Atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ick dur-ma-TIE-tiss) is the most common allergic skin disease in dogs. Like human allergies, it’s brought on by seasonal pollen and other airborne allergens and is incurable.

Common signs of atopic dermatitis. Roll over to enlarge.

Skin lesions: caused by scratching   

Hair loss   
Skin infections   

Scaly skin   
Red, inflamed skin   
Red-brown staining due to saliva and yeast infection   

During a flare-up, your dog’s skin can become extremely itchy, red, scaly and irritated. If you can imagine a chronic case of severe poison ivy, you’ll begin to understand why atopic dogs experience hair loss from scratching, rubbing and licking.