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Canine atopic dermatitis is a type of allergy in dogs that can make your pup feel like an itchy mess. Read on to learn more about atopic dermatitis and how dog insurance could help you cover related costs.
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Also known as AD, allergic dermatitis, and canine atopy, canine atopic dermatitis is an exaggerated allergic response to common environmental particles, such as dust, pollen, mold, or house dust mites. It’s common for dogs with AD to have concurrent allergies to fleas or certain foods.1
Symptoms usually begin between 6 months and 3 years of age. These symptoms may be seasonal (when the weather warms up) or nonseasonal.2
Intense itchiness, commonly on the paws, face, and belly, is the most characteristic sign that your pup has AD. A dog will scratch, bite, and chew the itchy areas, which can lead to hair loss and serious skin lesions that can become infected. Interestingly, for some dogs, chronic ear inflammation may be the only noticeable sign of AD.2
Diagnosing AD can be challenging, requiring the exclusion of other itchy skin conditions, such as food allergies and flea allergy dermatitis. A veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical examination and ask detailed questions to learn more about your pet’s health history.2
Allergy testing is frequently used in cases of AD, although it doesn’t diagnose the condition. Instead, allergy testing identifies the “culprit” allergens, which helps guide treatment. Allergy testing is typically done through blood work or skin testing.2
While any dog can get AD, some breeds are predisposed to developing the condition, including:2
Your dog’s specific genetic pool and region play a large part in the prevalence of AD.2
AD may not be curable, but it is manageable. One treatment option that can change a dog’s immune response to allergens is called allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). This method improves how the immune system responds to the offending allergen. ASIT can be given either orally or as an injection and can take about 6–12 months to have a significant effect.2
Anti-allergy medications and anti-inflammatory treatments are also available. For example, cyclosporine is an oral medication that decreases the immune response to allergies. Other medications include antihistamines and steroids. Several medications may need to be tried before finding one that works.2,3
Other ways to manage atopy include:2,3
Because AD requires lifelong treatment, both the pet parent and veterinarian need to be committed to providing long-term, consistent itch relief for a dog with AD.
No one wants to see their dog suffering from excessive itchiness. If your four-legged friend is dealing with atopic dermatitis, take them to the vet to explore treatment options. Pet insurance from MetLife Pet could help you cover the cost of the veterinary care you need for your pup with AD.
For example, a German shepherd from California named Wendy was scratching herself a lot and chewing around her paws. Her pet parents took her to the vet, where she was diagnosed with and started treatment for AD. The total bill for the exam and prescription medication was around $1,950, and MetLife Pet covered about $1,750 of the cost.5
Get your free quote today to see how much you could be saving on care for your pup.
