Introduction
Atopy, also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, is an allergic reaction which causes intense itching on the body, hair loss, and continual ear infections. This type of condition can be extremely frustrating to pet owners, not to mention the pets themselves.
Causes of Atopy
The allergic reaction that causes atopy is caused by allergens, such as pollen and grasses, is exhibited through symptoms of the skin and ears. Most dogs that develop atopy start to display symptoms when they are one to two years of age. While all breeds of dogs have been diagnosed with atopy, some breeds tend to be more affected than others.
Symptoms of Atopy
The most common symptoms of atopy are itching and hair loss around the groin area, the base of the tail, under the arms, around the ears and eyes, the muzzle, and the feet. Dogs with atopy may chew and scratch themselves constantly causing sores on the skin; if left untreated, these sores can become infected and bacterial and yeast infections can develop on the skin and years. The ears are often frequently swollen, inflamed, and have a bad smell. In many cases, the symptoms become worse in spring and summer months.
Treating Atopy in Dogs
There is no one test that is used to diagnose atopy. Instead, a diagnosis of atopy is based upon the dog’s symptoms, history, and response to treatments. There are a variety of treatments available for atopy, but the right treatment depends on the animal’s health and the severity of the symptoms. Some treatments, like corticosteroid injections, can have damaging side effects, but if the dog’s symptoms are severe and uncontrollable through other treatment options like medicated shampoos and antihistamines, then steroid therapy may be the only option. Fortunately, new and emerging treatments like immunotherapy and allergy shots have been developed to help treat dogs without resorting to steroids.