Does your dog keep you up all night scratching? Is he constantly restless and unable to get comfortable from all the itching? It’s tempting to look for a quick and easy fix—but chronic itching in pets is rarely that simple.
Persistent itchiness can have many causes. Some of the most common culprits include parasites (like fleas, ticks, or mites), environmental allergies (such as pollens and grasses), skin infections (bacterial, fungal, or even autoimmune), contact allergies (from household cleaners, yard treatments, shampoos, or topical products), and food allergies—most often related to specific protein sources.
If your pet is suffering from ongoing itchiness, a thorough workup is the best way to get to the root of the problem and find lasting relief.
Here are two excellent treatments available for atopic dermatitis in dogs, but they work best when used at the right time and for the right reasons.
Before diagnosing atopic dermatitis, it’s important to rule out other causes of itching—such as external parasites, contact allergies, and skin infections. Your veterinarian may also recommend an 8-12 week strict prescription diet trial to rule out food allergies. Only after these steps should atopic dermatitis be considered.
One commonly used treatment is Apoquel (oclacitinib), an oral tablet made by Zoetis. Apoquel works by blocking the itch signals before they reach your dog’s brain, reducing the urge to scratch. However, it’s important to note that Apoquel is most effective for environmental allergies and may not fully control itching if an infection, parasite, or other issue is still present.
Another option is Cytopoint (lokivetmab), also made by Zoetis. Cytopoint is an injection given every 4-8 weeks that targets and blocks the specific proteins involved in the itch response. Again, it’s important to ensure other causes of itching have been addressed first.
If your pet’s itch is due to something like a bacterial infection, these medications may offer temporary relief but won’t solve the underlying problem. That’s why your veterinarian may recommend tests such as skin scrapings, tape preparations, ear cytology, impression smears, or even a skin culture or biopsy. A hydrolyzed or novel protein diet trial is also recommended if standard treatments aren’t working, or if itching began early in life.
Remember: these treatments are highly effective for atopic dermatitis when used correctly, but lasting relief depends on addressing the true cause of your pet’s itch. If you’re not seeing improvement, it may be time to revisit the underlying diagnosis with your veterinarian.
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