The change of seasons from summer to fall brings about not only the beautiful transformations of leaf color, but also increases the allergen pollen amounts. For some dogs, this also means the start of feeling absolutely miserable. Seasonal allergies in dogs are referred to as Canine Atopic Dermatitis, or Canine Atopy, and make up one of the most common allergic skin diseases, second only to flea allergy dermatitis. This chronic skin disease is associated with an inflammatory allergic reaction that can be extremely uncomfortable to a dog and also alarming to its owner.

CAUSES OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Canine Atopic Dermatitis occurs when allergens are absorbed, inhaled, or ingested through the dog’s skin. Once this happens, the immune system produces an antibody that releases chemicals that cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy.

COMMON ALLERGEN SOURCES

• Animal dander
• Airborne pollens from grasses, weeds, trees, flowers
• Mold spores
• Dust mites

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Extreme itchiness Rubbing, scratching and licking of sides, belly, groin, elbows Scratching at and rubbing ears and face against furniture, carpet, ground Licking and chewing feet and pads

SEVEN CLINICAL SIGNS OF CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS

1. Skin: Reddened, possibly with crusts or scales, odor
2. Haircoat: Bald spots, brown discoloration from licking
3. Ears: Waxy discharge, redness, odor
4. Face: Reddened with hair loss on muzzle, chin, and areas around eyes
5. Feet: Inflammation, redness, odor, brown discoloration from licking
6. Secondary skin infections caused as the result of chewing and scratching
7. Hair loss due to scratching and rubbing

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