Dermatology & Allergy
Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable in Their Own Skin
Skin problems are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. Persistent itching, licking, scratching, hair loss, recurring ear infections, or changes in the skin can be uncomfortable for your pet and frustrating for you.
At Apricot Veterinary Hospital, we understand that skin and allergy conditions can have many different causes. Our goal is not simply to treat the symptoms, but to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet.
Your pet may be experiencing a dermatologic or allergy-related condition if you notice:
Common Signs of Skin & Allergy Problems
- Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
- Red, irritated, or inflamed skin
- Hair loss or thinning of the coat
- Recurrent ear infections or frequent ear scratching
- Skin odor
- Hot spots or sores
- Excessive dandruff or flaky skin
- Changes in the skin or coat
- Persistent licking or chewing of the paws
- Scooting or irritation around the tail and hind end
What Can Cause Skin Problems?
Skin conditions can develop for many different reasons, including:
Environmental Allergies
Pets may react to allergens such as pollen, grasses, dust mites, or other environmental factors.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Certain ingredients may contribute to skin or gastrointestinal concerns in some pets. When appropriate, your veterinarian may recommend a carefully managed diet trial.
Fleas & Parasites
Fleas and other parasites can cause significant itching and skin irritation. Consistent parasite prevention is an important part of managing and preventing many skin problems.
Bacterial or Yeast Infections
Skin and ear infections can occur on their own or develop secondary to allergies and other underlying conditions. Identifying and treating the infection while addressing the underlying cause is important.
Other Medical Conditions
Hormonal disorders, autoimmune conditions, parasites, and other medical conditions can also contribute to changes in your pet’s skin and coat.
Finding the Cause
Because many skin conditions can look similar, determining the underlying cause is an important part of treatment. Depending on your pet’s symptoms, our veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing such as skin or ear cytology, skin scrapings, parasite testing, cultures, or other laboratory testing.
Once we have a better understanding of what is affecting your pet, we can develop a treatment and management plan designed specifically for them.
Managing Allergies & Chronic Skin Conditions
Some allergies and chronic skin conditions cannot be permanently cured, but they can often be successfully managed. Our team will work with you to help control your pet’s symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and improve their comfort and quality of life.
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, chewing, or experiencing recurring skin or ear problems, don’t wait for the problem to become worse.
Contact Apricot Veterinary Hospital at (209) 895-7387 to schedule an appointment.
Let’s help your pet get back to feeling comfortable, healthy, and happy.