Atopica for dogs – uses, benefits, and all about it

Allergies and skin irritation is common among canines. Allergies normally result from an erroneous response of the immune system to foods and environmental substances which the body detects as outsider. Earlier, steroids were used to treat allergies in dogs but now it is Atopica as a better one.

Atopica is a medicine exclusively for dogs that contains the immune modulating component named cyclosporine which is among the most effective treatments for atopic dermatitis in dogs. Those canines that are unresponsive to corticosteroid therapy can be treated with Atopica for dogs.

Atopica is often prescribed as the last resort when all other treatment have already been tried and exhausted. Additionally, dog owners are suggested to stick to the dosage as recommended by the vet to be on the safe side. The institution of preventive measures must also be aided.

How does Atopica work?

Atopica works on the T-lymphocytes of the immune system which have been implicated in the unusual and abnormal immune reaction to otherwise non-pathogenic allergens. By working effectively on the immune system cells, skin allergy reactions like intense itching, gnawing, scratching, hair loss, and secondary skin infections are minimized and treated.

Atopica is specifically formulated to work on dogs and must not be used without prescription by a vet.

Benefits of Atopica

Atopica can provide relief from allergic reactions, by reducing signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

1.    Provides comfort

With the right use of Atopica, your pet stops feeling itchy and doesn’t scratch himself too often. The use of the medication also stops liquid oozing out from its skin by drying it up. The swelling is gone, the redness is reduced, and your dog can have relief.

2.    Peaceful sleep and rest

When there is constant itchiness in the skin, your dog won’t find it easy to rest. When treated with Atopica and when the uneasiness of the skin is gone, the dog can get peace as the atopic dermatitis is treated by the medication rightly.

3.    Skin integrity is restored

Since the inflammation of the skin is reduced, the skin gets back its integrity as the dog no longer keeps on scratching and hence no more cuts or redness. Over time, the restoration process of the skin happens to facilitate with regeneration of new skin cells.

4.     No further infection

It takes a healthy skin to be a good defence against bacterial and fungal infections. Atopica is able to control the condition by lowering the functioning the immune system and by controlling the inflammatory activity of T-lymphocytes on the skin of your pet. The ultimate result is an intact skin which is the first line of defense against microbial attacks.

Dosage of Atopica for dogs

Atopica for dogs is sold in different strengths of in 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100- milligram. It is recommended as a once-daily dose for dogs that weigh 4 pounds or more. However, many veterinarians may also recommend an every-other-day dosing or even twice-weekly administration.

Atopica is given as an oral dose as per the dog’s weight. This is given once a day, typically an hour before or 2 hours after having a meal.

The medicine must be administered for 30 days after which the dose frequency may be reduced to every other day or even twice a week. This is continued until a minimum dosing frequency maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of the drug has been reached.

Dosage table commonly followed:

4 to 6.5 pounds – One 10 mg capsule
6 to 9 pounds – Two 10 mg capsules as a single dose
1 to 16 pounds – One 25 mg capsule
1 to 33 pounds – One 50 mg capsule

Availability of Atopica

Atopica for dogs is available in several offline and online animal pharmacy. To pick the right one is the main concern, hence you must go for the one that sells products approved by FDA or USDA and ships products from US. Also, it must be noted that the price of the medicines are marked the best.