Pet Allergies & Dermatology

Pet Allergies and Dermatology

Pet allergy & skin care
in Blakehurst

Blakehurst Vet provides allergy and dermatology care for dogs and cats, helping relieve itchy skin, sore ears and other recurring skin problems.

A veterinarian and a nurse do a health check on a dog.
Pet allergy and skin care in Blakehurst

Pet Skin health

Getting to the cause of itchy skin

Skin problems can be frustrating because many different conditions can cause similar symptoms. Allergies are common, but fleas and other parasites, bacterial or yeast infections, ear disease and other skin conditions can also cause itching and irritation.

That is why our dermatology consultations focus on finding the likely cause rather than simply stopping the itch. We examine your pet’s skin, coat, ears and paws and consider their symptoms, history, lifestyle and any pattern to their flare-ups.

Once we have a clearer picture of what is happening, we can recommend the appropriate treatment and help you manage recurring problems over time.

Signs to watch for

Signs your pet may need a
skin or allergy check

Allergies and skin conditions can show up in several different ways. Some pets scratch constantly, while others develop recurring ear trouble, lick their paws or repeatedly suffer from inflamed or infected skin.

Constant scratching

Frequent scratching, rubbing or biting at the skin can be a sign of allergies, parasites, infection or another skin problem.

Licking or chewing paws

Repeated paw licking or chewing can be caused by allergies, infection, irritation, injury or something caught in the paw.

Red or irritated skin

Redness, rashes, scabs or inflamed areas can indicate an allergy, infection or other source of skin irritation.

Recurring ear problems

Head shaking, scratching, redness or recurring ear infections can sometimes be linked to an underlying allergy.

Hair loss or bald patches

Excessive scratching, licking or grooming can lead to thinning hair or bald areas and should be investigated.

Recurrent skin infections

Repeated bacterial or yeast infections can be a sign that an underlying skin or allergy problem needs attention.

Our allergy and dermatology care

Allergy & skin care at
Blakehurst Vet

At Blakehurst Vet, we provide dermatology consultations for both new and recurring skin problems. We assess itchy skin, paw licking, hair loss, rashes, ear problems and recurrent skin infections and work through the possible causes with you.

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may consider allergies, fleas and other parasites, bacterial or yeast infections, food-related reactions or other causes of skin irritation. Treatment may include medication for infection or itching, parasite control, dietary management or a veterinary-supervised food trial, medicated skin care, or Cytopoint injections for suitable dogs.

For pets with ongoing allergies, our aim is not just to settle the current flare-up. We work with you to develop a practical long-term plan that keeps your pet comfortable and helps reduce how often problems return.

Dr Catherine and a nurse treating a cat patient at Blakehurst Vet

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find what you need? Call us on 02 9547 2750

What happens at an allergy or dermatology consultation?

Your vet will examine your pet’s skin, coat, ears and paws and ask about when the problem started, where your pet is itchy and whether the symptoms are seasonal or recurring. We will also consider possible causes such as allergies, parasites and infection before recommending any further investigation or treatment.

Persistent scratching can have several causes, including environmental or food allergies, fleas and other parasites, bacterial or yeast infections and other skin conditions. Because these problems can look very similar at home, examining your dog is the best way to determine what is causing the itch.

Yes. Allergies can cause inflammation of the skin lining the ear canal and can make some dogs more prone to recurring ear problems and secondary infections. If your dog repeatedly develops itchy or inflamed ears, we may need to look beyond the current infection and consider whether allergies are contributing.

Yes, although treatment depends on the cause and some allergies require ongoing management rather than a one-off cure. We may use a combination of itch relief, treatment for secondary infections, parasite prevention, dietary management and other measures appropriate for your pet. Our aim is to keep them comfortable while reducing future flare-ups as much as possible.

Give your pet relief from the itch

Same-day appointments are usually available. If your pet is scratching, licking their paws, developing recurring ear problems or struggling with ongoing skin irritation, book an allergy or dermatology consultation with Blakehurst Vet.