Canine atopic dermatitis is a highly prevalent chronic skin condition causing intense pruritus. Modern treatments significantly improve quality of life but access and cost remain barriers.
Atopic dermatitis causes chronic, significant welfare impairment through persistent pruritus. Affected dogs experience constant itch that disrupts sleep, activity, and social behaviour. Secondary infections from self-trauma compound suffering. The chronic nature means welfare impairment accumulates over years if undertreated. Modern biological therapies provide excellent itch control and have transformed the welfare outcomes for many atopic dogs. However, the cost of ongoing treatment creates welfare inequity, with less affluent owners unable to access optimal management. Allergen immunotherapy offers long-term disease modification and represents the best welfare investment for confirmed allergic dogs despite higher upfront cost.