Better Dermatology

Means a more comfortable life.

Better Dermatology

Means a more comfortable life.

Skin-related conditions and allergies are some of the most common reasons why pet owners seek care at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers. Fortunately, our veterinarians have extensive dermatology knowledge and can provide a precise diagnosis and effective relief for your itchy pet.

Dermatological signs in pets

Your pet’s skin and coat are important indicators of their overall health. Schedule an appointment if you notice any abnormalities, including:

  • Frequent itching, chewing, or licking
  • Redness or irritation
  • Unusual hair loss
  • Head shaking or ear scratching
  • Hives, bumps, or a rash
  • Hot spots
  • Dry skin
  • Rubbing the face, ears, or hind end on carpet or furniture

Prolonged irritation can lead not only to secondary bacterial infections, but also self-induced trauma from biting and scratching. Schedule an appointment right away to ensure your pet’s rapid diagnosis and relief.

Conditions Treated

  • Allergies, including environmental, food, flea, and contact allergies
  • Bacterial and fungal skin conditions
  • Superficial irritations, such as hives, rash, and bumps
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Immunologic conditions
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Parasites
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Specialized Testing

Many pets suffer from chronic allergies or recurring skin conditions because the true cause hasn’t been diagnosed. Without specific information about the trigger for your pet’s skin irritation, allergy, or hair loss, treatment can provide only temporary relief—not a permanent solution. At Neighborhood Veterinary Centers, we use specialized testing to achieve real results, including:
  • Allergy testing — Serum allergy testing involves looking for allergen antibodies in your pet’s blood, while skin testing—considered the gold standard of allergy diagnosis—involves injecting tiny allergen samples beneath your pet’s skin to assess their inflammatory response.
  • Skin cytology — Cytology is a microscopic review of your pet’s skin cells to find bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
  • Skin biopsy — For some deep dermatological conditions, a small tissue biopsy is necessary to achieve accurate diagnosis.
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Treatment for pet skin conditions

Once the cause of your pet’s irritation is diagnosed, our veterinarians can devise a targeted treatment and management plan that provides effective anti-inflammatory relief, rebuilds the skin barrier, and—ideally—strengthens your pet’s immune system against future pathogens, parasites, or allergens. Treatment options include:
  • Oral, topical, or injectable medication — These include antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatories.
  • Itch-receptor blockers — New medications are available that stop allergic itching by acting on the chemical receptor that stimulates pets to scratch.
  • Allergy injections — Using allergy test results, immunotherapy can gradually desensitize your pet to their specific allergens.
  • Topical treatments — Medicated shampoos, wipes, and frequent bathing can help reduce debris, allergens, and bacteria on the skin.
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Chronic itching, scratching, and smelly ears are not normal, so if your pet is suffering from a chronic skin condition or allergies, contact Neighborhood Veterinary Centers for a dermatology consultation.

A better, happier life starts now!

Call us today or schedule an appointment online at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Wallisville to get started.