Dear Kobe,

Mama would love to continue sharing with you about atopic dermatitis so you can better understand and care for your half-brothers and sisters. 

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Atopic dermatitis in dogs can be very upsetting, both for the dog and for the fur parents who love them.

One of the main signs is constant itchiness, called pruritus, which can cause dogs to scratch, lick, or chew at certain parts of their bodies in an effort to get some relief.

This repeated scratching and licking can leave the skin sore and inflamed, turning red and irritated. 

This is especially common around sensitive areas like the face, ears, paws, armpits, belly, and groin, where the skin is more delicate and more easily affected by allergens. 

In addition to these more obvious signs, you may also notice other changes that are related to the condition. 

These can include hair loss (alopecia) from constant grooming, dark or reddish staining on lighter fur from saliva, frequent ear infections (otitis), and areas of skin that become thicker or unusually moist (lichenification). 

If you’re seeing any of these symptoms in your half-brothers and sisters, or even in yourself, please remember to seek support and guidance to help you feel more comfortable.

Kobe, sweetheart, Mama has another question for you. 

We’re trying to understand how to figure out if a dog might have atopic dermatitis, so we can help them feel more comfortable and less itchy.

How to Diagnose Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

The most noticeable skin sign of atopic dermatitis is persistent, intense itchiness (pruritus), which can be very uncomfortable and distressing for your half brothers and sisters.

While only a veterinarian can make a formal diagnosis, it can be helpful—and reassuring—to know what to look for at home.

You may notice:

• Scratching behind the elbows and in the armpit areas

• Constantly licking or chewing their paws

• Rubbing their face and ears against furniture or carpets

• Excessively grooming or licking their belly and groin

• Redness in the areas they scratch or lick

• Patches of hair loss from frequent scratching and licking

• Brown discoloration of the fur from saliva staining

• Skin that looks inflamed, moist, or broken

• Recurrent ear infections (otitis)

If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s understandable to feel worried or even guilty, but this is not your fault. 

Atopic dermatitis is a common medical condition, and with your attentiveness and the support of a veterinarian, your half brothers and sisters can get relief and feel much more comfortable.

Secondary Complications of Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

One of the most challenging parts of managing atopic dermatitis is dealing with the secondary infections that can develop when the skin barrier is compromised.

Secondary infections in dogs with atopic dermatitis can happen because their skin is already inflamed and fragile. When that natural barrier is weakened, the normal bacteria or yeast that usually live harmlessly on the skin can start to overgrow and cause additional discomfort.

Why does this happen?

Atopic dermatitis is so much more than “just itching.” It can actually weaken and damage your dog’s skin barrier. 

In healthy dogs, the skin works like a strong, tightly sealed brick wall that helps keep out germs. 

But in dogs with allergies, that “wall” becomes cracked and inflamed. 

The skin can start to ooze moisture and produce different kinds of oils, which together create an environment where bacteria and yeast can easily grow. 

The Two Most Common Culprits

I. Malassezia (Yeast) Overgrowth

Malassezia pachydermatis is a type of yeast that normally lives on a healthy dog’s skin in small, controlled amounts. 

In dogs with atopic dermatitis, though, this balance can be disrupted, and Malassezia can become overabundant. 

When this happens, you might notice your half brothers and half sisters developing a distinctive odor, sometimes described as smelling like rancid fat or bread yeast.

Beyond the unpleasant smell, this overgrowth can trigger more inflammation, making your dog’s already sensitive skin even more vulnerable to ongoing yeast infections. 

Malassezia has a very recognizable oval or peanut-like shape, which makes it relatively easy to identify. 

Kobe, please don’t worry too much. Dr. Veterinarian can help your half brothers and half sisters move toward a treatment plan that offers them some much-needed relief.

II. Pyoderma (Bacterial Infections)

When dogs struggle with constant scratching and a weakened skin barrier, it’s understandable that their skin becomes more vulnerable to secondary infections, often from Staphylococcus bacteria. 

These infections can bring even more redness, pimples, and discomfort, adding to the itch that’s already bothering them. 

It’s important to remember they’re not just “itchy” — they’re genuinely uncomfortable and in need of gentle, supportive care.

Kobe, it’s bedtime now. The adventure’s on pause, not canceled—we’ll pick up the story tomorrow. 

Now off to dreamland, you furry little couch goblin. 

Woof-woof!

Author’s Note:

Your Fur Baby is Our Fur Baby!

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy skin condition that can be very uncomfortable for dogs and concerning for the fur parents who love them.

It affects around one in ten dogs and is linked to an overactive immune response to everyday environmental and/or food allergens, which can feel frustratingly hard to control.

Researchers are finding that a multimodal management strategy, including probiotics, which targets multiple points along the disease pathway, can achieve more comprehensive control.

This is Part II: Atopic Dermatitis for Dogs, from the series titled Dear Kobe.

Read more: Part II | Part III |