Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, prednisolone) are very effective and can be given in acute flare-ups. The down side of these medications is the side effects they can cause such as increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, panting, loss of energy and worsening of skin infections.

Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) is a biological treatment that works like a dog's own immune system. This medication neutralises the proteins that are released and attach to nerves in the skin when allergens enter the body and stops them from sending "itch signals" to the brain. Cytopoint is given by injection every 4 to 8 weeks and is compatible with many other commonly used medications.

Oclacitinib (Apoquel) also stops the "itch signals" from travelling to the brain from the skin as well as stopping the signals that cause inflammatory cells to move into the skin. This medication is available as tablets and chewables and is very useful for controlling skin "flare ups".

Cyclosporin (Atopica) is another oral medication that works on cells in the immune system to decrease the inflammation associated with Atopic Dermatitis.

Antihistamines are sometimes used to treat mildly itchy dogs, however, their effectiveness is variable amongst dogs and they are not useful for dogs that are extremely itchy.

What is the difference between a food allergy and atopic dermatitis?

While both cause intense itching, the triggers are different. Food allergies are a reaction to a specific protein in your dog's diet (like beef or chicken), whereas atopic dermatitis is a reaction to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mould. Interestingly, many dogs are "polyallergic," meaning they can suffer from both at the same time.

Can atopic dermatitis be cured?

Currently, there is no permanent cure for atopic dermatitis. Management focuses on "multimodal therapy," which means using several different tools - like medicated shampoos, supplements, and prescription medications - to keep the immune system stable and the skin barrier strong.

Is atopic dermatitis seasonal?

It certainly can be! Just like humans with hay fever, dogs with atopy often experience "flare-ups" when specific plants are flowering or when the pollen count is high. However, if your dog is allergic to indoor triggers like dust mites, they may show symptoms all year round.

Why does my dog's skin smell "yeasty" or like corn chips?

Dogs with atopic dermatitis often have a compromised skin barrier, which leads to an overproduction of oils (sebum). This oily environment is the perfect breeding ground for Malassezia (yeast) and bacteria. The "yeasty" smell is usually a sign of a secondary yeast skin infection that needs to be addressed with medicated washes or veterinary treatment.

Will my dog need medication for the rest of their life?

Because atopy is a chronic genetic condition, most dogs require some form of long-term support. This might mean daily medication, monthly injections, or simply a strict routine of medicated baths and high-quality Omega-3 supplements to keep their skin's natural defences high.

Last Updated: 10/02/2026

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs: Causes

Is your dog constantly licking, chewing, or scratching? They might have atopic dermatitis. Discover how to identify environmental triggers, understand the diagnostic process, and explore treatment options to help your itchy dog feel comfortable again.

Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read

Watching your best mate constantly scratch, lick, or chew at their skin is heartbreaking for any pet parent. If your dog seems perpetually uncomfortable, they may be dealing with atopic dermatitis - a chronic, frustrating skin condition similar to hay fever in humans.

While the cycle of itching and redness can feel never-ending, understanding the "why" behind the itch is the first step toward relief. In this guide, we’ll break down how environmental triggers affect your dog’s immune system and explore the practical steps you can take to repair the skin barrier and restore your dog’s quality of life.

What causes atopic dermatitis in dogs?

Atopic Dermatitis is skin disease that affects dogs that have a hereditary predisposition to develop inflamed and itchy skin due to environmental allergens like dust mites, mould spores, grass and pollen.

Commonly affected breeds include:

The symptoms usually start when the dog is less than 4 years old.

Dogs can be allergic to a variety of substances or "allergens" that are found in the environment and in food. The immune system of allergic dogs overreacts to these allergens causing skin and/or digestive tract disease. Allergens can enter dogs' bodies by being breathed in and by absorption through the skin or digestive tract.

Atopic dermatitis is similar to human hayfever and asthma in that they have the same "triggers" and can wax and wane depending on the season due to varying amounts of allergens in the environment.

Common signs of dog skin allergies

The trademark symptom of atopic dermatitis is itchy skin most commonly on the faces, feet, face, armpits, and groin. The hair on affected areas, particularly the feet, can become stained a reddish brown colour from saliva and dark, thickened skin can occur in dogs that have been affected for some time. Recurring ear infections are another sign of atopy and, in some dogs, this may be the only symptom that they have.

Typical signs include:

Itching
Scratching
Rubbing
Licking (particularly licking the paws)
A yeasty smell
Greasy skin
Red and/or thickened skin
Recurring ear infections

How vets diagnose atopy in dogs

Unfortunately, diagnosing atopic dermatitis can be a long process because it involves excluding all other diseases with similar clinical signs. Diseases with similar symptoms include mite infections, flea allergy and food allergy and, to complicate matters even further, dogs can suffer from these allergies as well as atopic dermatitis.

Key steps in diagnosing atopic dermatitis include:

A thorough physical examination and documentation of patient history by a veterinarian
Laboratory tests, including complete blood cell count, biochemical profile, thyroid testing and urinalysis to assess overall health.
Skin tests to look for mite infections
Treating the dog with an effective flea control product to rule out flea allergy
An elimination diet to test for food allergies
IgE allergy testing (blood test)
Intradermal allergy testing (skin test)

Allergy tests

The blood test or IgE allergy test

The blood test or IgE allergy test can be performed by your usual veterinarian as it only requires a blood sample which is sent to a laboratory. IgE (immunoglobulin E) is a type of antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens. Different types of IgE are produced depending on which allergens are present and measuring the levels of each type can indicate which allergens are causing the reaction.

The Intradermal or skin test

This test is similar to the human skin prick test as it involves injecting tiny amounts of purified allergen extracts under the skin. Dogs are sedated for this procedure and an area of hair on the side of the dog is clipped. If a small lump like a mosquito bite forms where the allergen has been injected, this is a positive reaction to this allergen.

Treatment options for dog atopic dermatitis

Unfortunately , there is no cure for Atopic Dermatitis and the aim of treatment is to control itching and improve quality of life. There are three main areas that must be addressed for the successful management of Atopic Dermatitis.

Decrease the Immune Response

The most effective way of doing this is called Allergen Specific Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by introducing small amounts of allergens over time so that the dog's immune system develops a tolerance to them. Once the allergens that the dog is sensitive to have been identified by a blood or skin test, a customised allergy vaccine is formulated. This is usually administered by an injection under the skin, however, a new method is now available which involves giving drops under the tongue. Approximately 70% of dogs treated with allergy vaccines will have a positive response and this will usually occur within 6 to 9 months of starting treatment. The benefits of immunotherapy are its relative lack of side effects and dogs treated with this therapy don't have to rely on antipruritic (anti itch) medications.

For patients that don't respond to immunotherapy or whose owners do not want to proceed with allergy testing, antipruritic medication is used to decrease the immune response in atopic dogs.

Managing secondary skin and ear infections

Dogs with skin disease frequently have a bad odour which can be described as musty, yeasty or even like dirty socks! Skin (including that which lines the ear canals) produces an oily substance called sebum which retains moisture and protects against harmful pathogens. When skin is inflamed and damaged, it produces large amounts of sebum. Yeasts and bacteria that live on skin use sebum to grow and will increase in numbers when there is more sebum available. It is the overgrowth of these microorganisms that causes the infections and subsequent smell in dogs with skin disease.

Most effective treatments for skin and ear infections need to be prescribed by your vet after an examination and identification of the cause e.g. yeast and/or bacteria. These treatments include prescription antibiotics and antifungals, prescription ear drops and prescription ointments.

Over the counter medicated shampoos and conditioners which contain antibacterial and antifungal ingredients are also very useful to decrease the number of microorganisms on the skin as well as remove allergens and built up grease and scaly skin.

For more information on managing ear infections, read through our article Why is my Dog Getting Ear Infections?

Improving the skin barrier naturally

The outermost layer of dogs' skin, the stratum corneum, helps retain water in the skin and guard against penetration of unwanted substances like allergens into the body. This "skin barrier" is abnormal in dogs with atopy and their skin lets in allergens more easily, so improving the skin barrier is crucial for decreasing symptoms. Soothing shampoos, particularly those containing ceramides, not only help repair the skin barrier but also remove allergens from the skin. Leave-in conditioners support optimal skin hydration and a healthy skin barrier.

Essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6 oils) have a crucial role in the formation of skin and also play a part in regulating inflammation in the body. Supplements and diets containing omega 3 and 6 oils, particularly those found in oily fish, are very useful for supporting the correct function of the skin barrier. There is a wide range of prescription and over the counter diets available containing ingredients which specifically support the skin barrier.

FAQs

Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix, but it is certainly manageable with the right approach. By working closely with your vet to identify triggers and using a combination of immunotherapy, modern "anti-itch" medications, and skin-supporting supplements, you can break the itch-scratch cycle. While we may not be able to cure atopy, we can absolutely aim for a future where your dog is more interested in chasing balls than chewing their paws.

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Tue 27 Jan 2026

Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)

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About the Author

Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)

Veterinarian

Dr. Maree graduated from the University of Queensland in 1990 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has worked in a wide variety of practices around Australia and in Papua New Guinea. She has cared for all creatures great and small and has a particular interest in senior pets and horse nutrition