Atopic/Allergic Dermatitis
What is Atopic Dermatitis/Allergy in Pets?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold. It’s similar to eczema in humans.
Pets with atopic dermatitis develop an overactive immune response to these allergens, leading to uncomfortable itching, redness, and skin infections. This condition is common in dogs and cats, and often requires ongoing management.
Common triggers include:
Pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)
House dust mites
Mold spores
Certain foods (less common, but possible)
At Jeeva Pet Hospital, we understand how distressing it can be to see your pet constantly scratching. Our team is experienced in diagnosing and managing allergic skin conditions in pets.
Common Signs of Atopic Dermatitis
It can be hard to know if your pet’s scratching is normal or a sign of an allergy. Look out for these common signs of atopic dermatitis:
Persistent itching and scratching
Excessive licking, chewing, or biting at the skin
Red, inflamed, or thickened skin
Hair loss or bald patches
Recurrent ear infections
Bad odor from skin or ears
Scabs, sores, or hot spots
Symptoms often get worse seasonally or after exposure to certain allergens. Early detection and treatment can reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infections.
Diagnosis & Allergy Testing at Jeeva Pet Hospital
Diagnosing atopic dermatitis requires a thorough veterinary exam to rule out other causes of itching (parasites, infections, food allergies).
At Jeeva Pet Hospital, our approach includes:
Detailed medical history and symptom review
Skin scrapings and cytology to check for infections or mites
Food elimination trials (if food allergy is suspected)
Allergy testing (intradermal skin testing or serum testing) for environmental allergens
By identifying your pet’s specific triggers, we can create an effective treatment plan that targets the cause—not just the symptoms.
Personalized Treatment Plans
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for atopic dermatitis. At Jeeva Pet Hospital, we design personalized treatment plans tailored to your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
Treatment options may include:
Medications to control itching (antihistamines, steroids, Apoquel®, Cytopoint®)
Allergy immunotherapy (allergen-specific desensitization)
Medicated baths and topical therapies to soothe irritated skin
Treatment for secondary bacterial or yeast infections
Diet elimination trials to rule out or manage food allergies
Environmental management to reduce exposure to known allergens
Diet trials can be a crucial part of the process. By switching to a carefully selected, hypoallergenic diet under veterinary supervision, we can determine whether food ingredients are contributing to your pet’s itching. Identifying and removing these triggers can significantly improve their comfort and reduce the need for long-term medication.
Our goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life while minimizing side effects and providing practical, sustainable solutions for you at home.Holistic Support & Long-Term Care
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Why Choose Jeeva Pet Hospital?
Experienced Team: Our vets have extensive experience diagnosing and treating allergic skin conditions in pets.
Comprehensive Testing: We use reliable diagnostic methods to identify your pet’s specific allergies.
Personalized Care: Every pet is unique. We tailor treatments to their needs, lifestyle, and your budget.
Compassionate Service: We treat your pets like our own, with gentle, stress-free handling.
Accessible Location & Affordable Pricing: Quality veterinary dermatology services for your neighborhood.
