Common Skin, Ear and Allergy Conditions in Dogs and Cats
We diagnose and manage a wide range of skin, ear, coat, nail and allergy conditions in dogs and cats, including chronic itching, recurrent infections, hair loss and allergic disease. Most skin, ear and allergy conditions are first assessed and managed by your primary care veterinarian. Many respond well to early treatment and do not require specialist involvement. When conditions are persistent, recurrent, or not responding as expected, referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be recommended. In these situations, we work in partnership with your veterinarian to support diagnosis and long-term management.
Some of the more common presentations and conditions we see are outlined below.
Select a condition to learn more.
Dogs
Cats
Other Animals
Common Symptoms
Dogs
Dog Allergies
(Environmental, Food & Flea Allergy)
Allergies are a leading cause of ongoing skin and ear disease in dogs, often resulting in itching, redness and recurrent infections. Common triggers include environmental allergens, food reactions and flea allergy, although other less common causes may also be involved. We investigate these causes to establish the diagnosis and guide effective, long-term management.
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Ear Disease in Dogs
(Otitis Externa & Ear Infections)
Ear disease in dogs commonly involves inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa) and may present with recurrent or persistent infections. This may be associated with allergies, parasites or foreign material. Signs include discharge, odour, discomfort or head shaking. We investigate these factors to support effective treatment and long-term control.
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Skin Infections in Dogs
(Bacterial & Yeast)
Skin infections in dogs commonly include bacterial infection (pyoderma) and yeast overgrowth (Malassezia dermatitis), often developing secondary to underlying disease such as allergy. These may present with redness, odour, crusting or irritation. We use diagnostic testing, including cytology, to guide targeted and effective treatment decisions.
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Hair Loss in Dogs
(Alopecia)
Hair loss in dogs can result from a range of conditions, including allergies, infections, parasites and hormonal disorders. It may occur with or without itching and is often associated with changes in skin or coat quality. We investigate the underlying cause to guide treatment, supporting coat regrowth and improved coat health.
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Parasites in Dogs
(Mites, Fleas & Other Ectoparasites)
Parasites such as mites and fleas can cause intense itching, inflammation, hair loss and secondary infection in dogs, and may closely resemble allergic skin disease. We perform targeted testing to accurately identify parasitic causes and guide effective treatment and long-term prevention strategies.
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Skin Lumps, Growths and Tumours in Dogs
Lumps and growths affecting the skin are common in dogs and can range from benign changes to more significant conditions. We assess these lesions and, where needed, perform diagnostic testing such as cytology or biopsy to guide appropriate management, including monitoring, medical treatment or surgical removal.
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Nail, Paw and Pad Conditions in Dogs
Conditions affecting the paws, pads and nails (pododermatitis) can cause discomfort, licking, changes in nail shape, fragility or recurrent infection. These changes are often associated with underlying allergy, infection or immune-mediated disease. We assess signs and investigate contributing factors to guide appropriate treatment.
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Cats
Cat Allergies
(Environmental, Food & Flea Allergy)
Allergic skin disease in cats can present in a variety of ways, including itching, skin lesions and changes in grooming behaviour. Common triggers include environmental allergens, food reactions and flea allergy, although other less common causes may also be involved. We investigate these causes to establish the diagnosis and guide effective, long-term management.
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Ear Disease in Cats
(Otitis Externa & Ear Infections)
Ear disease in cats commonly involves inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa) and may be associated with infection, parasites or underlying skin conditions. Signs may include scratching, head shaking, discharge or discomfort. We investigate these factors to support accurate diagnosis and effective long-term management.
Learn more →
Skin Infections in Cats
(Bacterial & Yeast)
Skin infections in cats commonly include bacterial infection and yeast overgrowth, often developing secondary to underlying disease such as allergy. These may present as crusting, sores, hair loss or ulceration of the skin, sometimes with subtle or localised signs. We use diagnostic testing, including cytology, to guide targeted and effective treatment decisions.
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Hair Loss in Cats
(Alopecia / Overgrooming)
Hair loss in cats commonly occurs due to overgrooming associated with underlying skin irritation or allergy, although other causes may also be involved. Changes may be subtle and difficult to detect, particularly in short-coated breeds. We investigate the underlying cause to guide treatment, supporting coat regrowth and improved coat health.
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Parasites in Cats
(Mites, Fleas & Other Ectoparasites)
Parasites such as mites and fleas can cause itching, inflammation, hair loss and skin lesions in cats, and may closely resemble allergic skin disease. We perform targeted testing to accurately identify parasitic causes and guide effective treatment and long-term prevention strategies.
Learn more →
Skin Lumps, Growths and Tumours in Cats
Skin lumps, growths and tumours are less common in cats but are more likely to be clinically significant, making early assessment important. We assess these lesions and, where needed, perform diagnostic testing such as cytology or biopsy to guide appropriate management, including monitoring, treatment or surgical removal.
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Nail, Paw and Pad Conditions in Cats
Conditions affecting the paws, pads and nails (pododermatitis) can cause discomfort, changes in nail shape, swelling or ulceration. These changes are often associated with infection, immune-mediated disease or other underlying conditions. We assess signs and investigate contributing factors to guide appropriate treatment.
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Other Animals
We provide dermatology services for a range of species beyond dogs and cats, including horses (equine) and selected exotic or zoo animals. Many of the same underlying skin, ear and allergy conditions seen in dogs and cats can also occur in other species, although their presentation and management may differ.
These cases are typically managed in collaboration with the referring veterinarian and may require tailored diagnostic approaches and specialised treatment planning.
Common Symptoms
Dermatology conditions often present with similar signs, even when the underlying cause is different. If your pet is showing these signs, the first step is to arrange an assessment with your primary care veterinarian. They can begin initial investigation and treatment, and determine whether further care or referral to our clinicians is needed.
Common signs we see include:
- Itching, scratching or rubbing (pruritus), including persistent licking or chewing
- Licking or chewing at paws, often associated with redness, irritation or brown staining of the fur (saliva staining)
- Changes to the nails, including brittleness, breakage, deformity or pain
- Recurrent ear problems (otitis), including discharge, odour or head shaking
- Hair loss or coat changes (alopecia), including thinning, patchy hair loss or poor coat quality
- Skin redness, odour, discharge or recurrent infections, including “hot spots” (acute moist dermatitis)
- Lumps or changes in the skin (masses or growths)
- Changes in skin colour or pigmentation, including darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
These signs may be caused by allergies, infections, parasites, hormonal conditions or other dermatological diseases.
Learn more about common symptoms, their possible causes, and the questions you may be asking:
Dogs
Why Conditions Often Occur Together
Skin and ear conditions often present as recurring or overlapping problems, with symptoms such as itching, infections and ear disease linked to a common underlying cause. Allergies are a frequent driver, contributing to inflammation, secondary infection and ongoing skin irritation. These cases are often initially managed in general practice, with referral considered where conditions are complex, recurrent, or not responding to treatment.
Treating individual symptoms in isolation may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying disease. Effective long-term management relies on identifying and managing the primary cause, which requires accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate treatment. Our approach combines targeted diagnostics with tailored treatment planning, which may involve:
These diagnostic and treatment pathways form the foundation of how we investigate and manage skin, ear and allergy conditions.
Take the Next Step for Your Pet’s Care
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