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 Atopy (also known as Atopic Dermatitis), is a condition in which affected dogs have a predisposition to allergies, particularly from the likes of grass, dust mites and even certain foods. Atopy is thought to be an inherited condition, and generally affects dogs when they are 1 to 3 years of age.
Atopy can affect any breed of dog, but breeds particularly predisposed to this condition include the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Lhasa Apo and the Old English Sheepdog. Dogs suffering from this condition will lick, chew or scratch their skin around the affected area as a result of the itchiness it causes, which will result in hair loss and red and perhaps thickened skin. This in turn can lead lead to yeast or bacterial infections if left unchecked. While there is no cure for Atopy, once diaganised, it can be managed, either by trying to remove the allergens that cause the problem for a particular dog, by regularly bathing the dog with anti-itch shampoos, or by administering anti-histamines or by allergen-specific immunotherapy in which the dog is injected with a vaccine specific to the particular allergy in question. The cost of treatment for this problem can amount to hundreds of pounds. Don't wait until your dog is suffering from Atopy before considering dog insurance. Visit Compare Dog Insurance for the cheapest and most competitive dog insurance available.
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