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Allergies & Dermatology

Say goodbye to itching, redness, and skin issues with expert dermatology and allergy care for pets.

Allergies & Dermatology: Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable in Their Skin
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, or dealing with skin irritation, they may be suffering from allergies or a dermatological condition. These issues can be frustrating for pets and pet parents alike—but the good news is, there are safe and effective treatments available.

What Are Pet Allergies?

Allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to something in their environment, food, or parasites. Common triggers include:

  • Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass

  • Fleas or flea saliva

  • Food sensitivities, especially to proteins like chicken or beef

  • Contact irritants such as shampoos or cleaning products

These allergens can lead to symptoms that appear on the skin and coat or affect the ears, paws, and respiratory system.

Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies or a Skin Condition

  • Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing

  • Red, inflamed, or scaly skin

  • Hair loss or bald patches

  • Ear infections or head shaking

  • Frequent paw licking

  • Rashes or hot spots

  • Unusual odor

If these symptoms sound familiar, your pet may benefit from a dermatological exam.

What to Expect During a Dermatology Visit

At your appointment, your veterinarian will:

  1. Conduct a thorough skin and coat exam

  2. Ask about diet, environment, and symptom history

  3. Perform tests such as:

    • Skin scrapings

    • Cytology (microscopic analysis)

    • Ear swabs

    • Allergy testing (if needed)

Once the cause is identified, we’ll create a customized treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Prescription medications to relieve itching and inflammation (oral or injectable)

  • Topical treatments or medicated shampoos

  • Flea prevention (essential for flea allergy dermatitis)

  • Diet changes or elimination trials for suspected food allergies

  • Immunotherapy (allergy desensitization for long-term relief)

  • Ear treatments for infections or chronic inflammation

Our goal is not just short-term relief, but long-term comfort and healthy skin.

Chronic skin issues can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. With proper care, many pets experience significant improvement, even full resolution of their skin and allergy concerns.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

University Animal Hospital FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Yes, University Animal Hospital has USDA Accredited veterinarians.

Each country varies so check out University Animal Hospital's International Travel page for more information on traveling with pets.

You or your previous vet can email them to us at info@universityanimalhospital.com or info@UAHNYC.com

University Animal Hospital follows all Federal and State laws and guidelines when prescribing medications. To remain compliant, your pet must be physically examined on a periodic basis. Typically this means your pet will need to be examined a minimum of once per year. However, for some medications, your pet may need to be reexamined more frequently and may require blood tests prior to refilling medications.

At every exam, our doctor performs a thorough physical exam. Bad breath, trouble eating, or discoloration of the teeth or gums may all be indicators that your pet may need a dental procedure. University Animal Hospital will show you and discuss the benefits of a dentistry if it is recommended.

Vomiting and Diarrhea can be caused by many different things. If your pet is experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea, please give University Animal Hospital a call so we can schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.