Atopy (airborne allergies) in dogs

Atopy, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common allergic skin condition in dogs caused by an overreaction to substances in the environment, such as pollen, house dust mites and mould spores.

The main sign of atopy is usually itchy skin, which can lead to excessive scratching, licking, chewing and skin infections. While atopy can’t usually be cured, it can often be successfully managed with a combination of treatments tailored to your dog.

If your dog develops atopy, veterinary investigations and ongoing treatment may be needed to help keep symptoms under control. Lifetime dog insurance can help towards the cost of eligible veterinary treatment, helping your dog receive the ongoing care they need.

What is atopy in dogs?

Atopy is an allergic condition where a dog's immune system reacts excessively to normally harmless substances in the environment, known as allergens. These include things like pollen, dust mites and mould spores.

Unlike humans, where airborne allergies often cause respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or asthma, dogs with atopy most commonly develop itchy, inflamed skin. The itching can affect specific areas of the body or may be more widespread. Commonly affected areas include the paws, face, ears, armpits and groin.

Atopy is usually a lifelong condition. However, with the right management plan, many dogs can enjoy a good quality of life.

What causes atopy in dogs?

Atopy develops when a dog's immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment.

For a dog to develop atopy, they usually need to have been exposed to the allergen previously. Their immune system then mistakenly identifies the substance as harmful, triggering an allergic response that causes inflammation and itching.

The most common triggers include:

• House dust mites, which are found in most homes.
• Grass and tree pollen.
• Mould spores.
• Other airborne environmental allergens.

Atopy is also influenced by genetics, meaning some dogs are naturally more prone to developing allergic skin disease.

The condition isn’t caused by poor hygiene or anything an owner has done. However, managing exposure to known triggers can help reduce symptoms.

Breeds commonly affected by atopy

Any dog can develop atopy, but some breeds appear to be more genetically predisposed.

Breeds commonly affected include:

• West Highland White Terriers
• French Bulldogs
• English Bulldogs
• Labradors
• Golden Retrievers
• Boxers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Springer Spaniels
• German Shepherds
• Shar-Peis

However, atopy can occur in any breed, including mixed breeds and crossbreeds.

Types of atopy in dogs

Atopy is usually classified based on the allergens involved and the symptoms they cause.

Environmental atopy

This is the most common form of atopic dermatitis and occurs when dogs react to airborne substances such as pollen, dust mites or mould spores.

Symptoms may appear seasonally at first, particularly during periods when pollen levels are high. However, some dogs eventually develop symptoms throughout the year.

Seasonal atopy

Some dogs only experience symptoms at certain times of the year, often during spring and summer when pollen levels increase.

Over time, some dogs may become sensitive to more allergens and develop symptoms outside of these periods.

Year-round atopy

Dogs affected by allergens that are present throughout the year, such as house dust mites, may experience ongoing symptoms.

These dogs may require longer-term management to keep itching and inflammation under control.

Symptoms of atopy in dogs

The most common symptom of atopy in dogs is itching. Other signs that your dog may have atopy include:

• Excessive scratching
• Licking or chewing paws
• Rubbing the face or ears
• Red or inflamed skin
• Hair loss caused by scratching or chewing
• Recurrent ear infections
• Thickened or darker areas of skin
• Skin infections caused by scratching
• A musty or unpleasant smell from affected areas.

The itching commonly affects your dog’s paws, face, ears, armpits, groin and belly.

What to do if your dog shows signs of atopy

If your dog is showing signs of itchy or irritated skin, it’s important to speak to your vet. Many different conditions can cause similar symptoms, including things like flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies, parasites, or infections. Your vet will need to rule out other possible causes before diagnosing atopy.

Keeping a record of when symptoms appear can help your vet identify possible triggers. For example, note whether itching becomes worse during certain seasons or after particular activities.

At what age can dogs develop atopy?

Atopy commonly develops when dogs are young adults, usually between 1 and 3 years old. However, dogs can develop symptoms at almost any age. Some dogs may show signs later in life, particularly if their sensitivity to certain allergens changes over time.

Because atopy is influenced by genetics, dogs that are predisposed may develop recurring skin problems throughout their lives.

How to manage atopy in dogs

Atopy usually can’t be cured, but treatment and careful management can help control symptoms and improve your dog's quality of life.

Ways to help manage atopy include:

Completely avoiding allergens is often impossible. For example, house dust mites are found in most homes and pollen can be difficult to avoid. The aim is usually to reduce exposure where possible and help manage your dog’s allergic response.

Does pet insurance cover atopy?

Yes, pet insurance can cover atopy and other long-term skin conditions in dogs, provided the condition is new and not pre-existing.

As atopy is often a lifelong condition, lifetime pet insurance can be particularly useful as it provides ongoing cover, as long as the policy remains active.

Always check your policy documents to understand exactly what’s included.

Atopy treatment options

Your vet will usually diagnose atopy by looking at your dog's symptoms, medical history and by ruling out other possible causes of itching.

Tests may sometimes be used to identify likely allergens, including skin prick testing, blood tests or elimination diets to investigate possible food allergies.

However, allergy tests are usually combined with other information from your dog's history and symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

Medication to control itching

Your vet may prescribe medication to reduce itching and inflammation. This may include tablets, injections or topical treatments depending on your dog's needs.

Medicated shampoos and skin treatments

Specialist shampoos and topical treatments can help soothe irritated skin and reduce infections.

Allergy immunotherapy

Also known as hyposensitisation, this treatment involves giving your dog gradually increasing doses of the allergens they react to. Over time, this can help the immune system become less sensitive.

Treating secondary infections

Dogs with atopy are more prone to bacterial and yeast skin infections. These may require additional treatment.

The best treatment approach depends on your dog's symptoms, the severity of the condition and how they respond to different therapies.

When to speak to a vet

You should contact your vet if your dog:

Early veterinary advice can help identify the cause of your dog's symptoms and prevent ongoing scratching from causing painful skin infections.

Atopy is a long-term condition, but with the right diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care, many dogs can live comfortable and happy lives.