Dermatology

Sometimes our pets can be so shaggy it’s hard to see what lies beneath all their fur. However, with many years in the field, our veterinarians and groomers will notice if they’re experiencing hair loss, irritation or any kind of skin problem. Dermatology focuses on the condition and treatment of your pet’s skin and fur. We provide specialized dermatological services to all our patients, including allergy testing and desensitization treatments. To learn more about how we can help your pet, call us at 780-444-1324.

How do I know if my pet needs medical attention?

A major sign is constant scratching and bald patches. Other symptoms of dermatological problems are itching, licking and gnawing (which can indicate fleas, food allergies or stress). In addition, losing their fur may be a sign of poor nutrition, ringworm or Cushing’s disease.

Can I treat my pet from home?

You can incorporate certain products to their at-home grooming routine to help keep them looking and feeling great. Taking vigilant care of your pet’s skin can help you prevent or quickly detect medical conditions. You can also improve their skincare routine by using colloidal oatmeal shampoo. Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothes sore spots. It also moisturizes itchy skin. After their baths (or dances in the rain) ensure they’re fully dry. Dogs can develop hot spots in moist areas. This can occur in thick areas of fur or from excessive licking. If your cat or dog’s skin irritation continues to bother them, make an appointment with us and we’ll prescribe antibiotics and search for allergies.

What happens during a dermatological appointment?

When you bring your pet in for an appointment our veterinarians will do a physical examination. They will inspect and take scrapings from their ears, paws and bellies. This is an opportunity for us to discuss where their skin is irritated and for how long. After we get results, we can usually diagnose your pet’s condition and provide the appropriate treatment. We may prescribe antibiotics, ointments, and suggest an increase in your visits to monitor their improvement.