It is essential to first rule out other skin disorders such as mange, ringworm, hookworm, and food allergies by performing skin scrapings, bacterial and fungal cultures, fecal analysis, and trials of hypoallergenic diet. Then other tests may be done to confirm atopy. Short-acting barbituates can be used to calm excitable dogs for skin testing. The most desirable treatment is to avoid the allergen, but this is most often not possible. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone or prednisolone are often effective, at least for a time.
Antihistamines are effective in some cases.
Hyposensitization or tolerization may be effective but they generally require a long course of treatment. The disease is clearly inherited, but the exact mode of inheritance has not been determined.