Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Canine Atopy Management

Atopic dermatitis affects up to 15% of dogs, causing chronic itching and skin disease, with new biologics transforming treatment in 2026.

Key Facts

Atopy affects 10-15% of dogs and causes chronic pruritus, skin lesions, and ear disease
Allergen identification through intradermal testing guides immunotherapy treatment
Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) and oclacitinib (Apoquel) provide rapid, effective itch relief
Allergen-specific immunotherapy achieves remission in 50-80% of treated dogs over 1-3 years
Environmental management including regular bathing reduces allergen burden significantly

Welfare Considerations

Atopic dermatitis causes significant, chronic suffering. New treatments have transformed management, making early diagnosis and appropriate therapy essential for affected dogs.

What You Can Do

Seek specialist dermatology referral for dogs with recurrent skin disease
Discuss long-term immunotherapy options with your veterinary dermatologist
Implement environmental allergen reduction as part of a multimodal management plan