Greencross Vets Skin and ear issues are some of the most common pet health issues, and they can also be among the most frustrating for both pets and their owners. If your dog or cat is scratching more than usual, licking constantly or battling recurring infections, there’s a good chance they will benefit from specialist care. At Greencross Vets, our veterinary dermatology services can help diagnose and manage even the most complex and severe skin conditions, with compassion and clinical precision.
Is your pet struggling with allergies, ear infections or persistent rashes? Our team of veterinary dermatology specialists are here to help with personalised treatment plans and testing in our modern facilities. We are committed to restoring your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Common skin and ear conditions in pets
Skin and ear diseases in pets can have a range of causes, from parasites and infections to allergies and autoimmune disorders. If left untreated, these conditions can result in chronic pain, behavioural changes, a lower quality of life or worse.
Some of the most common conditions we see at our dermatology veterinary clinic include:
Allergies
Many pets suffer from environmental allergies (e.g. dust mites, grasses or pollen), food sensitivities and contact allergies (e.g. cleaning products or grasses). These allergies often cause symptoms such as intense itching, inflammation, dry, flaky skin and can lead to other skin diseases and infections.
Infections
Bacterial, fungal and yeast infections are common in cats and dogs, especially in areas of their body that have friction / less airflow, like skin folds, armpits, paws, groin area and ears. Ringworm and malassezia dermatitis are fungal conditions that can cause visible irritation, hair loss, dry skin and sometimes, discoloured skin or unpleasant smells.
Parasitic infestations
Fleas and mites can wreak havoc on your pet’s skin. Some pets can even develop flea allergy dermatitis, which causes a severe reaction to flea saliva. Mange, caused by microscopic, sarcoptes mites, is another itchy and highly contagious skin disease that demands urgent, targeted treatment. Demodex mites can cause thickened skin, hairloss and irritation.
Chronic conditions
Some pets suffer from lifelong skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, seborrhoea and autoimmune skin diseases like pemphigus. All of these require ongoing care from an experienced animal dermatology specialist.
Ear diseases
Recurring ear infections are a common reason owners seek help from a veterinary dermatologist. Otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear canal) is commonly linked to underlying allergies or chronic skin disorders and can cause discomfort, pain, head shaking, malodour and hearing loss.
Signs your pet may need dermatological care
Not all skin or ear problems will need a referral to a specialist. But if your pet’s symptoms continue or worsen despite treatment, they will generally benefit from seeing a veterinary dermatologist. Below are some signs that your pet might need an appointment at our dermatology animal clinic:
- Ongoing scratching, licking or chewing.
- Skin redness or rashes, or ongoing inflammation.
- Bald patches or hair loss.
- Scabs, scaling or crusty skin.
- Repeated ear infections or signs of discomfort (e.g. shaking their head or pawing at their ears).
- Unusual odours coming from the skin or ears.
- Skin that appears thickened or discoloured, or is sensitive to your touch.
Chronic or unexplained skin symptoms are not only uncomfortable for your pet, but can also indicate underlying issues like hormonal, metabolic, or auto-immune diseases or allergies.
Our dermatology services
Greencross Vets offers a wide range of services, allowing our specialists to address a variety of dog and cat skin problems.
We approach every patient with individualised high-quality veterinary care, as well as ongoing education and support for owners.
Full-body examinations
Your veterinarian will take a full history, perform a thorough head to tail examination and take note of any patterns of recurrence. This information helps us to build a complete picture of your pet’s dermatological health.
Diagnostic tests
Having the correct diagnosis is the only way to make treatment successful. Depending on the case, your pet might need:
- Oral or topical antibiotics, antifungals, parasiticides or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Allergy specific medication/therapies such as cytopoint, zenrelia or apoquel.
- Specific supplements or treatments to manage other systemic diseases (such as hormonal or metabolic), that caused the skin issue.
- Medicated shampoos and conditioners to help control symptoms.
- Changes to their diet to help manage any food allergies or intolerances.
- Environmental changes and/or desensitisation vaccines (immunotherapy) to help manage environmental allergies.
Treatment plans specific to your pet
We create individual treatment plans based on your pet’s condition and lifestyle, as well as their response to therapy. This might include things like:
- Oral or topical antibiotics, antifungals or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Medicated shampoos and conditioners to help control symptoms.
- Changes to their diet to get on top of food allergies or intolerances.
- Environmental changes to reduce their exposure to allergens.
For pets with allergies, we can also recommend immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation) to retrain the immune system to tolerate certain allergens.
Expert dermatology care
Through our collaboration with Dermatology for Animals, part of the AREN Network, we can refer you to veterinary dermatology specialists for complex or non-responsive cases. Having a partnership like this means we can guarantee that your pet will have access to the best animal dermatology specialists and cutting-edge treatments when they need them most.
When to consult a veterinary dermatologist
When should you go beyond your general vet and seek help from a veterinary dermatologist? If your pet’s condition is:
- Chronic: Symptoms keep returning, even after treatment.
- Complex: Involving multiple systems (e.g. skin, ears, nails).
- Unresponsive: Not improving with regular medication.
- Worsening: Causing pain, distress or behavioural changes.
Visiting a dermatology veterinary clinic means you can get the advanced diagnostics and treatment options needed to get to the root of stubborn skin issues.
Still unsure? Learn more about skin cancer in pets and allergic dermatitis in pets.
Book an appointment
Ready to address your pet’s skin or ear concerns? Find your nearest Greencross Vets clinic to book an appointment with our veterinary dermatology team and help your pet become happier and healthier.
