​​Dog Dermatology in Athens, AL

Skin disease is, without question, one of the most common things we see — and honestly, one of the trickiest. A dog that won't stop scratching, chewing at their feet, or breaking out in hot spots can be miserable, and the cause is rarely as simple as it looks. Allergies, infections, mites, and hormonal disease can all look alike on the surface, and they often show up together.

We see a lot of itchy dogs in Athens. Environmental allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, food reactions, secondary bacterial and yeast infections — these cases take a real diagnostic workup, not just a guess and a steroid shot. We'll do in-office cytology to identify infections, fine needle aspirates on lumps we're not sure about, and when a case calls for it, we refer to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist for intradermal skin testing and immunotherapy.

If your dog has a lump that's been there more than a month, ears that won't clear up, or skin that keeps cycling through infections — don't sit on it. These things don't tend to resolve on their own.

We're happy to talk through what's going on with your dog before you even come in. Give us a call or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Skin Issues

Dog dermatology is a wide-ranging and common subject of patients in veterinary hospitals. It is so common that there are, in fact, veterinary dermatologists that we will refer to for specialized testing and procedures. We commonly see itchy dogs (from allergies and fleas), lumps, bumps, and hair loss. All can have multi-factorial causes and can be frustrating to diagnose and treat.

What skin conditions can dogs get?

Dogs can develop a wide variety of skin issues, including:

• Allergies (environmental, food, flea bite, or contact-related)
• Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites (which cause mange)
• Dry or flaky skin
• Endocrine skin disorders (from thyroid or adrenal issues)
• Skin tumors or cysts
• Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or pemphigus)

What are the signs that my dog has a skin condition that needs attention?

Watch for:

• Itching or excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
• Redness, bumps, or scabs
• Hair loss or thinning fur
• Odor coming from the skin or ears
• Flakes, dryness, or thickened patches
• Open sores or “hot spots”
• Behavioral changes (restlessness, irritability)

How do I find a dog dermatologist?

General practitioners (in Alabama especially) see a lot of skin disease. If there is a need and interest, we will refer to a dermatologist (who is boarded in the specialty). Certain difficult ear conditions also have the option of referral.

Are certain dog breeds more at risk to develop skin conditions?

Yes, there can be breed predispositions for skin conditions, such as Golden Retreivers and poodles being very prone to allergies, and Boxers having a higher incidence of skin tumor development. There can also be specific skin conditions that are breed specific, such as perianal fistulas in German Shepherds and zinc-responsive dermatosis affecting Huskies.

What can my dog’s fur or coat tell me about their skin health?

A dull, greasy, patchy, or flaky coat often signals an underlying skin or internal problem—like allergies, infection, poor nutrition, or endocrine disease. Healthy coats are usually shiny, clean, and smooth. A change in coat quality, color, or texture can also indicate skin diseases.

What are the symptoms and treatments for mange in dogs?

Mange is caused by microscopic mites. Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is extremely itchy, contagious, and causes hair loss and crusty skin. Demodectic mange usually affects puppies or immune-compromised adults and causes patchy hair loss and redness. Luckily, the newer class of flea and tick medications, the isoxazolines, have a lot of efficacy against most mites.

How do I know if my dog has a bacterial or fungal skin infection?

Often bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) will have red, swollen skin with pustules or oozing spots. Fungal infections (yeast) may have a greasy coat, musty odor and dark crusting or coloration often in ears or skin folds. Unfortunately mixed infections are common. A simple in office test can help distinguish the two, generally with a cytology (a sample of skin cells we will look at under the microscope.)

I noticed a lump under my dog’s skin. What should I do?

Never ignore a lump. If your mass is the size of a pea and has been there more than a month, have your vet examine and possibly biopsy it. Usually, we will start with a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which utilizes a needle to get a sample from the lump. Lumps can be benign (like fatty tumors) or malignant (like skin cancer). Early evaluation is key.

How do I know if allergies are the source of my dog’s itchy skin?

If itching occurs seasonally, after food changes, or without visible pests, allergies are likely. Often, seasonal allergies affect feet and belly. Food allergies can affect ears and anal glands (causing scooting.) It is generally hard to “prove” allergies, although we will recommend a trial of a hydrolyzed protein diet if food allergies are suspected.

How can I treat my dog’s skin allergies at home?

Bathing with a vet-recommended hypoallergenic or medicated shampoo is a great way to help with allergies at home, as it helps to wash off the allergens affecting the skin and control bacterial or yeast populations. Veterinary formulated fish-oil supplements (omega-3s) can also help support the skin barrier. Manage environmental factors by reducing dust and dust mites by washing bedding and blankets. A good quality flea and tick control is key.

Can I get my dog allergy tested? What is the process like?

Yes, dogs can have intradermal skin tests (similar to human allergy testing) performed by a dermatologist. Similar to humans, a dog is injected with very small amounts of common allergens in a grid like pattern where the fur has been shaved. The resulting welt is measured to determine an allergy. This usually has to be done under sedation. The test results help identify specific allergens and guide treatment, such as formulating allergy shots. While there are blood tests that exist, they are notoriously inaccurate, especially for food allergy predictions.

Do I always need to go to the vet if my dog has a rash?

Mild, short-term rashes can often be managed at home with gentle bathing. If your dog is itching heavily, losing fur, oozing fluid, or seems uncomfortable, go to the vet. Skin problems can worsen quickly.

Can dog skin tags be removed?

Benign skin tags are common. They can be safely removed by your vet if they’re irritated, infected, or growing. We will often use electrocautery for this.

Are there any medications I can give my dog to help with skin problems?

Depending on the skin condition there are a number of medications that can be used to help your dogs skin. For allergies, we will use specific anti-itch medications, such as Apoquel, Zenrelia, and Cytopoint. Occasionally, we will reach for steroids, which are potent anti-inflammatories but have a lot of side effects. Some auto-immune conditions require steroids or other immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine. All of these medication provide management, but often require monitoring. Even the most well controlled dog will have some breakthrough, and require treatment of secondary infections with antibiotics or antifungals.

Where should I go to get guidance on food or shampoos for a dog with skin allergies or dry and sensitive skin?

Consult your vet or veterinary dermatologist for diet adjustments. Look for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets and sensitive-skin shampoos containing oatmeal or aloe. Avoid human shampoos, which disrupt canine skin pH. We are always happy to provide recommendations for shampoos!

What do I do if I see a tick on my dog’s skin?

Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out. We highly recommend a tick key to help removal and make sure the whole proboscis (mouth part) has been removed. Clean with antiseptic and monitor for redness or swelling. Bring the tick to your vet for identification if you’re unsure.

What can I do at home to prevent the development or progression of any skin problems for my dog?

Regular grooming and baths prevent matting that can lead to skin irritation and trauma. Keeping your dog on a high quality flea and tick preventative to help with flea allergies. A balanced diet rich in omega-3s can help support the skin barrier. Clean bedding and environment help reduce the number of pathogens in the environment. Finally, routine vet checkups, with labs, can help monitor for endocrine diseases that affect the skin.

What are the signs of skin cancer in dogs, and how is it treated?

• New or changing lumps
• Sores that don’t heal
• Pigmented or ulcerated spots
• Thickened skin or unusual growths

Often, the diagnosis of skin cancer is made with a biopsy or surgical removal of the lumps. Treatment may end with the surgical removal, or require chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the type of mass. Often, we require labwork and recommend staging (x-rays and ultrasound to look for cancer spread) prior to oncology consultation.

How often should I bathe my dog if they have a skin condition?

Generally every 2–4 weeks, but this varies depending on the type of shampoo and your vet’s instructions. Overbathing can dry the skin.

How can I prevent my dog from licking or scratching their skin excessively?

We highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian to rule out underlying conditions. Medications can help greatly, although sometimes licking is behavioral.

If you'd like to request an appointment for your dog, give us a call or request an appointment online!