Pet owners understandably become concerned when they witness their pet continually itching or licking a part of their skin that appears to be bothersome. One of the common causes of skin issues in dogs is atopic dermatitis. According to WebMD, it affects about 10 percent of all canines and can even occur in some cats. At Veterinary Dermatology Services, there are treatments available to your pets to relieve them of their discomfort (and you of your worry). Read on to learn more about atopic dermatitis, and the treatment options available through the veterinary dermatology specialist serving all of Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southern Indiana.

• It Starts Early: Symptoms usually begin to appear when a dog is between the ages of one and three years old. They may show up when the pollen count is high, but could also be present year-round.
• It Gets Progressively Worse: Initially, you may just see your dog scratching. Over time, the discomfort becomes so severe that scratching and rubbing may cause sores or openings in the skin, allowing infection to invade the skin. Sometimes the skin appears dry, flaky, and darkly pigmented. If you see these signs, it's time to take your dog to the dermatologist. 
• Treatment Options Are Highly Effective: The key to relieving your pet's skin problem is making certain that you have the correct diagnosis.  A Board Certified Dermatologist has specialty training which enables him to get to the source of the problem and initiate the appropriate treatment for the best and fastest results for your pet. 

Atopic dermatitis is a very uncomfortable, but very treatable problem that your pet may face. Fortunately, Veterinary Dermatology Services is experienced in recognizing and treating this skin problem. For allergy consulting, ear problems, and other skin concerns, bring your pet to the veterinarian who specializes in diseases of the skin. Call (513) 489-4644 to schedule an appointment.