Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic, intensely pruritic skin disease affecting up to 10% of dogs, with a growing range of evidence-based treatments that dramatically improve welfare.
Canine atopic dermatitis causes genuine, measurable suffering through chronic pruritus, pain from secondary infections, and disrupted sleep. The welfare burden extends to owners, who report significant distress from managing the condition. Modern biologics and targeted small molecules have transformed the standard of care — the welfare gap between optimal and suboptimal treatment is now substantial. Early diagnosis, allergen identification, and targeted therapy are the cornerstones of welfare-positive management.