Pet Dermatology & Allergy Care

Finding Out What’s Wrong

Itching, redness, hair loss, and ear problems can have several possible causes. At V.E.T. Care Hospital, we start with an exam and your pet’s history. Depending on what we find, we may recommend skin scrapings, cytology, bloodwork, or a biopsy.

Our in-house laboratory can provide results for some tests during the same visit. Other samples may need to be sent out. Testing helps us identify problems such as parasites or infection and decide whether allergies or another condition need further investigation.

Skin problems can be uncomfortable for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. We’ll work with you to find the cause and develop a treatment plan that helps your pet feel better.

Common Questions About Pet Allergies and Skin Care

If your pet has itchy skin or recurring ear problems, you may have questions about testing, food allergies, and how long treatment will take. We’ve answered some common questions below. Finding the cause can take more than one visit, and we’ll explain what to expect as we work through it together.

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How do I know if my dog has allergies or something else?

You often can’t tell from scratching alone. Fleas, mites, yeast, bacterial infections, and allergies can cause similar signs. At V.E.T. Care Hospital, we start with an exam and may recommend a skin scraping or cytology to check for parasites and infection before deciding what treatment your pet needs.

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Can you test my pet for food allergies?

Blood and saliva tests are not reliable ways to diagnose food allergies in dogs and cats. We recommend a supervised elimination diet trial instead. For about 8 to 12 weeks, your pet eats only the prescribed diet; no other food, treats, flavored medications, or supplements unless we approve them. If symptoms improve, we may then reintroduce the previous food to help confirm the diagnosis.

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Why do my pet's ear infections keep coming back?

Recurring ear infections can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as allergies. Treating the infection may bring relief, but it can return if the cause remains. We’ll examine your pet’s ears and discuss whether further testing or a longer-term care plan may help prevent repeat infections.

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Will my pet's allergies ever go away?

Environmental allergies are usually managed rather than cured. Our goal is to keep your pet comfortable and reduce flare-ups. Depending on their needs, that may involve medication, bathing, and consistent parasite prevention.

Signs Your Pet Should Be Seen

Frequent scratching, especially at night, may be the first sign of a skin problem. You may also notice repeated licking, biting, or chewing; scabs or flaky skin; hot spots; or more hair loss than usual. New lumps or bumps on or beneath the skin should also be examined.

Head shaking, ear odor, dark discharge, or recurring ear infections can sometimes point to an underlying skin condition or allergy. Other possible causes of skin problems include parasites, infection, hormonal conditions, and immune disorders. An exam can help us determine what’s affecting your pet and how best to treat it.

How Skin Conditions Get Treated

Most allergies can be managed, even if they cannot be cured.

Treatment depends on what is causing your pet’s symptoms. A bacterial infection may need a topical medication, while environmental allergies often require an ongoing plan that includes medication, medicated bathing, and year-round parasite prevention through preventive and wellness care.

If we suspect a food allergy, we may recommend a carefully managed elimination diet trial, with guidance from our pet nutrition and weight management services. For some skin lesions, pet Phovia light therapy may also support healing. Explore all our veterinary services to learn more.

What to watch for

Watch for frequent scratching, biting, or licking, especially in one area. Scabs, flaky skin, hot spots, or more hair loss than usual are also reasons to schedule an exam.

When it keeps coming back

Recurring ear infections, head shaking, or dark ear discharge should be checked. Schedule an exam for any new lump or bump on or beneath your pet’s skin, too.

A gray tabby cat lounges on a wooden bench, licking or grooming its paw