dog allergies - Your Vet Wants You to Know

A retriever sits on the beach with a happy smile on its face

Strong Skin Happy Pets 4: Barrier Boost for Itchy Dogs

In this final episode of the Strong Skin Happy Pets series, sponsored by Dechra, we focus on the practical tools veterinarians use to repair and maintain the skin barrier in allergic pets. Dr. Lancellotti and Dr. Mesman break down how to choose effective barrier repair products, what ingredients actually matter, and how to build a realistic at-home routine. They also address common concerns about topical therapy, including time, mess, and pet compliance. This episode emphasizes that long-term success comes from consistency, customization, and focusing on prevention, not just treatment of allergy flares.

An adorable white long haired chihuahua gets a soapy bath in a grooming tub.

Strong Skin Happy Pets 3 – Preventing the Flare with Maintenance

In Episode 3 of the Strong Skin Happy Pets series, sponsored by Dechra, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti and Dr. Mollie Mesman focus on long-term skin barrier maintenance and why it is essential for managing allergies in dogs and cats. They explain why allergic skin disease is lifelong, how stopping treatment leads to flare-ups, and how proactive routines can reduce infections and medication use. Through real-life examples and practical strategies, this episode helps pet owners build sustainable care plans that support their pet’s skin and stop allergic itching year-round.

Episode title overlaying an image of a golden retriever dog in a medicated bath to repair the skin barrier

Strong Skin Happy Pets – Allergic dogs and cats and How to Repair the Skin Barrier

In allergic dogs and cats with itchy skin or recurrent infections, skin barrier repair may be a key part of treatment. Learn how bathing, topical therapy, nutrition, and long-term home care can help allergic pets stay more comfortable.

Strong Skin Happy Pets – Understanding Skin Barrier and Allergies in Dogs

In the first episode of the Strong Skin Happy Pets series, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined by board-certified veterinary dermatologist Dr. Mollie Mesman to explore the foundation of healthy skin: the skin barrier. They break down what the skin barrier is, how it functions, and why it plays such a critical role in dogs and cats with allergies. Using real-life examples and practical explanations, this episode helps pet owners understand why chronic itch, infections, and flare-ups often keep coming back. The series is proudly sponsored by Dechra, a leader in veterinary dermatology solutions that support skin barrier health.

A female veterinarian examines an English bulldog.

HEAR Now Part 2: Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections are one of the most common reasons for vet visits. In Part 2 of our HEAR Now series, veterinary dermatologists explain what brown discharge really means, why infections may not go away, the risks of untreated infections, and why home remedies can do more harm than good. Learn safe, effective treatments to help your pet.

A veterinarian and a pet owner happily talk while a golden retriever sits calmly on an exam table.

HEAR Now: Help, Educate, Assess and Regulate Frustrating Ear Infections

Dog ear infections are one of the most common reasons for vet visits. In Part 1 of our HEAR Now series, veterinary dermatologists explain why infections keep coming back, how allergies and ear shape play a role, and what treatments can help your pet.

3 Big Mistakes Owners Make When Testing for Dog Food Allergies (and what to do instead)

Dog allergy myths busted: grains, cutting out chicken, and blood tests. Don’t make these mistakes with dog food allergies. Get expert, evidence-based answers.

Zenrelia

Zenrelia (ilunocitinib) is a new medication for treating allergies in dogs. In this episode, veterinary dermatologists Dr. Brittany Lancellotti and Dr. Tom Lewis discuss detailed analyses of clinical trials, patient stories, and comparisons with existing treatments like Apoquel. The conversation covers the drug’s mechanism, safety considerations, and the impact on vaccine efficacy. Real-world applications are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of multiple treatment options for allergies and working to find the underlying triggers. The episode also highlights advancements in managing skin and ear infections to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Anxiety and Allergies

Many pet owners may think their pet licks its paws because of anxiety. While anxiety may play a role in how itchy an allergic pet feels, when dogs lick their paws to the point of causing damage to the skin, anxiety it not the only problem. Dr. Lindsey McAuliffe, veterinary dermatologist, set out to study the role of anxiety in dogs with allergies. She found a fascinating change in many behaviors, including aggression, fear, touch sensitivity and trainability. If your allergic dog struggles with behavior problems, this is a fascinating conversation looking at what the research tells us.

Ear Cleaning

Ear cleaning can be incredibly important for dogs with ear infections and allergies. Pet owners may struggle with ear cleaning if the dog is fearful or painful. In this episode, Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behavior specialist, discusses cooperative care techniques for low stress ear cleanings for your dog with ear infections. This episode is a great resource if your dog has ever had an ear infection and you are looking for a method that decreases pain and anxiety for everyone involved.

Tag: dog allergies