Does your dog seem extra itchy as the weather warms up? You're not alone. Seasonal itchiness in dogs is often caused by atopy —a genetic predisposition to develop allergies to environmental allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This allergic reaction leads to pruritis , or chronic itching, which can make your dog miserable and even lead to secondary infections if not properly treated. What are the signs and symptoms of atopy? 🐕 Increased licking or chewing 🐕 Increased rubbing or scratching 🐕 Red, inflamed, or thickened patches 🐕 Patches that are losing hair Why Doesn’t Benadryl or Zyrtec Help? Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) work well for humans, but they’re often not enough for pets. Dogs process these medications differently, and in many cases, they simply don’t offer significant relief for moderate to severe allergic itching. Plus, if your dog is already experiencing inflammation or skin damage, antihistamines are unlikely to reverse that process. How Do You Test for Atopy? Diagnosing atopy usually involves ruling out other causes of itching first—like fleas, food allergies, or infections. Once those are excluded, we can explore: Serologic testing (blood testing): Measures antibodies in your pet’s blood to identify allergen sensitivities. Intradermal allergy testing (skin testing): Small amounts of common allergens are injected under the skin to see which ones your pet reacts to. Both tests can help guide custom immunotherapy to desensitize your pet to the allergens causing the reaction. We can perform the serologic testing in the clinic. If you prefer intradermal testing, we will need to refer you to a dermatologist. What Are The Treatment Options for Pruritis? There are several effective veterinary options available today that are part of a multi-modal plan to treat atopy. These include: Apoquel® (oclacitinib) and Zenrelia® (ilunocitinib): Offers fast relief by blocking the itch signal at the cellular level. Cytopoint®: A long-acting injection that helps neutralize the proteins causing itch—great for dogs with chronic issues. Dermaquin®: Supports skin barrier function by replenishing essential lipids from the inside out. Shampoos & Mousses: Soothe skin, remove allergens, and restore the skin barrier. Prescription topical sprays: Delivers targeted anti-inflammatory and anti-itch relief directly to affected areas. Environmental management (like air filters or wiping paws after walks) Immunotherapy: Treatment that helps retain the immune system to tolerate allergens rather than react to them. These medications don’t just mask symptoms—they interrupt the underlying itch cycle, allowing the skin to heal. What is the difference between Apoquel and Zenrelia? They are both part of the same drug class (JAK inhibitor), but have different dosing directions. Zenrelia is able to be given once daily from the start, whereas Apoquel starts at twice daily for 14 days, then decreases to once daily. If your pet has already been on one of these medications, you can refill from our online pharmacy at http://southpawac.ourvet.com/ . My Vet Prescribed a Medicated Shampoo? Now What Do I Do? Medicated baths can help reduce inflammation, remove allergens from the skin, and manage secondary infections. For best results: Use lukewarm water —hot water can irritate already sensitive skin. Massage the shampoo into the coat and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow proper contact time. We know that it is hard to keep a pet still in the bathtub for 20 minutes, so here are some ideas to pass the time. Small dogs: Wrap your pet in a towel and watch a TV show. Set a timer though because we know The Real Housewives of Madison County is enthralling. Larger dogs: Take your pet on a walk around the neighborhood. Rinse thoroughly —any residue left behind can cause more irritation. Dry gently , preferably with a towel instead of a hair dryer. What Treatment Does Southpaw Recommend for My Pet? Every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. That’s why at Southpaw Animal Clinic of Madison, we take a personalized approach to care . We carefully evaluate your pet’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to create a treatment plan tailored for both immediate relief and long-term success. Managing atopy can be one of the more challenging aspects of pet care. It’s often a lifelong condition, and progress may be slow. Symptom management can sometimes feel frustrating—and financially overwhelming. That’s why we offer a range of payment options designed to fit your budget and make ongoing care more manageable. Click here to explore our payment options.