FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer the most common questions we receive. If you have any other inquiries, feel free to use our Contact Form.

Does Your Dog Have Canine Atopic Dermatitis?

Diagnostic Criteria for Canine Atopic Dermatitis. (At least 5 confirmed criteria)

  1. Symptoms onset before 3 years of age
  2. Dog primarily lives indoors
  3. Pruritus that responds to glucocorticoids
  4. Itching without lesions / primary at the beginning
  5. Front paws affected
  6. Ear pinnae affected
  7. Ear margins not affected
  8. Dorsolumbar area not affected

Reference to the article:
Vet Dermatol. 2010 Feb;21(1):23-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00758.x.
A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis.
Favrot C, Steffan J, Seewald W, Picco F.

My Dog Shakes Its Ears, Could It Have Otitis?

Otitis is a secondary condition often caused by allergic reactions (food-related and/or environmental), parasites, or foreign bodies such as grass awns. For an accurate diagnosis, a thorough dermatological examination is recommended, including cytology of both ears.

My Dog Has Fleas, Can I Bathe It with an Antiparasitic Shampoo?

No, effective flea control requires a proper oral treatment with specifically designed molecules. Bathing with topical derivatives can be harsh on your pet's skin and may cause further irritation or lesions.

Allergies Cannot Be Cured.

False. Studies, along with the WHO, support allergen-specific immunotherapy as a treatment capable of neutralizing and even curing this condition.

Will I Have to Medicate My Pet Every Day for Life?

It depends on each pet. Some animals experience continuous itching and lesions throughout the year and will require ongoing medication. Others may have seasonal symptoms (e.g., spring-autumn) and will only need treatment during those specific periods.

Mi mascota siempre ha comido lo mismo, ¿cómo puede ser que ahora sea alérgico a este alimento?

La reacción adversa alimentaria puede aparecer hasta el último día de la mascota, normalmente pasa por una sobreexposición de este alergeno. Podríamos ver los siguientes síntomas: Vómitos, diarreas, otitis, picor anal y facial, lesiones cutáneas.

I’ve Always Heard That Bathing a Dog Is Bad. Is That True?

There is some truth to this statement, but it depends on what the dog is bathed with and whether it has a dermatological condition. At the Institut Veterinari Dermatològic, we believe in shampoo therapy as an essential tool for managing and regulating skin lesions in pets.

Why Not Give Oral Antibiotics If They Can Help My Pet?

We must be aware of the current issue of antibiotic resistance caused by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics when they are not necessary. At the Institut Veterinari Dermatològic, we prioritize topical treatments whenever possible, aiming to minimize side effects while effectively caring for your pet.

Are you a Veterinarian?

Our goal in referring your patient is to ensure you are informed at all times about their visit and the tests performed by the specialist. This will not only be communicated through a medical report sent to your referral center but also via a direct call to discuss the case and its progression.

We will work as colleagues, not as competitors.