Skin Allergies: Chronic Itching in Dogs Linked to Behavioral Disorders

Canine atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema in humans, is a common allergic skin reaction in dogs that causes chronic itching. This irritation can have serious psychological consequences for the animal and increase its stress levels. As a result, the overall quality of life for dogs with this condition is reduced.

As part of the Itchy Dog project—an online study designed to understand the genetic and environmental causes of Alzheimer’s disease— experts from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) collected behavioral data and discovered that the severity of itching in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis was directly linked to behaviors considered problematic. Chewing, mounting, hyperactivity, coprophagia, stealing or begging for food, excitement, seeking attention, and excessive grooming are thus more common in affected dogs.

The results suggest a link between the severity of itching and psychological stress in dogs with atopic dermatitis, which could have implications for the relationship between the owner and their dog. Indeed, the study shows that affected dogs are more difficult to train. It is important for animal owners to understand that the behavioral issues observed may be due to the itching rather than the animal itself—especially since chronic stress worsens pruritus and exacerbates allergies.

It is therefore necessary to take environmental and behavioral stressors into account when treating skin conditions in dogs and to better address the psychological nature of the disease.