Atopic dermatitis is a disease characterized by allergic like reaction to environmental factors such as pollen and dust. For years this disease was referred to as ‘inhaled dermatitis’ yet research has shown over the past few years that a large component to the disease is the transfer of allergens across the skin barrier. Furthermore, skin barrier dysfunction and the disease has a genetic basis which is inheritable. Why this is important to pet owners is that our approach to treating the problem has been refined to include specific skin treatment. Also, pets inflicted with the disease are likely to pass this trait to their litter. Such knowledge weighs in the decision to breed certain pets, while potential pet owners should prepare for potential allergy problems with pets from these matings. If your pet is inflicted with atopic dermatitis, your approach to treatment should include omega 3 fatty acids (anti-oxidants), phytosphingosine (helps normalize skin ceramides) as well as the practice of wiping your pets muzzle and paws off with a baby wipe, each time they return from being outdoors. This last action will eliminate a large amount of potential allergens. Note that in many areas of the country, autumn is a preferred time to check your pet for allergies through intradermal skin testing. This allows time to desensitize your pet prior to next prime allergy season.
