Why does my dog itch constantly?

The constant itching, scratching and biting that some dogs deal with can be a nuisance, to not only you having to listen to or watch your dog constantly tear at its skin, but you know the dog is miserable.  So why do some dogs scratch so much?  Often times the answer is called ATOPY.  Atopy is a very common diagnosis in dogs that are constantly itching due to allergies.  Those allergies come in three main classes: environmental, food and fleas.  The environmental allergies are by far the most common and can include the same things that humans are allergic too like pollen, grass, trees and mold.  Flea allergies occur when the dog has an allergic reaction to the flea saliva.  Lots of dogs have fleas and itch but a dog with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) will scratch so much that they can lose hair and the skin becomes infected.  Food allergies are the least common allergens but they do still provide a source.  Food allergies result usually from the immune system responding to a certain protein.  Many pet owners get caught up with the brand of food or the main ingredients and want to blame the food or protein for the allergy.  Bottom line is the food or the protein in the food is not the problem, it's your dog's immune system.  As an example, many humans have a shellfish or peanut allergy, not because the shellfish or peanuts are bad but because their immune system over reacts to them.  The food and flea allergies are the easiest to treat.  If a food allergy is suspected or diagnosed, simply change the diet to one of the prescription diets that are designed for dogs with a food allergy.  Changing brands will not fix the problem.  Flea allergies are fairly simple, don't let your dog have fleas! By using the various preventatives that are available thru your veterinarian, you not only prevent the flea allergy but also prevent the spread of other harmful diseases.  Environmental allergens are by far the most difficult to treat because unless you want to move to a different climate, your pet will continue to be exposed to those allergens.  Certain shampoos and topicals can help to alleviate some of the issues, steroids are commonly used and can be very effective but are not without there side effects long term.  ATOPICA is a product designed for long term use in dogs with atopy without the major side effects of steroid use.  Each patient needs to be evaluated individually and treated appropriately.  For example, a dog that only scratches for a couple of months of the year can simply be placed on steroids for a short period.  Those with a flea allergy can use preventatives.  Those that itch year round are definitely candidates for skin testing or a food trial and possible ATOPICA use or hypersensitization therapy.  Often times atopy is not caused by only one of the things mentioned above, but a combination of a few or all.  Atopy can be an extremely frustrating problem for you and your pet, but there are definitely options that provide relief.