Allergies & Dermatology

Skin problems and allergies are among the most common medical issues in pets — and they can make life miserable for your furry family members. Dr. Wilson has advanced training in skin disease management. She regularly attends the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology conferences and is a member of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Dermatologists.

Allergies can be caused by a wide variety of triggers including food, environmental substances, parasites, and bacterial or fungal infections. Because symptoms often overlap, proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Signs Your Pet May Need Have Skin Issues That Need Vet Care:

• Constant scratching or licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Hair loss or bald spots
• Scaly or flaky skin
• Odour from skin or ears
• Recurrent ear infections
• Chewing at paws or tail

These symptoms may worsen seasonally or remain year-round depending on the underlying cause.

Our Diagnostic Approach

We use multiple diagnostic methods to determine the root cause of your pet’s symptoms:

• Skin scrapings
• Cytology
• Food elimination trials
• Parasite screening
• Bacterial and fungal cultures

This comprehensive approach ensures your pet receives the right treatment the first time.

Customized Treatment Plans

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Anti-itch medications
• Medicated shampoos or topical therapies
• Oral antibiotics or antifungal medications
• Supplements for skin health
• Allergy injections (immunotherapy)
• Specialized diets
• Parasite prevention

Because allergies often require long-term management, we work closely with you to adjust treatments, monitor flare-ups, and create strategies that improve comfort and quality of life.

Ongoing Support for Pets with Chronic Allergies

Some pets require seasonal care, while others need year-round management. We help families understand triggers, prevent secondary infections, and maintain healthy skin and coats through consistent follow-up.

Schedule a Dermatology Appointment

Your pet doesn’t have to live with itching or skin irritation.

Call Parkland Veterinary Hospital today to schedule an allergy and dermatology consultation.