If your dog is constantly scratching, chewing their paws, or battling ear infections, they may be suffering from atopic dermatitis, most commonly known as environmental skin allergies.
Atopic dermatitis, or atopy, is one of the most common skin issues, impacting an estimated 30% of dogs and causing them great discomfort. Clinical signs of atopy can mirror other skin conditions, so diagnosing it can be a time-consuming process of elimination. That’s why we’re thrilled to share Wisdom Panel’s latest genetic discovery—one that could change how we understand and manage this frustrating condition.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition in dogs caused by a reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mold. It usually shows up as itchy, inflamed skin, especially around the paws, ears, belly, and face. Dogs with atopy may scratch, lick, or chew themselves excessively, which can lead to hair loss, skin infections, and ongoing discomfort.
While treatments can help manage the condition, there’s currently no cure. That’s why understanding a dog’s genetic risk is so important. Knowing a dog’s risk could guide a breeder’s decisions for future litters and help pet parents and veterinarians diagnose the condition earlier.
What we found: a new gene variant linked to atopic dermatitis
For this research, our team of Wisdom Panel scientists leveraged the Mars Petcare ecosystem, using DNA samples from our own genetic testing, and data from Banfield Pet Hospital, Antech Diagnostics, and the Mars Petcare Biobank. Following genotyping, genome sequencing, and analysis, we identified a variant in the SLAMF1 gene that’s linked to a higher risk of atopic dermatitis. Dogs with this risk factor are about twice as likely to develop atopy compared to those without it.
You can check out the full study here.
What makes this discovery special
- It’s a brand-new finding. This is the first time SLAMF1 has been directly associated with atopy—in dogs or humans.
- The gene variant is found in some breeds with increased atopy risk. The gene variant has been confirmed to increase risk of atopy in French Bulldogs and Boxers, and early data suggests it may increase risk in other breeds, too.
How this discovery helps breeders and pet parents
This discovery could be a game changer for breeders who want to reduce health risks in their lines. Because atopic dermatitis is so common, even small reductions in risk can have a big impact on dog health and comfort, by reducing the number of itchy dogs across the population.
By testing for this variant and making informed decisions, breeders can avoid passing on this genetic variant, reducing the risk of atopy in the resulting puppies. With widespread use of testing, atopy levels across the Boxer and French Bulldog population will fall over time—a massive win for all pet parents of these breeds.
Is there a genetic test for this variant?
The SLAMF1 variant isn’t part of our current Wisdom Panel DNA tests yet. While we work to include it in the next generation of our testing platform, we’re partnering with researchers at Canine Genetic Testing at the University of Cambridge to give breeders early access to this important new test.
Final thoughts
Atopic dermatitis doesn’t just cause itchiness—it can lead to skin damage, infections, and ongoing veterinary visits for this lifelong condition. This genetic discovery marks a major step toward reducing atopy through data-driven breeding decisions.
