Skin, ear, and allergy problems are among the most common reasons dogs and cats visit the veterinarian, and the desert environment can make them more challenging. At Agave Grove Animal Hospital, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of your pet’s condition so that treatment provides lasting relief rather than temporary improvement.
Dry air, dust, seasonal pollens, grasses, fleas, and food sensitivities can all cause itching that looks similar from the outside. Because the appropriate treatment depends on the cause, a thorough evaluation is the first step in every dermatology visit.
Conditions We Treat
- Itching, scratching, paw licking, and face rubbing
- Ear infections, including recurrent infections
- Hot spots, rashes, scabs, and skin infections
- Hair loss, dandruff, and coat changes
- Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis), flea allergy, and food allergy
- Lumps, bumps, and skin growths
- Nail, paw pad, and anal gland concerns
Diagnosis
A dermatology visit begins with a detailed history, including when the problem started, whether it is seasonal, what your pet eats, and which treatments have been tried. We then perform a complete examination of the skin and ears, along with in-clinic testing that can often be completed during the same visit, such as skin scrapings, tape preparations, and ear cytology. When a food allergy is suspected, a carefully managed elimination diet trial is the most reliable way to confirm it, and we will guide you through the process. Allergy testing and referral to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist are available for more complex cases.
Long-Term Management
Many skin and allergy conditions are managed rather than cured, and our goal is a plan that keeps your pet comfortable over the long term. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include modern allergy medications, year-round flea prevention, medicated shampoos or ear cleaners, dietary changes, and omega-3 supplementation. Follow-up visits allow us to adjust the plan before a flare-up becomes an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Recurrent ear infections are often a symptom of an underlying condition, most commonly allergies, and sometimes ear conformation or moisture. Treating the infection alone without addressing the cause often leads to recurrence, which is why we evaluate the underlying cause as part of treatment.
Can food cause itching?
Yes, although food allergies are less common than environmental allergies. Year-round itching, recurrent ear problems, and digestive upset can be signs. A properly conducted elimination diet trial over eight to twelve weeks is the most reliable way to confirm a food allergy.
Is immunotherapy available for pets?
Immunotherapy, given as injections or oral drops, is an option for environmental allergies and may reduce the need for medication over time. It is typically pursued after allergy testing, often in coordination with a veterinary dermatologist.
How should I prepare for a dermatology appointment?
Please avoid bathing your pet or cleaning their ears for a few days before the visit so that we can accurately evaluate and sample the affected areas. Bring a list of your pet’s foods, treats, and any medications or shampoos that have been used.
