Dermatology for Animals

Red bumps, scaly patches and uncontrollable itchiness are familiar to anyone who’s experienced skin problems—and for many people, a trip to the dermatologist has provided answers. But what if your pet seems to be suffering from itchy, irritated skin? Luckily, a veterinarian's daily practice focuses on treating all kinds of dog skin conditions. A veterinarian can assess your pet’s symptoms and recommend a solution for their discomfort. At Petco, you have access to a wide range of veterinary services to help your pup stop scratching and get back to feeling their best. Book an appointment today to get your dog the attentive expertise they deserve.  

What is dog dermatology? 

Dog dermatology is the branch of veterinary medicine that involves the assessment, treatment and management of the skin, hair, nails and the neuro-endocrine pathways that affect the skin of canines. You may be surprised to learn that veterinary dermatology concerns more than what’s visibly happening on your dog’s epidermis.  

Your pup’s skin is an amazing, complex organ, and its wellbeing can affect the health of many parts of their body. Whether your dog has brittle nails, hair that is dry or easily damaged, unusual bumps on their body or even certain hormone issues, a dog dermatologist—also known as a canine dermatologist—is the right person to consult. At Petco, our knowledgeable vets are ready to answer your questions about your pup’s skin issues and suggest effective solutions for helping them feel good again. And remember that not all the treatments that could help your pet’s skin require prescription medications. We also carry dog skin and coat supplements you can add to your pet’s diet to help support the health of their skin at home.  

When should you see your vet? 

As an attentive pet parent, you’re probably used to keeping an eye on your dog’s overall wellbeing. Changes in their mood, body or behavior can indicate that it’s time for your pet to see their veterinarian. When it comes to dermatology for animals, the same golden rule applies—if something doesn’t seem normal, it’s best to consult your vet. Some of the common clinical presentations of dog skin disorders include the following. 

Itchiness

Pay attention to whether your dog seems agitated or uncomfortable, especially if they begin rubbing against furniture or floors more than usual

Scratching

Your dog may scratch their body or rub their head and face with their front paws or bite at their fur with their teeth

Scales

Dry, crusty skin patches or an increase in dandruff could mean that your dog’s skin is irritated  

Redness

Red, swollen or warm patches of skin can be signs of inflammation or allergies 

Pus

Infected skin may contain pockets of pus or oozing sores which may or may not emit a strong odor  

Blisters

Fluid-filled bumps or raised patches of skin could indicate that your dog needs vet dermatology services  

In addition, the visible presence of pests such as fleas, ticks or other bugs indicates that your dog needs professional services. Consult your veterinarian if you notice anything creepy, crawly or hindering your dog’s daily routine. 

If your dog’s dermatologist advises, you can take some steps at home to help monitor and alleviate your canine’s skin discomfort.

Do fleas and ticks cause itchy skin?   

Fleas and ticks can certainly cause itchy skin in dogs. Though they may affect the skin differently, both pesky species can be highly irritating to a dog’s epidermis. When fleas bite a dog to feed on their blood, they deposit anticoagulant saliva into the bite wound—this is the substance that causes irritation and itching. Ticks don’t typically cause itching when they latch onto a dog’s skin, but the site where a tick bite has occurred can become sore or swollen. And for dogs allergic to fleas or ticks, the discomfort of a bite goes well beyond what a non-allergic dog usually experiences. An allergic reaction to flea and tick bites can cause intense itchiness, inflammation and hair loss, so schedule a veterinary dermatologist visit if you suspect your dog might be allergic to these pests.   

While these are some of the most common reasons you might seek a dermatologist for your dog, there are other potential skin problems your pet might develop. Whether you’re looking for a trusted doctor to diagnose and treat your dog’s skin symptoms or establish an ongoing preventive routine, Vetco Total Care can be a good solution for your pup. Our veterinarians and specialists are qualified to provide expert service for whatever ails your best friend—whether they need a dog dermatologist or just a safe space to get their shots.   

Why do my dog’s symptoms come back? 

It’s common for skin diseases to have both primary and secondary effects. In other words, there may be a root issue causing a secondary symptom—or series of symptoms—to manifest. If the primary dermatological issue is not resolved, it’s very common for secondary problems to occur and recur.     

Because veterinary dermatology tends to involve a series of related and recurring symptoms, it’s not unusual for dogs to need ongoing care with their doctor. Petco Perks within Vetco Total Care is a dog wellness plan that gives your pet unlimited routine veterinary exams and discounts on grooming, nutrition and Autoship savings—and it’s a wonderful choice for dogs who experience recurring skin issues.  

Why does my dog itch in the winter? 

Your dog might be itching in the winter due to dry skin. The harsh, cold temperatures and strong winter winds can suck moisture from your pet’s skin, causing it to become flaky, irritated and itchy. Other potential causes of winter skin problems are the same as those that can affect your dog year-round, including parasites, dermatitis or an allergic reaction.  

Your dog’s itchiness may simply be due to seasonal irritants—but keep an eye on their skin. Chronic itching that seems to impact your dog’s activities or a large portion of their day should not be considered normal. If their itchiness becomes excessive, your veterinarian must assess your pup for an underlying condition, so make sure to book an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist who can do so. 

What vet dermatology services are offered by Petco? 

Petco veterinarians are trained in many aspects of dog skin conditions, including allergies, dog skin tags, dermatitis. However, our vets are not dermatology specialists and may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist specialist when deemed necessary. We offer medical, surgical and health-related cosmetic services. While these pertain to various skin conditions your dog may experience, some elective cosmetic procedures are not provided within Vetco Total Care for ethical and industry-standard reasons. Some cosmetic procedures that are not within the VTC medical standards of practice include the following.

• Tail docking 
• Ear cropping 

Remember that your pet is most likely to look their best when they feel their best. Animal dermatology should be focused on solutions that improve your pup’s wellbeing—and, as a result, they’ll probably end up looking terrific, too. Dull hair, splitting nails and even some smelly skin conditions can all be improved by focusing on the root causes of these issues—not by trying to manage the stinky or unsightly symptoms alone.