Common Skin Conditions in Pets
Pets can develop a wide range of skin issues, from environmental allergies to infections and autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common dermatological conditions we treat include:
Environmental Allergies (Atopy)
Caused by pollen, mold, dust mites, and other airborne allergens, atopy leads to itching, skin inflammation, and recurrent ear infections.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Some pets are extremely sensitive to the protein in flea saliva and can break out into an itchy rash with just a handful of flea bites.
Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Pets with food allergies—which are often sensitivities rather than true food allergies—typically show symptoms through their skin, including itchiness, ear infections, and chronic inflammation.
Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Commonly seen with allergies, hot spots are painful, inflamed skin lesions caused by excessive licking, scratching, or moisture buildup.
Bacterial & Fungal Infections
Secondary infections often develop when allergies or skin injuries compromise the skin barrier. Common infections include staph and yeast infections.
Hormonal Imbalances
Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can contribute to chronic skin and coat problems, while diabetes can make the skin exceptionally fragile.
Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Conditions like pemphigus and lupus can cause severe skin ulcers, crusting, and inflammation.
Diagnosing & Treating Your Pet’s Skin Condition
To properly treat your pet, we first need to identify the root cause of their symptoms. Our diagnostic approach begins with skin scraping and cytology, where we examine skin cells under a microscope to check for bacteria, fungi, or parasites. In cases of infections, we may use fungal and bacterial cultures to determine the exact type of infection, allowing us to prescribe the most effective medication.
If allergies are suspected, we may perform blood and allergy testing to identify specific allergens and create a targeted treatment plan. For pets with potential food allergies, we may recommend an elimination diet trial, which involves feeding a strict, controlled diet to pinpoint problem ingredients. By thoroughly diagnosing your pet’s condition, we can develop a customized treatment plan that provides lasting relief.
Pet Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Options
We offer a variety of treatment options to manage allergies and skin conditions, including:
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Cytopoint injections, which provide long-lasting relief for dogs with atopy.
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Apoquel, a daily oral medication that controls itching and inflammation in dogs.
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Antihistamines and corticosteroids, which help reduce allergic reactions and inflammation.
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Topical medications and shampoos to treat infections, soothe irritated skin, and restore the skin barrier.
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Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to help support healthy skin and ease inflammation.
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Flea prevention, which is essential for pets prone to flea allergy dermatitis.
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Dietary management, such as switching to a novel protein or hypoallergenic diet.
Give Your Pet Relief from Skin Issues
Chronic itching, infections, and dermatology problems can take a toll on your pet’s quality of life. At Atlantic Veterinary Center, we’re dedicated to helping pets find relief with advanced diagnostics and tailored treatment plans. Whether your pet needs allergy management, infection treatment, or long-term dermatological care, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today to get your pet the relief they need!
Or give us a call at (757) 689-5001!