10 points to consider about allergic dermatitis in dogs

When a pet parent believes that constant paw licking is grooming, it's crucial to explain that it's a clinical sign of discomfort, likely allergic dermatitis. Skin diseases are very common in dogs, accounting for between 30% and 45% of their ailments. Below are the key points about allergic dermatitis, including immune function. 

The Immune System in Allergy

In canine allergy, the immune system functions improperly, not due to deficiency. It mistakenly identifies harmless substances (allergens like pollen or proteins) as threats, which triggers itching and skin problems.

1. Paw licking is not hygiene, it's pruritus 

Licking or chewing are signs of itchiness. Immunologically, this happens because nerve endings are stimulated by chemical mediators (like histamine and interleukin-31) released by immune cells in the skin.

2. The cause of itchiness

The most common causes are: allergies, parasites, infections, neoplasms, and other diseases. Allergic reaction to common allergens like plants (e.g., dandelions and dahlias), medications (e.g., gentamicin and chlorhexidine), metals in collars, harnesses, and leashes, and others (e.g., shampoos and disinfectants). 

3. Seasonality and Predisposition

In the warmer months, atopic dermatitis and flea dermatitis are more common, while in the colder months, acral lick dermatitis (ALD) was more common. The breeds that most frequently present it are: German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Fox Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier, also affecting mixed breeds aged 1 to 3 years, with acral dermatitis being more common in dogs aged 3 to 7 years.

4. The skin barrier: A compromised shield

In atopic dermatitis, there is a genetic defect in ceramide production. This creates a "leaky skin". The immune system is constantly "compromised" because it has to guard an open frontier; by always being on alert, it becomes reactive to any environmental particle.

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5. Secondary infections and immunological exhaustion

Chronic scratching and inflammation alter the cutaneous microbiome. When the immune system is busy attacking harmless allergens, its ability to control bacteria or yeasts is overwhelmed. This leads to relative local immunosuppression that allows recurrent infections.

🤓 Fun fact: Allergic dermatitis with secondary infections and chronic skin and ear changes is the most common dermatological condition in dogs.

6. Psychogenic factors and the Immune-Brain axis

In ALD, chronic stress and anxiety elevate cortisol (stress hormone) levels; this persistent elevation can compromise the systemic immune system, reducing the dog's ability to heal wounds and fight deep infections at the licking site.

7. Steps for diagnosis and treatment

Detailed clinical history, Dermatological examination, Diagnostic tests (e.g., scrapings, cytology), Itch treatment, Secondary infection treatment, and Medical re-evaluation.

💡 Did you know that , adverse food reaction dermatitis is rare, affecting only 1% of dogs and cats. 

8. Biological Therapies: Precision Medicine

Currently, there are tools that do not suppress the entire immune system, but rather block the specific component that causes itching. These highly specialized treatments often work quite well and come in the form of tablets and "vaccines"; the veterinarian will choose the best option for each case. 

9. Multimodal and nutritional approach

Success depends on balance: parasite control, diets or supplements with fatty acids for skin (e.g., Waggy's Shine ), pharmacological therapy, and even immunotherapy (allergy vaccines) to "retrain" the immune system, in addition to supplements with prebiotics and probiotics (e.g., Waggy's Belly ) to strengthen it.

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10. The Veterinarian: Your guide in a chronic disease

Communication is vital. Pet parents must know that allergy is controlled, not cured. Relapses are normal and do not mean that treatment failed, but rather that the immune system encountered a new environmental challenge that requires medical adjustment.

Points to consider

For the veterinarian: The diagnosis and treatment of allergies requires comprehensive management and clear communication. Educate the pet parent about chronicity and establish a multimodal plan (immunotherapy and skin support) for long-term success.

For the owner: Your dog's allergy is a lifelong problem, but it is manageable. Your care is essential, follow the plan (medication, diet, supplements such as Waggy's Shine and Belly ) and notify your vet when something changes. Relapses are normal, it is not a failure. Your consistency is the key to a happy pet!

 

References

• Dopierała, M. and Andraszek, K. (2019). The most common allergic diseases in dogs. Folia Pomeranae Universitatis Technologiae Stetinensis. Agricultura, Alimentaria, Piscaria et Zootechnica, 348 (49), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.21005/AAPZ2019.49.1.05
• Gupta, S. (2020). Studies on prevalence, diagnosis and therapeutic management of acral lick dermatitis in dogs [Master's Thesis, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University].
• Micháľová, A., Takáčová, M., Karasová, M., Kunay, L., Grelová, S. and Fialkovičová, M. (2022). Comparative Study of Classical and Alternative Therapy in Dogs with Allergies. Animals, 12 (14), 1832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141832
• Miller, J., Simpson, A., Bloom, P., Diesel, A., Friedeck, A., Paterson, T., Wisecup, M., & Yu, CM (2023). 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 59 (6), 255-284. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7396