ALLERGIES & DERMATOLOGY

Is your pet’s itchy skin driving you both bonkers?

There are a wide variety of ailments than can affect the skin of a companion animal. Whether it’s a topical problem, like a hot spot or rash, or something more complex, like an infection, the symptoms can be unpleasant. You don’t want to see your best friend suffer, and neither do we! That’s why Animal Hospital of Mt. Pocono offers professional pet allergy and dermatology services as part of our comprehensive system of care. We want to keep your loved one as healthy on the outside as on the inside.

Diagnosing the Problem

The first step toward helping your pet feel better again is identifying the precise condition he or she is experiencing. Our hospital is equipped with an in-house laboratory, which allows us to run a number of diagnostic tests quickly and efficiently. We may be able to determine what’s wrong just by examining your pet, or we may need to investigate further. Things like blood work, skin scrapings, cytology, and biopsies help us get the answers we need to move forward with a cure.

Some of the dermatological concerns we can provide assistance with include:

• Allergies (food and/or environmental)
• Infections (acute or chronic)
• Parasites
• Dermatitis
• Hormonal disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Tumors
• Skin cancer

Developing a Treatment Plan

To determine the best course of treatment, we will consider a number of unique factors. This allows us to develop a tailor-made approach just for your pet, designed to achieve the best possible results. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend something as simple as applying a topical cream. More complex conditions may call for a combination of treatment methods.

Allergies typically require a little more work to manage. Once we understand what’s causing your companion’s reactions, we’ll work toward a solution that will prevent outbreaks as much as possible. Some allergies can be controlled through lifestyle changes, such as switching food products. Others may require a longer-term approach. Our recommendations will be based on your pet’s specific needs.

Signs of a potential skin problem include:

• Excessive scratching
• Scabbing or flaking of the skin
• Hot spots
• Shedding more than usual
• Biting, chewing or licking at the affected area
• Bumps or lumps on or under the skin
• Areas of hair loss
• Shaking head, scratching ears
• Odor from ears or skin

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Give the professionals at Animal Hospital of Mt. Pocono a call or text at 570-839-8116. We can help your loved one enjoy a more comfortable life.