Understanding Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs (Vet-Approved Guide)

If your dog won't stop scratching, licking their paws, or rubbing their face against furniture, you're not alone. These behaviours could signal atopic dermatitis, one of the most common dog skin conditions. Understanding this chronic condition is the first step towards helping your furry friend find relief.

Atopic dermatitis (also called atopy or environmental allergies) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to everyday substances in the environment. Unlike food allergies, atopic dermatitis develops when dogs become hypersensitive to things they breathe in or come into contact with—like pollen, dust mites, or mould spores.

This condition is similar to hay fever or eczema in humans. When affected dogs encounter these allergens, their immune system overreacts, leading to intense itching and skin inflammation. Atopic dermatitis typically appears in dogs between 6 months and 3 years of age, though it can develop at any time.

It's important to understand that atopic dermatitis is usually a lifelong condition. While it can't be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right approach, allowing your dog to live comfortably.

Atopic dermatitis results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Some dogs are simply born with a tendency to develop allergies, and when they're exposed to certain triggers, their symptoms emerge.[1]

Common Environmental Allergens

The substances that trigger atopic dermatitis are typically harmless to most dogs but cause problems for sensitive individuals:

Outdoor allergens:

• Tree, grass, and weed pollens
• Mould and mildew spores
• Outdoor dust and dirt

Indoor allergens:

• Dust mites (tiny insects living in bedding, carpets, and upholstery)
• Storage mites (found in dry dog food and treats)
• Human and animal dander
• Indoor mould

Seasonal patterns often provide clues about triggers. Dogs who scratch more in spring might be reacting to tree pollen, while those worse in autumn could be sensitive to weed pollen or mould. Year-round itching often points to indoor allergens like dust mites.

Breeds at Higher Risk of Atopic Dermatitis

While any dog can develop atopic dermatitis, certain breeds show increased susceptibility:¹

• Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers
• Bulldogs (English and French Bulldogs)
• West Highland White Terriers and other terrier breeds
• German Shepherds
• Boxers
• Dalmatians
• Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds

If you own one of these breeds, staying alert to early signs of skin issues can help you address problems before they become severe.

Recognising atopic dermatitis early can make treatment more effective. The hallmark sign is intense, persistent itching that seems out of proportion to what you can see on the skin.

Primary Symptoms

Excessive scratching, licking, and chewing are the most obvious signs. Your dog might:

• Scratch constantly, especially at the face, ears, belly, and paws
• Lick their paws obsessively until they're red or stained brown
• Rub their face on furniture, carpets, or grass
• Chew at their legs, flanks, or tail base
• Shake their head frequently or scratch at their ears

Where itching occurs provides important clues. Atopic dermatitis typically affects:

• Face and around the eyes
• Ears (both the inside and outside)
• Paws and between the toes
• Armpits and groin
• Belly and underside

Secondary Skin Changes

As dogs scratch and irritate their skin, you'll notice visible changes:

• Redness and inflammation in affected areas
• Hair loss from constant scratching and licking
• Skin infections (bacterial or yeast) causing odour, greasy skin, or crusty patches
• Thickened, darkened skin (called lichenification) from chronic inflammation
• Ear infections with discharge, odour, or pain

Many dogs with atopic dermatitis develop recurrent ear infections, sometimes as the only visible symptom. If your dog has had three or more ear infections in a year, atopic dermatitis could be the underlying cause.

Pet parents often confuse these two conditions because they can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the differences helps ensure your dog gets the right treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mould. Symptoms often worsen seasonally, and ear and paw problems are extremely common.

Food allergies result from reactions to ingredients in your dog's diet, typically proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy. These allergies cause year-round symptoms with no seasonal variation and often include gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhoea alongside skin issues.

The two conditions can occur together, which is why your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet trial even when environmental allergies seem likely. This involves feeding a prescription or carefully selected diet for 8-12 weeks to rule out food as a contributor.

Managing atopic dermatitis requires a multi-faceted approach tailored to your dog's specific needs. The goal is to reduce itching, control inflammation, prevent infections, and improve quality of life.²

Nutrition and Diet

While food isn't the primary cause of atopic dermatitis, proper nutrition supports skin health and can help manage symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit dogs with skin allergies. Fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA can reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function.^{2, 3} Look for high-quality supplements specifically formulated for dogs, and give them daily as directed by your veterinarian.

Skin-supporting diets are formulated with enhanced levels of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support the skin barrier. Some prescription diets are designed specifically for dogs with skin conditions.³

Hydrolysed or limited-ingredient diets may be recommended to rule out food allergies or reduce overall allergic load, even when environmental allergies are the primary concern.

Always introduce dietary changes gradually and give them adequate time to work—it can take 6-8 weeks to see full benefits from nutritional interventions.

Skin Support Supplements That May Help

Beyond basic nutrition, certain supplements show promise for dogs with atopic dermatitis:

Probiotics may support skin health by modulating the immune system and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Some research suggests specific probiotic strains may help reduce skin inflammation in allergic dogs.

Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid that has natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.

Vitamin E and other antioxidants support skin health and may help reduce oxidative stress associated with chronic inflammation.³

Always consult your veterinarian before starting supplements, as quality varies widely and some may interact with medications.

Medical Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

While this guide focuses on nutrition and supportive care, it's important to know that veterinary medications play a crucial role in managing atopic dermatitis. Your vet may prescribe dog allergy relief medication to control itching, reduce inflammation, or address secondary infections.

These medications work alongside dietary management and environmental controls to provide comprehensive relief. Don't hesitate to discuss all available treatment options with your veterinarian to find the best combination for your dog.

If your vet has diagnosed your dog with atopic dermatitis and prescribed apoquel tablets for dogs, you can read this technical guide on Oclacitinib (Apoquel) for dogs to understand more about this medication.

While you can't prevent atopic dermatitis from developing, you can minimise flare-ups and keep your dog more comfortable with proactive management.

Bathing and grooming: Regular bathing (every 1-2 weeks) with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos removes allergens from your dog's coat and skin.² Wipe paws after outdoor activities, brush regularly, and keep nails trimmed. Clean ear flaps weekly with a veterinary-approved cleaner.

Environmental controls: Reducing allergen exposure makes a real difference. For dust mites, wash bedding weekly in hot water, use allergen-proof bed covers, vacuum with HEPA filters, and keep humidity below 50%. For pollen allergies, keep windows closed during high pollen seasons, use air purifiers, and limit outdoor time during peak pollen hours. Store dry food in airtight containers to reduce storage mites, and avoid heavily scented products.

Seasonal preparation: Increase bathing frequency during problem seasons, monitor closely for early signs of infection, and keep rescue medications on hand as prescribed. Continue baseline treatments year-round, even during good periods. Don't stop medications abruptly without veterinary guidance.

Preventing scratching damage: Keep nails short, consider soft e-collars during severe flare-ups, provide distractions like puzzle toys, and use cool compresses on inflamed areas for temporary relief.

While atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, many dogs live happy and comfortable lives with proper management. Success requires partnership between you and your veterinarian, consistency with treatments, and patience as you find what works best for your individual dog.

With the right approach, you and your dog can tackle atopic dermatitis together and get back to enjoying life's best moments: long walks, playful afternoons, and peaceful nights of rest.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe

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1. Marsella R, Girolomoni G. Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Detailed Pathogenesis for More Accurate Therapeutic Interventions. Animals. 2021;11(7):2148. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8310319/

2. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research. 2015;11:210. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-015-0514-6

3. Watson A, Rostaher A, Fischer N, et al. Improvement of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs following supplementation with a diet rich in bioactive curcuminoids, fish oil, and antioxidants and low in potential dietary allergens – a pilot study. BMC Veterinary Research. 2021;17:340. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-021-03063-w

4 Mueller RS, Fieseler KV, Fettman MJ, et al. Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on canine atopic dermatitis. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2004;45(6):293-297. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2004.tb00238.x