Pet Allergies & Dermatology Care

Helping dogs and cats find relief from itching, skin irritation, and chronic skin conditions

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Skin problems are one of the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. Constant scratching, licking, ear infections, hair loss, or irritated skin can quickly become frustrating for both pets and owners, especially when symptoms keep coming back.

At Greater Saint John Veterinary Wellness & Urgent Care, we diagnose and manage allergies and skin conditions in dogs and cats with a focus on long-term comfort and practical treatment plans.

Because skin issues can have many different causes, our goal is to identify what may be triggering your pet’s symptoms and help them feel more comfortable as quickly as possible.

Common Signs of Allergies & Skin Problems in Pets

Pets with allergies or dermatologic conditions may experience:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Recurring ear infections
• Hair loss
• Chewing at paws
• Hot spots
• Scabs or sores
• Dry or flaky skin
• Unusual odor from the skin or ears
• Head shaking or ear discomfort

Some pets show seasonal symptoms, while others struggle year-round.

What Causes Skin Problems in Dogs & Cats?

Skin irritation can happen for many reasons, including:

• Environmental allergies
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Fleas or parasites
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Hormonal conditions
• Anxiety-related licking or chewing
• Underlying medical issues

In many cases, symptoms overlap, which is why a proper veterinary evaluation is important rather than simply treating the itching alone.

Diagnosing Pet Allergies & Skin Conditions

Your pet’s visit may include:

• Physical examination
• Skin and coat evaluation
• Ear examination
• Discussion of symptoms and history
• Parasite screening
• Skin cytology or testing
• Diet history review

Some pets need a simple treatment plan, while others may require ongoing management for chronic allergies or recurrent skin conditions.

Treatment Options for Pet Allergies

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your pet’s symptoms.

Your pet’s care plan may include:

• Medications to reduce itching and inflammation
• Treatment for skin or ear infections
• Flea and parasite prevention
• Prescription shampoos or topical therapies
• Diet trials or nutrition changes
• Ear cleaning and maintenance
• Long-term allergy management

Our goal is not only to improve symptoms temporarily, but also to help reduce flare-ups and improve your pet’s quality of life over time.

Chronic Itching Isn’t “Normal”

Many pet owners assume their dog or cat is “just itchy,” especially if symptoms have been happening for years. But ongoing scratching, licking, or ear infections are usually signs that something underneath needs attention.

Early treatment can help prevent:

• Chronic skin damage
• Repeated infections
• Hair loss
• Open sores and discomfort
• Long-term inflammation

If your pet seems uncomfortable, it’s worth having them evaluated.

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