Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease and often multiple treatments are used together to provide effective control of symptoms with minimal side effects:
 

Immunomodulator
This treatment targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction and can be used for long-term control of the allergic response in your dog's skin. It is an oral medication proven through extensive trials to be very effective and well-tolerated. It may reduce the need for concurrent treatment with other medication and can be given life-long if necessary.(Ref: Steffan et al, Vet Derm 2003;14, 11-22).
 

Immunotherapy
This involves injecting the dog with increasingly large doses of allergens identified during a skin test, causing them to build resistance. Injections are usually administered at home, and the animal may take up to 9 months to respond to the treatment. This therapy may prevent recurrence of flares but usually needs to be administered lifelong.
 

Steroids
Whilst steroids are generally effective at reducing or eliminating itching, they may also be associated with a number of side-effects, both in the short- and long-term. Some patients develop an insatiable appetite. Others, excessive thirst and urination. Hair thinning, liver damage, and skin and urinary tract infections may also be associated with prolonged use. Thus they are better used for the�short term control of itching. Provided they are used appropriately (i.e. at the minimum dose, after other complicating diseases have been controlled), side effects can usually be minimised.
 

Antihistamines
Antihistamines may help control itching, especially in conjunction with other treatments, however they rarely provide adequate control on their own. Furthermore, since dogs respond differently to different antihistamines, several types may have to be prescribed in the attempt to find an effective one.
 

Food supplements
There are several veterinary products containing essential fatty acids which have been found to help reduce itching in some dogs. They are known to have few side effects, and because of this are often used as a supplementary treatment.
 

Topical therapies
Topical therapies, consisting of shampoos, rinses and topical anti-itch solutions offer immediate, but only short-term relief. However, they are often used effectively in conjunction with drug therapies.
 

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often used to fight secondary infections, and are usually given as tablets.