No dog owner wants his or her pet to be in pain. But when a dog is in obvious discomfort, it’s not always easy to identify the source of the problem. One way for dogs to show discomfort is through scratching. Seemingly healthy dogs may begin to scratch themselves constantly, chew their paws and rub the hair off their face and joints. These are typical signs of a condition often overlooked or mistreated – a condition known as  atopica.novartis.us/understanding/understanding1.shtml” canine atopic dermatitis, which is caused by a hypersensitivity to indoor and outdoor environmental allergens. As with humans, dogs can have allergies, but instead of a runny nose, red eyes and sneezing, dogs react differently to the various allergens in the environment.

What are the different forms of canine allergies?

Not all itchy dogs have atopic dermatitis. Dogs are susceptible to several different kinds of allergies. Some of the most common canine allergies include flea, food, contact and environmental allergies.

Flea allergies: lesions on body from negative reaction to flea saliva

Food allergies: gastrointestinal problems and skin lesions caused by allergens in some foods

Contact allergies: inflammation caused by contact with certain dyes, fibers or topical medicines

Environmental allergies/atopic dermatitis: intense itching as a result of a hypersensitivity to both indoor and outdoor allergies, including animal dander, dust mites, molds and pollen

What makes atopic dermatitis different from other allergies?

Atopic dermatitis isn’t easy to atopica.novartis.us/diagnosing/ad1.shtml" diagnose and often requires eliminating the possibility of other allergies first. Only a veterinarian can determine the source of a dog’s itchiness. The veterinarian will attempt to do this through a patient history, physical examination, diagnostic testing and other clinical evaluations. Several of the allergies described above have similar signs and symptoms to atopic dermatitis and may even be present at the same time. The most important step in treating dog allergies is correctly diagnosing the source. That’s why it’s very important to visit a veterinarian who can take the proper steps to diagnose the problem. 

What are the symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis?

Dogs with atopic dermatitis may present symptoms of the disease in slightly different ways. Some cases may be more severe than others. Symptoms may be seasonal or year-round and include: Constant scratching or chewing of the skin, constant licking at the paws, restlessness/sleeplessness due to constant scratching, skin lesions or sores caused by constant scratching, red, inflamed skin or scaly skin, hair loss, red-brown stains on feet and other parts of the body, face, feet, folds, friction and/or flexure areas affected.

What causes the symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis?

The dog’s immune system sees certain allergens as "invaders" that need to be eliminated.

When exposed to these allergens, certain cells of the immune system release molecules that cause inflammation of the skin, leading to intense itching.

How prevalent is canine atopic dermatitis?

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, airborne allergens lead to upper respiratory tract symptoms for about 35 million Americans, or around 11 percent of the U.S. population. A similar percentage of dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis.

According to Kadence Research, canine atopic dermatitis affects about 16 percent of the canine population.

Signs of the disease usually appear between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.

Dogs may develop the disease later in life if presented with new allergens by moving to a new home or geographical location.

Are some breeds more susceptible to atopic dermatitis than others?

Certain dog breeds are predisposed to atopic dermatitis and are more likely to have the disease. These breeds include:

Labrador retrievers

Golden retrievers

Irish and English setters

Terriers

Lhasa apsos

Dalmatians

Pugs

English bulldogs

What can an owner do once their dog is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis?

While there is  atopica.novartis.us/managing/managing2.shtml" no cure for atopic dermatitis, owners can help their dogs avoid the allergens that that cause the “flare-ups” or atopic outbreaks. The most common allergens in the home environment are dust mites, molds and cigarette smoke. These as well as other allergens can often be reduced or avoided with these easy techniques:

Throw away foam or stuffed dog beds that are older than one year. Dog beds are one of the most common sources for household dust mites.

Wash all bedding once a week in hot water.

Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.

Use a HEPA filter to clean the air.

Dehumidify the home to help prevent dust mites, mold growth and flea infestation.

Take measures to remove dust mites from carpets, bedding and upholstery.

Bathe your pet regularly with antimicrobial shampoo to wash off any allergens and prevent secondary infections caused by bacteria or yeast.

Keep your pet on a monthly flea control program recommended by your veterinarian. Dogs with atopic dermatitis can be very sensitive to flea bites.

Ask your veterinarian about ATOPICA® (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED, which specifically targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction.

For more information on atopic dermatitis or Atopica visit www.atopica.novartis.us or visit your local veterinarian.

Note: As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs. Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase. ATOPICA is a systemic immunosuppressant that may increase the susceptibility of infection. ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of neoplasia. For a full product insert, visit www.atopica.novartis.us.