Itching is normal. Intense discomfort is not. Pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, but there are signs. And if the issue is atopic dermatitis, it will be almost impossible for pet owners not to notice.
“The most common clinical sign is itching, because this condition is an allergy. And scratching isn’t just the paw rubbing against the body. The animal may constantly lick its paws, rub itself or drag itself across the floor, have foul-smelling ear discharge… It may even develop recurrent ear infections, since the ears are often greatly affected,” explains veterinarian and technical manager at MSD Animal Health, Marcio Barboza.
Anything from a change in diet to a flea bite can cause a reaction on the animal’s skin. “If the dog has a genetic predisposition, the environment it lives in can trigger the allergy,” explains Barboza.
That is why the home environment plays a crucial role in the development and control of these diseases. “Some pets have exaggerated reactions to common substances such as dust mites and dust that come into contact with the skin. Fungi and pollen can also trigger dermatitis,” explains Analice Munhoz, a veterinarian specialized in dermatology at WeVets.
Warning Signs
According to Munhoz, there are symptoms that show pet owners the animal is suffering from an allergic skin flare-up. These include:
- Itching on the face and ears;
- Excessive licking of the paws;
- Red skin on the body, around the eyes, and on the muzzle;
- Frequent head shaking, which may indicate an ear infection;
- Flaking skin;
- Hair loss in certain areas.
What Makes the Condition Worse
“Poorly ventilated environments, excess dust, and high humidity — which encourage the growth of dust mites and fungi — can worsen allergic conditions,” says Barboza. For this reason, pet owners should pay attention to some factors:
- Carpets, heavy curtains, and rugs;
- Pet beds with filling that is difficult to wash;
- Lack of flea and tick control.
“Carpets and pet beds that cannot be washed are major breeding grounds for dust mites and dust. As for parasites, a single flea bite can trigger a generalized dermatological crisis,” says Munhoz.
It’s also important to pay attention to cleaning products. “The key is to completely remove them from the environment where the animal will stay,” says Barboza.
Treatment and Disease Management
Unfortunately, there is no cure for atopic dermatitis. What pet owners can do is manage the disease. “Since it is a chronic condition, the animal will have to deal with it for life,” says Barboza. The veterinarian explains that treatment is multifactorial.
“There is no miracle solution. It’s necessary to combine different approaches, from medications to shampoos and moisturizers suited to each animal’s specific reaction.”
According to Munhoz, successful treatment requires teamwork between the pet owner and the veterinarian. “In addition to medications, frequent baths are needed to remove dust and dirt from the skin, along with strict parasite control, daily moisturizing to improve the skin barrier, and constant cleaning of the home environment,” she explains.
