Atopic dermatitis is known by many names throughout the dog world.  Among these names are: canine atopic dermatitis, canine inhalant dermatitis, allergic inhalant dermatitis, atopic disease, and inhalant allergy.  This condition is a commonly occurring, inherited, hypersensitivity to pollens or other environmental allergens, as a result of a disorder of the immune system.
     The primary clinical indication is itching.  This itching can take one or multiple forms, and is most often exhibited by licking or chewing of the feet, and/or the groin area; rubbing and scratching the face, ears, and front torso; rubbing sides or buttocks on furniture or any available object; and frequent periods of "sit and spin" sessions.  Additionally, affected dogs can display reversed sneezing, coat discoloration, crusty, reddened eyes, reddening of the skin, papules, and hair loss.
     This condition can vary greatly from region to region.  Since the most common allergies are: dander, pollens of grasses, weeds, and trees; dust and molds.  The irritants can be seasonal and some regions of the United States have a higher incidence of irritants than others.
     Found in both males and females, this condition has a higher incidence in females.  The most common age of onset is between one and three years of age.
     Idealistically, avoidance of the irritating substance would present the most desirable long-term means of treatment.  This can be achieved in some cases, but in most this is not a practical solution.  Medically, there are numerous treatments such as glucocorticoids and/or antihistamines.  In some cases hypo-sensitization is the best means of treatment.