There are many ways of treating atopic dermatitis, and a combination of different treatments is often needed to manage it, particularly when it suddenly flares up.
The 4 main treatment types are:
- Treatments that aim to reduce the allergens responsible for causing atopic dermatitis
- Low dust mite bedding.
- Regular shampooing to remove allergens from your dog's coat.
- Changes to the diet if your dog's atopic dermatitis is triggered by food allergy.
- Treatments to reduce other factors that could make your dog itch
- Careful flea control.
- Regular sampling by your vet to check for bacterial or yeast infections and treatment for these if required.
- Antibiotics or antifungals are often used to fight secondary infections and are usually given as tablets.
- Treatments that aim to control the itch of atopic dermatitis
- Treatments that improve the skin itself, for example food supplements. These contain special fats that can help reduce itching in some dogs. They have few side effects, and because of this are often used with other treatment types.
- Steroids are generally effective at reducing or eliminating itching; however, they may also be associated with a number of side effects, both in the short and long term. Some patients develop an insatiable appetite. Others get really thirsty and urinate a lot. Hair thinning, liver damage, and skin and urinary tract infections may also be associated with prolonged use. That's why steroids are better used for the short-term control of itching. Provided they are used appropriately (i.e. at the lowest dose, after other diseases have been controlled), side effects can usually be minimised.
- Antihistamines may help control itching, especially when used with other treatments. However, they rarely provide enough control on their own. And since dogs respond differently to different antihistamines, several types may have to be prescribed in the attempt to find an effective one.
- An immunomodulator will target the exact cells in your dog involved in the allergic reaction and can be used for long-term control of the allergic response in your dog's skin. It's an oral treatment proven through extensive clinical trials to be effective and well tolerated. It may reduce the need for simultaneous treatment with other medication and can be given lifelong if necessary.
- Treatments that aim to prevent future flare-ups of atopic dermatitis
- Immunotherapy involves injecting the dog with increasingly large doses of allergens identified during a skin or blood test, causing them to build up resistance. Injections are usually given at home, and the dog may take up to 9 months to respond to the treatment. This therapy may prevent recurrence of flare-up, but usually needs to be given lifelong.
