Atopic dermatitis typically appears between ages one and three in dogs and causes intense itching of the face, ears, paws, and belly. Affected pets may scratch, lick, or chew until the skin is raw, inviting secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Diagnosis involves ruling out food allergies and parasites, sometimes followed by intradermal skin testing. Long-term management may combine medicated shampoos, immunotherapy (allergy shots), anti-itch medications like oclacitinib, and environmental controls such as air filtration and frequent bedding washes.