Pet Allergies and Dermatology in Hickory
Personalized, root-cause care for the dogs and cats who can’t stop scratching. At Springs Road Animal Hospital, we look beyond the symptoms to find out why your pet is uncomfortable — and build a treatment plan around what we actually find.
When Itching, Licking, and Scratching Become Something More
A little scratching is part of being a dog or a cat. Constant scratching is something else. When your pet can’t seem to leave their skin alone — chewing at their paws, rubbing their face on the carpet, losing patches of fur — there’s almost always a reason, and finding it is the first step toward getting them comfortable again.
Allergies and skin conditions are some of the most common reasons dogs and cats end up at the vet, and they can show up in more ways than just itchy skin. Pets with allergies may also experience recurring ear infections, digestive upset, watery eyes, sneezing, or behavioral changes that come from the sheer exhaustion of being uncomfortable all the time.
What Causes Allergies and Skin Issues in Dogs and Cats?
The list of possible culprits is long, and that’s exactly why a thorough workup matters. Common causes include:
- Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold
- Flea bite hypersensitivity (one of the most common allergic reactions in pets)
- Food sensitivities, often to specific proteins
- Contact irritants from cleaning products, fabrics, or plants
- Bacterial or fungal infections (sometimes secondary to an underlying allergy)
- Parasitic conditions like mange or ringworm
Underlying medical issues, including thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders, can also show up as skin and coat changes, which is why we don’t just treat the surface and call it a day.
Our Approach to Allergy and Dermatology Care
When you bring your pet in for skin or allergy concerns, we’ll start with a thorough history and exam, then use targeted diagnostics — skin cytology, scrapings, blood work, food trials, or allergy testing — to identify what’s actually driving the issue. From there, we build a treatment plan that fits both your pet’s specific needs and your household’s reality. That might mean medication, a hypoallergenic diet, immunotherapy, medicated bathing, or a combination approach.
If you suspect your dog or cat is dealing with allergies or a skin condition, request an appointment online or call us at (828) 256-2151. The sooner we can identify what’s going on, the sooner your pet can get back to feeling like themselves.
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