Pet Dermatology
at Gardens Animal Hospital
Maintaining your pet’s skin and coat health is an important part of their whole health journey, since an itchy, dry scalp can lead to irritation, open wounds and infection, not to mention hair loss, scabbing and flaky skin. At Gardens Animal Hospital, our veterinary doctors specialize in pet dermatology and skin issues. During your appointment, we will give your pet a thorough exam to pinpoint the source of the allergen. Once we know the source of the issue, we will follow up with a treatment protocol, which may include topical ointment, therapeutic shampoo, medication like antibiotics, antifungals or steroids, and may even recommend a diet and lifestyle change.
Scroll to view more details about our pet dermatology services for dogs and cats at our Palm Beach Gardens, Florida location.
Dermatology Services
Gardens Animal Hospital offers complete care for your pet’s dermatology needs, from regular checkups to acute problems, like dry skin, open wounds and even infection. Our on-site and online pet pharmacy also means you can get the medication and topical treatments you need following your appointment!
Pet Allergies
We specialize in treating pet allergies as they are among the most common reasons we see pets outside of normal wellness appointments. Dog allergies and cat allergies are fairly common, and can come from a whole host of sources, so pinpointing the source of the allergen is the first step in treating dog or cat allergies. Once we know if it’s from an outside source, or if it’s stemming from an internal allergic reaction, we can prescribe the best treatment to improve their symptoms. It’s important to know that many dog and cat allergies must be managed for a lifetime, so maintaining their treatment and observing any changes is an important role you play as a pet parent in keeping them from having future allergic reactions and flare-ups.
Fleas & Ticks
Practically all pets are at risk of contracting flea and tick infestations. These parasites, who feed off their host, must be managed with medication. The best way to avoid flea and tick problems for your pet is to take monthly medication—a standard treatment protocol for domesticated animals. With regular medication, you can help your pet avoid a flea or tick infestation. At Gardens Animal Hospital, we have all the medications and treatments you need for flea and tick prevention.
Excessive Licking & Scratching
Hair Loss
Open Sores
An open sore on your pet must be treated immediately by a team of professional veterinary specialists. Open sores are likely to lead to bacterial infections, which if left untreated, may cause serious health consequences. Pets who are having an inflammation response may scratch so much that it causes an open wound. Treating your pet’s open wound is our top priority for getting them well, followed by a thorough diagnostic analysis to pinpoint the source of their allergen.
Diet Changes
Dogs and cats require a healthy, balanced diet that includes a significant amount of healthy protein and fat to support optimal skin and coat nourishment. Malnutrition or a nutritional imbalance can quickly lead to skin issues, hair loss, as well as problems with digestion and a host of other health issues. At Gardens Animal Hospital, we carry a range of healthy pet foods and will help guide you to the best pet food to improve your dog or cat’s skin and/or digestion problems.
Allergy Testing
How can I tell if my dog or cat has allergies?
Many of our beloved pets suffer from seasonal and acute allergies, as well as dermatologic conditions at least once throughout their lives. Some of the most common reasons for this include chemical irritants that you may have in your home, on your grass, or elsewhere in their environment. Parasitic bugs, like fleas and ticks, are another source of dermatologic distress for your pet. And even your pet’s food can cause pet dermatology problems—even if they’ve enjoyed the same brand of food for years! And the only way to find out if your dog or cat’s food is causing irritation is to test different foods through a food trial.
This is why pet dermatology issues can be difficult to treat without professional help since the source of the problem may not be readily obvious. Some of the telltale signs that your pet is suffering from a skin condition include chewing, scratching, or licking an area. The next phase is noticing open sores, scabbing, and flaky skin, which necessitates a visit to your pet dermatologist. Some less obvious signs that your pet is suffering from an allergic reaction include itchy ears, head shaking and red, inflamed ear canals. Hair loss is another telltale sign that your pet is suffering with a condition that requires the treatment of a pet dermatologist. If you’re at all concerned your pet is having an allergic reaction or may have a parasitic infection, schedule an appointment at Gardens Animal Hospital with our pet dermatologist.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Do you have a pet pharmacy?
Yes! We have a pet pharmacy at our clinic and online 24/7 for your convenience! At our Palm Beach Gardens location, we have all the treatments, medications, and food recommendations available at our on-site pet pharmacy to treat pet allergy needs. This enables our team to make real-time recommendations and get your pet the products they need to start feeling better immediately, such as pet allergy medication, antifungal medication, topical solutions, therapeutic shampoo and steroids, if necessary. To access our online pet pharmacy, click here.
Do you perform allergy testing on pets?
Yes! Testing your pet for common allergens is one of the firs things we do after an initial diagnostic evaluation. We perform topical skin tests, perform a comprehensive blood analysis, and evaluate their digestive health. Since pet allergies can come from a host of sources, our comprehensive allergy tests ensure we pinpoint the source of your pet’s dermatological problem and treat it completely to avoid future flare-ups.
How long do pet allergies last?
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