Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

===Flare factors===

Several factors exist that in normal dogs may by insufficient to cause pruritus. However, when these occur at the same time as allergen exposure in atopic dogs, there can be an additive effect that breaks the threshold for pruritus. These "flare factors" include ectoparasites, microbial infections, stress and environmental effects. When treating for atopic dermatitis it is therefore critical to keep these factors to a minimum. Atopic dogs should be regularly treated with an ectoparasiticide against fleas and mites, and secondary bacterial or ''Malassezia'' infections should be identified and treated promptly. Stress should be avoided and products that may be irritant, such as cleaning materials, should not be used in the environment. This requires a certain amount of vigilance on the part of the owners.

 

Fleas and Neotrombicula frequently complicate

AD. Atopic dogs can also contract Sarcoptes.

Demodicosis may be associated with immunosuppression

Secondary infections should be identified and

treated promptly. Topical therapy can reduce microbial populations and recurrence of infections.

Immunosuppression may result in infections

pyoderma, however, can benefit from long term

 

and this may be true in animals. There is

 

Excesses of temperature and humidity, irritant

skin diseases. Observant owners will often report

associations.

===Improving skin barrier function===

===Improving skin barrier function===