My dog's skin is inflamed and itchy, and he won't stop scratching himself
Up to 15% of dogs are affected by atopic dermatitis, in which an environmental allergen/s triggers a persistent itch. Self-mutilation and secondary infection are usually what send pet owners to the vet looking for answers.
Most dogs will sit on their rump and have a scratch behind their ears or relieve an itch on the trunk of their body. They will then stand up, shake off, and continue on with their day. A dog with atopic dermatitis will spend the majority of their waking hours scratching themselves, nibbling on their paws, licking their skin, and/or rubbing their face.
