Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, and intensely itchy inflammatory skin condition in dogs that profoundly reduces quality of life without appropriate management.
Chronic itch is one of the most welfare-compromising experiences documented in companion animals. Dogs with severe atopic dermatitis scratch and lick continuously, causing sleep disruption, self-trauma, and secondary infections. Chronic skin pain and itch cause behavioural changes, irritability, and reduced social engagement. Modern targeted immunotherapy provides dramatic welfare improvement for many dogs. Without treatment, atopic dermatitis causes years of unrelenting suffering.