Dear Lori,

It sounds like you have tried a lot of things. First, you would want to make sure that your veterinarian is confident that he has canine atopic dermatitis. This diagnosis is made based primarily on history and clinical signs. Alternate diagnoses and concurrent infections should also be investigated, and treated if necessary.

For dogs with atopic dermatitis (allergies), feeding them a food rich in essential fatty acids can be helpful. Some of the best in this regards are fish-based foods, such as Royal Canin Skin Support. You can find others in high-end pet stores as well.

Atopica® (cyclosporin) is a medication that helps most dogs with atopic dermatitis become more comfortable. It works by modifying cellular signals that mediate the allergic reaction causing atopic dermatitis. It is usually prescribed daily for the first month. At that point, your veterinarian will assess the response and may reduce the dose if he is doing well, usually to every other day. Long-term treatment is usually required. It appears to be relatively safe in dogs that do not have a history of cancer, but pets should be monitored by your veterinarian.

Good luck,
Jon D. Plant, DVM, DACVD
Board-certified veterinary dermatologist
SkinVet® Clinic, PLLC Lake Oswego, OR