Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic skin condition that causes persistent pruritus and significantly impacts quality of life without effective long-term management.
Atopic dermatitis causes relentless, distressing pruritus that dominates affected dogs lives. The constant scratching, biting and rubbing causes self-inflicted skin trauma, secondary infections that cause additional pain, and sleep disruption. Severely affected dogs scratch almost continuously, are unable to rest comfortably and show signs of chronic distress. The condition is lifelong and without adequate management worsens seasonally. Owners who cannot afford specialist dermatological care may struggle to achieve adequate control with first-line treatments, leaving dogs in chronic discomfort. Modern biologics and immunotherapy have transformed outcomes for dogs with access to specialist care.