Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to treat flare-ups of dog atopic dermatitis
By Kerr, Abigail & Gow, Debbie·Published in The Veterinary Nurse·2025·BVSc BSc(Hons) PgC(SAD) MRCVS, Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology·View original on Crossref →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Management of canine atopic dermatitis. Part 1: treatment and management of flare-ups
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Many dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition that causes itching and can lead to infections. Treatments include medications like glucocorticoids, oclacitinib, lokivetmab, and ciclosporin, along with topical treatments to help soothe the skin and prevent infections. For some dogs, allergen-specific immunotherapy can provide long-term relief. Regular check-ups with the vet and education for pet owners are important to manage flare-ups effectively and improve the dog's quality of life.
People also search for: dog itching treatment · atopic dermatitis in dogs · how to manage dog skin allergies · dog skin infection treatment
Abstract
Canine atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 3–15% of dogs, leading to pruritus, skin barrier dysfunction and secondary infections. It significantly impacts canine welfare and caregiver burden. Management involves systemic therapies such as glucocorticoids, oclacitinib, lokivetmab and ciclosporin, alongside topical treatments to control inflammation, infections and skin barrier health. Allergen-specific immunotherapy offers long-term benefits in suitable cases. Regular monitoring through veterinary nurse clinics and caregiver education is essential for optimising outcomes. This article outlines evidence-based strategies for managing canine atopic dermatitis, balancing acute relief with long-term control.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2025.0014