orange and white dog sitting outside scratching himself

Dermatology

Animals, especially cats and dogs, are known for their grooming habits. It becomes a concern to owners and veterinarians when these animals are constantly scratching, biting and licking their fur and skin. This is not considered normal and may actually be a sign of a skin allergy or infection. The staff at Shallowford Animal Hospital is highly trained in all aspects of animal dermatology, from identification to treatment and therapy. If you happen to notice the excessive behaviors noted above and are concerned, please have your pet examined by our veterinarian. Once here, your pet may have a skin scraping which is then examined under a microscope. From this point we can tell if your animal companion may be suffering from an allergy or infection. If infection is present, your pet may be put on antibiotics and monitored closely for several weeks to see if more treatment is needed.

If your pet’s condition is determined to be an allergic reaction there are several ways to treat this issue. First, a round of steroids may be prescribed to get the condition under control. Therapeutic measures such as specialized baths, lotions and sprays are most likely the next step in healing your pet’s skin. There are also options such as hypoallergenic foods and treats.

Shallowford Animal Hospital is a supplier of the specialized foods and medicines needed to treat the different type of skin issues that may affect your pet. Please consult our staff if you suspect that your pet is suffering from an infection or skin allergy.

Learn More

To learn more about our dermatology treatments and supplements, or to schedule an appointment for your pet, please contact us at 423-982-6671.