While these symptoms should be taken seriously and always prompt a visit to your veterinarian, it’s also important not to panic, as there are a variety of causes that are readily treatable. Read on for everything you need to know if your dog is straining to pee.

Urinary Frequency in Dogs: What’s Normal?

The urinary system’s role is to filter and remove things that the body doesn’t need, and these are all excreted in the form of urine. 

The body parts involved include:

• Kidneys
• Ureters
• Bladder
• Urethra

The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra connects the bladder to the outside world. When a dog is straining to urinate and going in small and frequent amounts, it most commonly involves a problem in the lower part of the urinary system like the bladder or urethra.

Normal urinary frequency in dogs varies a bit based on their age, size, and how much water they drink. There are also behavioral differences, such as marking behavior in dogs who are not neutered. It’s important to know an individual dog’s baseline level of urination so that deviations from their “normal” can be recognized. 

Adult dogs who are potty trained will typically urinate three to four times per day. [1] They typically urinate first thing in the morning, then every four to eight hours thereafter, and they can often hold it overnight. 

Puppies take time to develop this level of bladder control and also to learn potty training. As such, they can’t hold their pee very long at first. By the time puppies are old enough to come home with their new family and are weaned, they typically will urinate eight to 10 times daily. [1] This will gradually decrease in frequency as they age. 

It is also helpful to understand how much urine an average dog makes to have a better understanding of how much urine should be coming out each time. The normal amount of urine made is 1 to 2 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, per hour. That means that for every 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of a dog’s body weight, they will make about 4.5 to 9 milliliters of urine per hour, which roughly equals 1 to 2 teaspoons. 

The amount that a dog urinates at any given time will depend on how long they have been holding it. For example, a 10-pound dog should urinate approximately 6 to 12 teaspoons every six hours. 

Dog Straining to Pee: What Does it Look Like?

Pet owners often report that their dogs are urinating more frequently (pollakiuria), dribbling small amounts of urine in multiple spots, and spending a longer time trying to get the urine out. The stream of urine may appear slower or thinner than normal, and sometimes even drop by drop if their bladder is already empty. 

Straining to urinate slowly and painfully is called stranguria, while difficult and painful urination is called dysuria. Sometimes pet owners mistake these symptoms as a pet appearing constipated because of the visible straining they observe. Dogs with these symptoms often seem uncomfortable, and it is not uncommon to see small amounts of blood in the urine (pink or red-tinged pee) because of inflammation or irritation along the urinary tract. Dogs may also have accidents in the house, despite being potty trained, because they have the urge to pee much more frequently. 

When a more serious structural cause is present, such as a bladder stone or tumor, symptoms may progress to the point that no urine can pass (urinary obstruction or blockage). This can come on gradually or be a very sudden change, and these dogs will often be repeatedly straining without any pee coming out. 

Partial blockages where very little urine can pass are also serious and may be harder to distinguish from a simple bladder infection. The key difference is that with a bladder infection, dogs are still passing normal amounts of urine collectively — it’s just split up into smaller, more frequent amounts. As such, you may observe only drops of urine at times if your dog has recently already urinated. With a partial or complete blockage, little to no urine is passed each time the dog tries to urinate, despite not having urinated anything recently. 

Dogs with a urinary obstruction will also often progress to developing serious systemic symptoms within a day if left untreated. These symptoms can include: 

• Increasing pain and distress
• Very lethargic
• Not eating
• Vomiting

This is due to the effects of urine and toxins building up in the body causing problems with the kidneys and electrolytes. The belly may even start to become distended as the bladder enlarges. 

Causes of a Dog Straining to Pee

A variety of different causes that range in severity can produce similar symptoms: straining to urinate, urinating in small and frequent amounts, and blood in the urine. As such, it is not possible to definitively know the cause from symptoms alone. Below are examples of some conditions that can cause these symptoms in dogs: 

Urinary tract infection (UTI)/bladder infection 

A UTI is a result of bacteria growing along the urinary tract (typically the bladder or urethra). This is the most common cause of these symptoms in dogs. 

Urinary crystals and/or bladder stones (uroliths)

Accumulation of minerals in the urine can form crystals or bladder stones. What may have started out as microscopic crystals or mild sand-like debris can develop into quite large rock-like stones that can fill up the entire bladder. There are different types of crystals and bladder stones and various causes that contribute to them. This can include chronic urinary tract infections, genetics, and diet, among others. Struvite and calcium oxalate are the most common types of bladder stones in dogs. 

Prostate enlargement (male dogs only)

All male dogs have a prostate gland near the bladder. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the urethra and cause straining to urinate. Inflammation of the prostate can be due to hormones in a dog who is not neutered. Less commonly, it can stem from an infection or tumor in the prostate in any male dog, regardless of if they are neutered. 

Tumor or growth along the urinary tract

A growth can be a non-cancerous polyp in the bladder, or it can be a cancerous tumor anywhere along the urinary tract (most common in the bladder). If a cancerous growth is present, the most likely cause is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Luckily, this is less common than urinary tract infections and bladder stones. 

What to Do if Your Dog Is Straining to Pee

All dogs who are straining to pee should see a veterinarian. While many of these cases are due to a simple bladder infection that is easily treatable, others are more serious and require emergency care. As long as a dog is still passing urine and is feeling well otherwise, they can often wait to see their regular veterinarian during normal business hours. In the meantime, ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water to encourage them to stay well hydrated. 

You may be wondering when you should be concerned about a more serious cause. The biggest thing to monitor for are signs of a dangerous urinary blockage, which means that a dog cannot pee because something is physically blocking the flow of urine. 

To recap, the biggest red flag for a urinary blockage is when a dog keeps trying to pee and little to nothing comes out. These dogs may also have systemic symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or not eating. This scenario should prompt an immediate visit to a veterinarian or 24-hour emergency hospital. 

Treating a Dog Who Is Straining to Pee

When discussing treatment options for a dog who is straining to pee, it’s important to remember that straining to pee is merely a symptom of an underlying problem. As such, finding out the cause and treatment specific to that condition will help to alleviate the symptoms. 

A veterinarian will likely use a combination of reviewing the dog’s medical history, a thorough physical examination (including feeling the bladder size), and testing to help determine the cause. Testing often includes analyzing a urine sample for abnormalities. 

If an infection is suspected, a urine culture may be recommended to know the type of bacteria and best antibiotic to treat it. X-rays or an ultrasound of the bladder may be recommended in cases where bladder stones or tumors should be ruled out. Blood testing is sometimes also recommended to look at the dog’s kidney health and electrolytes. 

Finding the cause will help determine the best treatment specific to that condition. The treatment plan depends on a dog’s specific underlying cause of urinary trouble and may include:

• Antibiotics for a UTI
• Prescription urinary diets to dissolve bladder stones
• Surgery to remove bladder stones
• Laser lithotripsy to break up bladder stones (uncommon)
• A procedure to push the stones from the urethra back into the bladder (retrograde urohydropropulsion)
• Urinary catheter to bypass a blockage (like a tumor) while other treatments are being explored
• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Piroxicam, to help control pain and inflammation from bladder/urinary tract cancer
• Surgery and chemotherapy to treat cancer 
• Targeted treatment for prostate inflammation

The prognosis will also vary depending on the cause, the severity, and whether your dog has other medical issues.

Preventing Strained Urination in Dogs

While it’s not always possible to prevent the issues that can cause strained urination in dogs, there are things that you can do to help lower the risk. 

Here are some proactive steps to take:

• Keeping your dog at a healthy weight
• Ensuring your dog has access to clean, fresh water
• Going on regular walks so your dog can empty their bladder
• Feeding a therapeutic diet if your dog has a history of urinary crystals or bladder stones

References: 

1. Youngerman, C, “House-training your puppy.” UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. (2019 April) Retrieved from: https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/canine/house-training-your-puppy

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The inquisitive and sometimes mischievous nature of our furry friends commonly leads them to ingest things they shouldn’t. Many toxins/poisons even smell or taste attractive to dogs, which further entices them. Additionally, even over-the-counter medications that are safe for children may be toxic to dogs and can lead to life-threatening conditions.

In 2022 alone, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center assisted with over 400,000 exposures in animals in the United States. Pet Poison Helpline, another 24/7 veterinary poison control group, also assisted in many potential exposures, and nearly 90 percent of these calls were from dog owners.

In this article, we will cover the most common toxins/poisons that dogs are exposed to, common symptoms to watch for, and what to do if you think your dog has been exposed. As pet parents, you play an essential role in avoiding toxin exposures in your dog and in recognizing when to seek veterinary care for a potential exposure. The safest way to prevent exposures is to avoid having known toxins in or around the house whenever possible, and to lock away unavoidable things in a pet-proof container.

Signs of Poisoning in Dogs

Signs of poisoning in dogs will greatly depend on what they were exposed to, when they were exposed, and the amount of exposure.

Below are examples of common signs of dog poisoning, broken down by category. It is important to recognize that many of these symptoms (especially the gastrointestinal ones) are also seen with a wide range of other conditions. Seeing these symptoms without a known exposure doesn’t mean your dog was poisoned.

A dog who has been exposed to toxins/poisons will often experience symptoms in more than one of the following categories:

Gastrointestinal

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Stomach pain
• Poor appetite

Neurologic

• Hyperactive, agitated, or vocalizing erratically
• Sedate or altered consciousness
• Sensitive to noise/sound
• Leaking urine
• Wobbly gait/uncoordinated
• Seizures, tremors, or twitching
• Sudden vision loss and/or pupil size change (dilated or pinpoint)
• Breathing changes (very slow vs fast and erratic)

Bleeding problems

• Unusual bleeding and bruising (i.e., nosebleeds, bleeding around teeth, pinpoint red/purple spots on belly/inner ear/gums)
• Bloody vomit or blood in feces
• Coughing up blood
• Fast breathing
• Pale white gums

Cardiovascular and Respiratory

• Heart rate that is too slow or too fast
• Irregular heartbeat
• Weakness or collapse
• Gums that are bright red, pale/white, or blue/purple
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing rate, even at rest
• Coughing or wheezing

Kidney and/or Liver  

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination or not making any urine
• Blood in urine
• Dark orange/brown urine
• Yellowing of skin (especially inner ear) or the whites of the eyes

Skin and Mouth

• Sores, blisters, burns
• Swelling of the skin or mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Swelling or pawing at the face
• Difficulty eating due to swelling or pain

General signs you may also notice if your dog has ingested a toxin include:

• Lethargy
• Excessive sleepiness
• Weakness or reluctance to get up
• Dehydration

What Is Toxic to Dogs?

The severity of poisoning in dogs usually depends on how much of a poisonous substance the dog consumed. However, many of the items on this list can lead to problems with even a small amount.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of some common ingested toxicities in dogs:

• Certain human foods, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and macadamia nuts
• Products containing xylitol (a sugar substitute), such as sugar-free gum, peanut butter, or protein bars
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications (either human or veterinary)
• Marijuana and other recreational drugs
• Alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine products
• Household items like glue, paint, batteries, and pennies
• Outdoor items like pest control baits, fertilizers, insecticides, and antifreeze
• Certain indoor and outdoor plants (e.g., sago palm, oleander) and some wild mushrooms

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Was Poisoned

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a toxin/poison, you should contact a veterinary poison control group and/or a veterinarian immediately. They will determine whether you need to pursue further care for your dog. For true toxicities, both a phone consultation with a veterinary poison control group and in-person care with a veterinarian are often needed to ensure your dog receives the very best care.

If your dog is already exhibiting symptoms of toxin exposure or they ingest something you know is toxic, seek care immediately with a veterinarian (i.e. emergency veterinary hospital). If you don’t know what your dog ate, provide a list of all potential exposures.

Having your dog treated with a veterinarian before signs develop is always safest, as there are often ways to decrease the amount your dog absorbs. If your veterinarian or the toxicology expert recommends that you bring your dog in for care, promptly seek veterinary attention.

For potential toxin exposures with some of the more serious toxins (e.g., rat bait, antifreeze, medications, xylitol, etc.), heading to your local veterinary emergency hospital ASAP and calling them en route can save valuable time.

You can call one of the following veterinary poison control groups (available 24/7):

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 

Both groups have a vast database of information on many different toxins and medications, and they have a team of veterinary experts and toxicologists who specialize in exposures in animals. There is a fee associated with their phone consultation that will cover recommendations specific to your dog and follow-up calls with your veterinarian if treatment is recommended.

During the call, they will gather information about your dog and the toxin they ingested, such as the type, strength, and amount your dog may have been exposed to. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, count the number of pills left in an open bottle of medicine so you can estimate how much your dog ingested.

When treatment is recommended, the veterinary poison control group will work closely with your veterinarian to share the specific testing and treatment plan. All you have to do is provide your veterinarian with the case number and they will take it from there.

In situations where the toxin or exposure amount is not expected to cause serious problems, you will be guided on how to manage your pet’s care at home. In these cases, a phone toxicology consultation may help you avoid unnecessary trips to your veterinarian.

How Vets Treat Poisoning in Dogs

If you promptly seek veterinary care before your dog develops symptoms of toxicity, this often allows your veterinarian to take steps to decrease the amount of toxin that is absorbed. This is safer for your dog and often results in less hospital time and overall cost.

Treatment will vary significantly depending on the type of toxin/poison, the amount of exposure, how long ago the exposure occurred, and any signs your dog may already be exhibiting. Your dog’s specific treatment will be determined by your veterinarian and/or toxicology consult.

The following are some example treatments your veterinarian may recommend:

• Bathing for topical exposures
• Medications to make a dog vomit
• Activated charcoal to help minimize absorption of certain toxins
• Pumping the stomach (gastric lavage) under anesthesia for certain toxins/large exposures
• Administering an antidote, if available, to counteract or reverse the effects of the toxin/poison
• Medications to treat symptoms of toxicity until the toxin is out of the dog’s system (i.e. medications to control seizures, bleeding, gastrointestinal signs, or heart rate/rhythm abnormalities)
• Supportive care, such as fluid therapy, oxygen support, or blood/plasma transfusions

Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is sometimes recommended by veterinarians or veterinary poison control for at-home use in dogs (never for cats) to induce vomiting, but you should never use it without professional guidance. It is considered less effective than the medications veterinarians use to make a dog vomit, requires precise dosing, and has an increased risk for complications. DO NOT use other home remedies to make a dog throw up.

How to Prevent Dog Poisoning

To help protect your dog from poisons, it helps to know the 4 Ps:

Pet-Proofing

Create a safe space for your pets to roam that is free of any potential exposures. Keep all food, medicines, plants, and potential toxins out of reach of your pets. Avoid Ziplock bags of medications. Instead, keep medications in their original child-proof containers and up high and out of reach. Don’t forget to pet proof garages, sheds, backyard, and trash cans.

Proactive Prevention

Know the most common toxins for dogs. Avoid having them altogether, whenever possible. At minimum, keep toxins out of reach of pets. Other proactive steps you can take include:

Don’t give your dog medications unless they are directly prescribed by your veterinarian. Many over-the-counter and prescription human medications are toxic to pets.

Check food or drug labels to identify potential risks before bringing them home. Choose safer substitutes when possible. For example, check the ingredients list of gum, foods, and supplements to ensure they do not contain xylitol, bake with milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate, or buy trail mix without raisins. Supervise children eating grapes and raisins, and ideally keep your pets in another room, in case any food gets dropped.

Remove unsafe plants from your yard and home. Research new plants before bringing them home. There are varying degrees of toxicity among many plants. Some plants, like sago palm and oleander, can be life-threatening, even when very small amounts are ingested.

Always be aware of your dog’s environment. Exposures are common when changes disrupt your pet-proofing, such as traveling with your dog, going on walks/hikes, or having visitors in your home. If you have visitors over, keep their luggage or purses in a safe space out of reach of your dog. Ask your guests to keep gum, food, medications, and recreational drugs away from your pets.

Be Prepared

Save phone numbers (in phone, on fridge) for veterinary poison control groups, your dog’s veterinarian, and the closest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital. Consider pet insurance to help with future pet care costs, as toxin exposures can be costly. Know what you have in and around your home so you can notify your veterinarian of possible exposures if your pet is unwell.

Promptly Seek Care

Call poison control with any potential exposures (keep packaging/detailed information on the toxin), and promptly seek care with a veterinarian. Don’t wait until signs develop before seeking help, as this can lead to irreversible damage. With signs of poisoning and no known exposure, have someone inspect the home for evidence of what your dog may have ingested (e.g., chewed up pill bottle).

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Dogs with atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, develop an allergic skin condition which worsens over time. Living with a chronically itchy dog can be frustrating for everyone involved. Luckily, there are targeted treatment options that can help.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes atopy in dogs, symptoms to watch for, and how to help your dog manage this pesky skin condition.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common type of chronic allergic skin disease. It is estimated to affect 10-15 percent of dogs [5].   

Specifically, it means that a dog has a genetic predisposition to developing red, pruritic (itchy) skin, most commonly due to environmental allergies [1]. A dog’s immune system responds to allergens that their skin is exposed to, that they inhale or, less commonly, that they ingest. Environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, dander, and more.

Canine atopic dermatitis is a clinical diagnosis based on classic symptoms of red, itchy skin with a specific distribution over the body, and after ruling out other potential causes. 

Causes of Atopy in Dogs

Any dog can develop atopic dermatitis, though some breeds seem to be more prone to it [1, 4]. These breeds include:

• Labrador and Golden Retrievers (including mixed breed Doodles)
• Pit Bull Terriers
• German Shepherds
• Dalmatians
• Boxers
• Shar-Pei
• Cocker Spaniels
• English Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Many Terrier breeds, including Boston Terriers and West Highland White Terriers 

The typical age of onset in dogs is between 6 months and 3 years [2].

Dogs who suffer from atopic dermatitis most commonly experience their first symptoms (age of onset) between 6 months and 3 years of age [2]. Aside from genetics and breed predisposition, other causes of atopic dermatitis in dogs include allergens like pollens, molds, and dust mites, which can trigger an immune system reaction. Dogs with atopic dermatitis may have a skin barrier that is not functioning properly, allowing allergens to penetrate the barrier and cause skin inflammation [1].

Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis in dogs most commonly causes excessive itchiness, which often results in redness and hair loss. It commonly causes secondary skin infections, and over time can cause chronic discoloration to the skin and hair.

Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs include:

• Excessively itchy skin (pruritus)
• Scratching, licking/chewing, and/or rubbing the skin
• Red skin 
• Hair loss 
• Occasionally, raised red bumps (papules)
• Brown staining to the fur (from saliva)
• Thickened, leathery texture to the skin
• Skin that is darker from chronic inflammation and/or yeast

Common complications of atopic dermatitis include recurrent ear infections, skin infections, and hot spots. Dogs with ear infections may shake or scratch at their ears, have brown odorous wax, and redness. Dogs with skin infections may experience progressive redness, hair loss, crusting/discharge, skin odor, increased moisture, raised red bumps that look like pimples (pustules), and worsening itchy skin. 

Skin lesions commonly affect the paws (between the toes), face (around the lips/muzzle and eyes), ears, hairless regions (belly, armpits, groin), and legs (commonly on the front legs in front of the elbow) [1].

Dogs can have signs of atopic dermatitis seasonally or year-round, depending on what each dog is allergic to. Dogs with seasonal allergies may only have symptoms during certain months or seasons. A majority of dogs with seasonal atopic dermatitis will exhibit symptoms from spring through fall [2]. Many dogs with atopic dermatitis will progress to having year-round symptoms. 

Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and take a detailed history to try to determine what is triggering your dog’s excessive itchiness and redness of the skin. 

There is not a definitive test for atopic dermatitis. Instead, diagnosis involves ruling out other potential causes with similar signs, such as flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy, bacterial/yeast/fungal infection, and parasites like scabies or demodex. Your veterinarian will also check for secondary infections that can be caused by atopic dermatitis [1, 3]. 

Your veterinarian may conduct one or more of the following tests: 

Skin cytology: This involves looking at skin cells or skin discharge with a microscope to check for skin infection (bacteria or yeast) or skin parasites. Bacterial and/or yeast infections frequently occur in dogs with atopic dermatitis. This is because itching and licking damages the protective skin barrier. These infections cause worsening in symptoms, making dogs even more itchy.

Ear cytology: This involves swabbing your dog’s ears and evaluating it under a microscope to check for ear infection (bacteria or yeast) or ear mites.

Skin scraping: This test checks for mites, also known as mange (demodex or scabies). The veterinarian gently scrapes the skin to collect a small sample so that deeper cells can be evaluated under a microscope. 

Flea comb: A flea comb is used to check for fleas, which often cause itching along the back and base of the tail. Not seeing fleas doesn’t mean they aren’t there in small numbers, as they hide well in the fur. In fact, seeing fleas often doesn’t happen until there is a flea infestation. 

Less common tests that your veterinarian may conduct include fungal culture, skin culture, or skin biopsy. 

A fungal culture is used if a ringworm infection is suspected. If humans or other pets in the household have skin lesions too, this may increase the suspicion for ringworm. 

A skin culture is sometimes needed for bacterial infections to help identify the specific type of bacteria and the appropriate antibiotic to use. This is important when bacterial resistance to antibiotics is suspected and in animals that have been on antibiotics already without resolution of skin infection. 

Less common skin diseases that can appear similarly to atopic dermatitis may require a small piece of skin to be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing (skin biopsy). This test may be needed in cases that aren’t responding to treatment for atopic dermatitis. 

How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs is aimed at controlling the symptoms of excessive itchiness and treating secondary complications like infection. 

It is important to recognize that atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition. While there is no cure, there are many different treatment options that can help to minimize a dog’s symptoms. This can significantly improve the quality of life of dogs with this condition. 

Some newer treatments directly target the parts of the immune system (i.e., Apoquel, Cytopoint) and skin barrier (certain topical treatments) that are responsible for atopic dermatitis. As a result, they can be quite effective at managing atopic dermatitis while avoiding some of the long-term side effects that can be seen with other treatments like steroids. Some dogs may undergo additional testing to determine which specific allergens are triggering their allergies. These dogs may be able to undergo immunotherapy (allergy shots), which may reduce symptoms over time. Working closely with a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist, and often combining multiple treatment types, is the key to successful management of atopic dermatitis. 

Medications for Atopic Dermatitis and Other Treatments

Common prescription medications and other treatment options for atopic dermatitis in dogs may include: 

Steroids: Steroids such as prednisone can quickly improve itchy, inflamed skin and discomfort, but they are not usually recommended for long-term use due to side effects. 

Apoquel or Zenrelia: Oral medication that targets/suppresses the immune system directly by blocking substances that cause inflammation and itching.

Cytopoint: An injection that neutralizes a specific protein that causes dogs with atopic dermatitis to become itchy. One injection lasts for 1-2 months. 

Cyclosporine: An immunomodulating medication given orally to dogs to reduce the immune system’s reaction to allergens.

Allergy-specific immunotherapy: Intradermal skin testing or blood (serum) testing will be done to determine what a dog is specifically allergic to in the environment. The results are used to make a customized allergy medication (injectable or oral). Also called allergy shots, ASIT, or allergy vaccination, this treatment is designed to teach or “desensitize” a dog’s immune system to become less allergic to specific things over time. This is done by exposing them to increasing amounts of these allergens gradually so that their body won’t react to them in the future. 

Dermatology diet: Some prescription diets are specially formulated to help manage skin problems and environmental allergies in dogs. For example, Royal Canin Skintopic is a veterinary-exclusive formula that provides itch relief and helps reinforce the skin barrier and promote a strong immune system.  

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin may help with mild cases of atopic dermatitis. However, they are usually not effective as the sole treatment. They work better if given before an active flare of atopic dermatitis [6]. NOTE: Some formulations have an added ingredient that is toxic for dogs (i.e., pseudoephedrine in non-drowsy formulations is NOT safe). Only use medications recommended by a veterinarian. 

Topicals: Topical treatment can decrease the amount of allergen on the skin, improve the skin barrier, and target any additional inflammation and/or secondary infections directly. This may include bathing with specialized shampoo or using wipes, sprays or mousse for localized treatments.

Supplements: Your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog fish oil supplements, which contain essential fatty acids to support skin and coat health.

Antibiotics or antifungal medications: Used to control secondary infections. 

Managing Other Conditions

Your dog’s treatment plan may also include managing conditions that can contribute to excessive itchiness and exacerbate atopic dermatitis.

Skin infections: If your dog has an active skin infection, oral and/or topical therapies may be recommended, depending on the specific type of infection observed. Importantly, each new infection should be checked to determine the best treatment. 

Ear infections: Secondary ear infections (otitis externa) can be treated and managed with antibiotics or antifungals for the ear, as well as ear cleaners.

Fleas: Dogs with atopic dermatitis should stay on a year-round, high quality, flea preventative unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian [6]. Allergies to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis) are very common and can exacerbate symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Any flea exposure can be problematic for dogs with allergies. Furthermore, the frequent bathing that many dogs with atopic dermatitis need can decrease the efficacy of some topical flea products. 

Some flea and tick preventatives have the added benefit of treating mites like scabies and demodex. This can be useful in helping to rule those out as potential causes for itching and skin lesions.  

Food allergies: Not all dogs with atopic dermatitis have additional food allergies or sensitivities. However, if food allergies are suspected, an elimination diet trial may be recommended, especially if a dog has year-round symptoms or additional gastrointestinal symptoms [4]. 

How to Prevent Atopy in Dogs

Since there is a genetic predisposition to atopic dermatitis, is it best not to breed dogs who are diagnosed with this condition. Once a puppy is born, there is not a way to specifically prevent them from developing atopic dermatitis. 

To help avoid flare-ups of atopic dermatitis and its associated symptoms, limit your dog’s exposure to allergens they are known to be allergic to. This may include:

• Removing specific plants from the yard; however, wind can still carry pollen long distances
• Keeping your dog inside after grass has been freshly mowed
• Limiting dust in the house with frequent cleaning and vacuuming, ideally when your dog is not in the room
• Changing air filters and washing bedding more frequently
• Covering dog beds with impermeable covers so they can be cleaned easier
• Using year-round, prescription flea control
• Feeding a prescription novel protein or hydrolyzed diet, if your veterinarian suspects a food allergy or sensitivity

References

1. Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E., Campbell, K. L., Muller, G. H., & Scott, D. W. (2013). Hypersensitivity Disorders. In Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology (7th ed., pp. 364–388). essay, Elsevier. 
2. Griffin CE, DeBoer DJ. The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (XIV): clinical manifestations of canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2001;81:255-269.
3. Favrot C, Steffan J, Seewald W, et al. A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis. Vet Dermatol 2010; 21:23-31.
4. Hensel P, Santoro D, Favrot C, et al. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification. BMC Veterinary Research 2015;11:196. 
5. Hillier A, Griffin CE. The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (I): incidence and prevalence. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2001;81(3–4):147–51.
6. Olivry T, DeBoer D, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research 2015;11:210.

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