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Category: Canine,Feline
Atopy
Allergic inhalant dermatitis, atopic dermatitis
AffectedAnimals:
Dogs, cats, humans. In canines, females are affected more commonly than males. Geographical location can influence the animals affected. Dog breeds predisposed to atopy include beagles, Boston terriers, Cairn terriers, Chinese shar-peis, dalmatians, English bulldogs, English setters, golden retrievers, Lhasa apsos, miniature schnauzers, Scottish terriers, West Highland white terriers, and wirehaired fox terriers. There are no documented predilections in cats.
Overview:
Like humans, dogs and cats can be allergic to pollens, spores, and other allergens that appear in the environment seasonally, as well as substances found within the house such as dust and animal dander. While people tend to respond to these various allergens by sneezing and developing watery eyes, animals react by getting very irritated, itchy skin. This leads to constant scratching and chewing which can cause trauma to the skin and extreme discomfort. Generally, symptoms worsen with age and can be controlled, but not eliminated.
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