Just as you may seek a doctor’s advice for your own skin concerns, your pet may experience similar issues that call for the expertise of a veterinary dermatologist.

At Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver, we understand the importance of a skin specialist to keep your beloved pet healthy and comfortable. No one wants to see their cat or dog in discomfort, and a veterinary dermatologist can help diagnose, treat, and, in some cases, cure your pet’s skin problems.

Below are a few signs that it may be time to schedule an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist for your pet.

1. Your pet is scratching far too often

In most cases, pet owners may not think twice about their pet’s scratching; most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. However, if your furry friend is spending the majority of their time scratching or biting at their coat, it could signal a problem that requires specialized care.

Atopy, or environmental allergies, is the most frequent cause of chronic itching in pets. The severity can vary from mild to extreme, depending on the intensity of the allergy and the amount of exposure to the allergen.

Pets can react to a range of environmental allergens, including pollen, certain food ingredients, mould, dust, and mites. Some pets might only experience light itching for a few weeks when certain plants are in bloom, while others struggle with prolonged itching, accompanied by sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms that last throughout the year.

Chronic itching can also be caused by parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or other health conditions. A veterinary dermatologist can perform the necessary tests to accurately diagnose the issue and offer a customized treatment plan to begin your pet’s healing process.

2. Lumps, marks, and bald spots

No pet parent wants to stumble upon unexpected lumps, bumps, or bald patches when giving their furry friend some affection. However, it’s important to remember that not every bump or bald spot is a sign of something serious, and many can be easily treated with proper care.

Let’s start by addressing hair loss, which may be attributed to a variety of reasons, including poor diet, allergies, fleas and ticks, stress, or underlying health conditions. Hair loss from allergies is often accompanied by intense and frequent itching, while metabolic and hormone-related issues may cause hair loss without the scratching.

Some pets are also born with rare health conditions that lead to gradual hair loss as they grow. To diagnose these disorders, a skin biopsy and detailed examination under a microscope are needed.

Lumps, bumps, and red spots may appear due to a range of factors. It could be something minor, such as a rash caused by contact with a certain plant, or it may signify a more serious health concern. Scheduling a visit to an animal dermatology specialist is the best way to quickly determine the underlying issue.

3. Noticing fleas

You may think that flea treatment is all your pet needs, but that’s not always the case. Fleas can also cause skin irritation, infection, and allergies. To address these problems effectively, a visit to a veterinary dermatologist is the best course of action.

4. A visible rash or flaky skin

Even though it may be difficult to see under a thick coat of fur, a rash is a clear sign that your pet is experiencing a dermatological problem. Pets can also develop dry skin, which may be due to weather, the need for moisturizers, or an underlying medical disorder, like Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism.

Whether it’s a rash or skin dryness, however, it’s always best to schedule a visit to a veterinary dermatologist to swiftly diagnose and treat the problem.

Veterinary Dermatologists: Why They’re Worth the Visit 

Your general vet plays an important role in maintaining your pet’s overall health and treating various conditions. However, when skin problems linger, a veterinary dermatologist has the expertise you need.

Consider it like consulting a specialist for a second opinion. Veterinary dermatologists are specialists with extensive training to accurately identify the underlying cause of a health issue, whereas general veterinarians may rely more on treatment effects.

Veterinary dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting your pet’s skin, fur, ears, mouth, paws, and nails. They are equipped to treat a broad spectrum of conditions in pets of all breeds and ages, ranging from cancer and allergies to autoimmune and hormonal disorders.

Using state-of-the-art technology and staying up to date with the latest veterinary research, they focus on identifying the core problem and providing tailored treatment to improve your pet’s quality of life.

There are three key benefits to seeking care from a veterinary dermatologist:

1. 1. 1. Extensive training: Beyond general veterinary school, veterinary dermatologists undergo additional years of specialized education and training focused on diagnosing and treating skin, fur, nail, paw, ear, and mouth conditions in animals. This rigorous training allows them to treat complex and severe issues more accurately.

 

1. 1. 2. Increased knowledge: Veterinary dermatologists are constantly expanding their expertise. For example, at Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver, our doctors, led by Dr. Charach, participate in the American College of Veterinary Dermatology’s annual four-day seminar. This intensive program keeps our team informed on the latest breakthroughs in veterinary dermatology, allowing us to offer your beloved pet the most advanced and effective care.

 

1. 3. Experience: Completing an internship and residency under the supervision of experienced professionals provides veterinary dermatologists with extensive hands-on experience before they begin their own practice. Dr. Charach, with over three decades of experience in allergy skin testing and allergy cases in British Columbia, brings this depth of experience to his patients. He regularly reviews and updates his tests to ensure they are relevant to the local environment and meet the growing needs of our patients.

Book an Appointment with Our Animal Dermatology Specialists in Vancouver

While veterinarians provide excellent care, it’s often beneficial to seek a second professional opinion, especially if your pet’s condition persists and you’ve explored all options for treatment. Our animal dermatology specialists in Vancouver will conduct a thorough examination of your pet using the latest diagnostic tools.

At our clinic, we go beyond treating symptoms to identify the underlying cause of your pet’s discomfort, ensuring long-term relief. Once we determine the root problem, we will create a personalized treatment plan for your pet.

For more information, you can call Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver at (778) 743-9926 or contact us online.