There is no cure for atopic dermatitis in dogs. However, with commitment, it can be successfully managed.
 

Probably the single most important thing in terms of successful long-term management is to follow your vet's advice rigorously, and make sure any medication is kept up and given on time. Don't stop treatment unless you are advised to do so by your vet. Without treatment symptoms will almost certainly recur, and that will mean the return of misery for you and your dog.
 

Long-term, you may also be told to make allergen avoidance a major part of caring for your pet. It depends on the allergen identified as being the cause of the problem. Pollens, for example, get everywhere and can be very difficult if not impossible to avoid.
 

However, if the allergen is house dust mites, you may be told to:
 

• Wash the dog's bedding regularly
• Wash soft furnishings regularly
• Prevent the dog from spending time in the bedroom (which house dust mites may colonise in greater numbers than elsewhere in the house).
• Frequent vacuuming with a high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner.
• Use of air dehydration and purification systems.
• Use of insecticides effective against house dust mites.

In addition, it is a good idea to maintain rigorous flea control at all times, as flea bites may cause a flare to occur, particularly if your dog is allergic to flea bites. You can read more about flea control at www.fleafree.co.uk.
 

In some cases, these measures may be sufficient to reduce your pet's exposure to allergens enough to prevent itching.