Non-seasonal, intense itching can mean sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, caused by sarcoptes scabiei canis – a mite.1 Most affected dogs have contracted scabies from other dogs. So if your dog is kept outdoors, came from an animal shelter or has been housed in a grooming or boarding facility recently, you should look for:

• Lesions
• Crusts
• Secondary weight loss

Do:
Try the pinnal-pedal reflex: Vigorously rub the tip of one earflap, not the base of the ear, for 5 seconds. If the hind leg on the same side makes a scratching movement, you can suspect scabies.2 Callyour veterinarian to schedule an appointment for proper treatment. Ask your vet to perform the 3-Slide Technique™, developed by board-certified veterinary dermatologists, to rule out a primary environmental allergy, like atopic dermatitis. This can often be overlooked when several signs point to a secondary infection like mites.

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Lumbar dermatitis usually means a flea allergy. Symptoms usually occur in warm weather months and in the fall, or year-round in subtropical and tropical climes, and they can be seen in dogs of all breeds and ages.3

Look for:

• Lesions
• Crusts
• Secondary weight loss

Do:
Call your veterinarian to schedule and appointment for proper treatment. Ask your vet to perform the 3-Slide Technique™, developed by board-certified veterinary dermatologists, to rule out a primary environmental allergy like atopic dermatitis. This can often be overlooked when several signs point to a secondary hypersensitivity to fleas.

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Perianal dermatitis is most commonly caused by food allergies and manifests around the anus. It can occur in dogs of any age, including older dogs that have been eating the same dog food for years, but almost one third of cutaneous adverse food reactions occur in dogs less than one year of age.4 Labradors and German breeds seem particularly susceptible.

• Red, raised or rash-like skin
• Scratch-induced scabs
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence

Do:
Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment to rule out other diagnosis. Don't try to treat it yourself with diet changes, as this could exacerbate the problem. Ask your vet to perform the 3-Slide Technique™, developed by board-certified veterinary dermatologists, to rule out a primary environmental allergy like atopic dermatitis. This can often be overlooked when several signs point to a secondary hypersensitivity like food allergies.

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85% of dogs with pink paws from foot-licking are atopic.5 Atopic dermatitis is an environmental allergy much like human allergies. Soseasonal pollen, dust mites and airborne allergens are the culprits. 1 in 10 dogs, regardless of age and breed, are atopic for one reason or another.6

• Paw licking
• Pink paws
• Sleeplessness and restlessness
• Scratch-induced scabs
• Fur loss

Do:
Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for proper treatment. We suggest ATOPICA® (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED: the nonsteroid, nondrowsy, long-termsolution. Ask your vet to perform the 3-Slide Technique™, developed by board-certified veterinary dermatologists, to be sure your dog doesn't have any secondary allergies on top of the atopy.

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