How atopic dermatitis and food allergies affect dog quality of life, and the current evidence base for welfare-improving management strategies.
Chronic itch is a profound welfare impairment that affects every aspect of a dog's daily life, from sleep quality to social interaction. Dogs with poorly managed allergies experience continuous discomfort that degrades their relationship with owners and their overall life satisfaction. The explosion of targeted antipruritic therapies in the past decade has transformed the welfare outcomes achievable for atopic dogs. However, access to these treatments remains financially challenging for many owners, and advocacy for affordable allergy care is a meaningful welfare priority.