Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common canine skin diseases, affecting 10 to 15% of the canine population. It is a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic skin disease most commonly resulting from hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. See the animation for a more detailed explanation of what happens to a dog’s skin when it has atopic dermatitis.

There is no specific diagnostic test for atopic dermatitis. It is a clinical diagnosis based on compatible clinical signs and exclusion of other conditions that could cause similar findings. The Favrot Criteria can help to identify dogs with potential atopic dermatitis – try the 1 minute atopic dermatitis test.

Dogs that suffer from chronic atopic dermatitis may have a poor quality of life if the disease is not treated and managed correctly. However, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve pruritus from atopic dermatitis. Read about these in Treatment options.

If you’d like to know more about canine atopic dermatitis, please click on any of the discussion sections below.