Long-Term Management

Long-Term Management Of Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis in dogs. However, with commitment, it can be successfully managed.

Probably the single most important thing in terms of successful long-term management is to follow your veterinarian's advice rigidly, and make sure any medication is kept up and given on time. It can be tempting to stop treatment when symptoms improve. Do not stop treatment unless advised to do so by your veterinarian. Without treatment symptoms will almost certainly recur, and that will mean misery for you and your dog.

Long-term, you may also be told to make allergen avoidance a major part of caring for your pet. It depends on the allergen identified as being the cause of the problem. Pollens, for example, get everywhere and can be very difficult if not impossible to avoid.

However, if the allergen is house dust mites, you may be told to:

• Wash the dog's bedding regularly
• Wash soft furnishings regularly
• Prevent the dog from spending time in the bedroom (where house dust mites may colonise in greater numbers than elsewhere in the house).
• Frequent vacuuming with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner.
• Use of air dehydration and purification systems.
• Use of insecticides effective against house dust mites.

In some cases, these measures may be sufficient to reduce your pet's exposure to allergens by enough to prevent itching.

It is a good idea to maintain rigorous flea control at all times, as flea bites may cause a flare to occur, particularly if your dog is allergic to flea bites.

Flea Treatments