the environment, leading to inflammation and persistent itching.

You may notice your dog scratching, licking or chewing their paws, rubbing their face, developing sore patches of skin or experiencing recurring ear problems.

Understanding the itch-scratch cycle

When your dog’s skin becomes itchy, scratching and licking can cause further damage. This weakens the skin barrier, making it easier for bacteria and yeast to multiply and cause secondary infections. These can make the skin even itchier, creating a cycle of irritation and scratching.

Breaking this cycle is an important part of treatment, helping your dog feel more comfortable while giving their skin time to heal.

How can we manage atopic dermatitis?

There is no single treatment that works for every dog. Instead, we often combine several approaches to control itching, support healthy skin and reduce exposure to allergens. This is known as a multimodal management approach.

1. Relieving the itch

Reducing itching is often our first priority.

Medications such as Apoquel or Zenrelia can help control the signals responsible for itching and inflammation. These are oral treatments, and your vet can advise which option is suitable for your dog.

For dogs that struggle with tablets, Cytopoint is an alternative given by injection, typically every four to eight weeks, depending on the individual dog’s response.

If a secondary bacterial or yeast infection is present, this may also need treatment using medicated shampoos, antiseptic wipes or, in some cases, additional medication.

2. Supporting the skin barrier

Healthy skin helps keep irritants out and moisture in. Specially formulated moisturising shampoos and conditioners can help soothe the skin and maintain hydration, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements may support skin health.

These measures are often used alongside anti-itch medication to help maintain healthier skin over time.

3. Understanding environmental allergies

Once atopic dermatitis has been diagnosed, allergy testing may help identify environmental substances that could be contributing to your dog’s symptoms.

Blood tests can identify potential allergens, but results must be interpreted alongside your dog’s history and clinical signs, as a positive result does not always mean that an allergen is causing their symptoms.

Where practical, reducing exposure may help. For example, if dust mites are identified as a potential trigger, simple changes at home may reduce exposure. Although avoiding every allergen is rarely possible, small changes can sometimes make a difference.

4. Helping the immune system become less reactive

For some dogs, allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) may be a useful long-term treatment.

Using allergy test results and your dog’s clinical history, a specialist laboratory can prepare a personalised treatment containing selected allergens. These are given in carefully controlled amounts, usually by injection or, in some cases, as drops administered into the mouth.

The aim is to gradually change how the immune system responds to these allergens, making it less likely to overreact. Improvement can take several months, and results vary between dogs. Some will still need anti-itch medication alongside immunotherapy, although their requirements may reduce over time.

Your vet can help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your dog.

A long-term condition, with manageable symptoms

Atopic dermatitis is often a lifelong condition, so the aim is to keep symptoms under control rather than find a one-off cure. Fortunately, many dogs respond well to an individualised management plan.

Not every dog needs every treatment. Some do well with itch control and skin supplements alone, while others may benefit from allergy testing and immunotherapy.

Finding the right combination can take time, and symptoms may change with the seasons. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your dog’s progress and adjust their treatment when needed.

How can we help your dog?

If your dog frequently scratches, licks their paws, rubs their face or suffers from recurring skin or ear problems, a veterinary appointment can help identify the cause and explore suitable treatments.

Our goal is to help your dog feel comfortable in their own skin again. With the right support and a management plan tailored to their needs, dogs with atopic dermatitis can continue to enjoy happy, active lives.