Veterinary Dermatology & Allergies at Sploot Vets
Expert pet dermatology for cat & dog skin issues–infections, allergies, itching & more!
Is your pet scratching frequently, losing fur, or showing other concerning cat or dog skin issues? Our veterinary dermatology services help your dog or cat get itch-free, healthy skin!
What Is Veterinary Dermatology & Allergies
Sploot’s veterinary dermatology, available in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago, addresses a variety of cat and dog skin issues, from skin infections to allergies and lumps. Pet dermatology is part of the all-in-one care we offer, along with primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services.
WHY SPLOOT
Why Choose Pet Dermatology at Sploot
Experienced Veterinarians
Our team is trained to recognize and treat a wide range of coat and skin issues, such as skin infections and allergies in dogs and cats. We deliver top-tier care and support your pet’s long-term wellness.
Rooted in Precise Veterinary Diagnostics
From skin cytology to allergy testing, we focus on evidence-based diagnostics. We pinpoint the underlying cause of common skin-related symptoms such as itching, hair loss, inflammation, etc.
Access to Vet Dermatology Specialists
When advanced support is needed, we collaborate with trusted veterinary dermatology specialists to ensure your pet receives the best expertise and continuity of care.
No issue is too big or too small. Let us restore your pet’s skin health with top-tier care!
Dog & Cat Skin Issues We Address
Itching is a common symptom we see. Our experienced teams in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago use any needed pet diagnostics to uncover the cause of itching (e.g., allergies, skin infections, ectoparasites) and offers targeted treatment plans for lasting itch relief in dogs and cats..
Hair loss in dogs and cats (also called alopecia) is rarely skin deep. It can be a symptom of deeper issues, from hormonal imbalances to food allergies in dogs and cats. We investigate the root cause to help restore your pet’s health from within.
Dermatitis in dogs and cats can show up as redness, swelling, or flakiness. It can be caused by constant scratching, contact with irritants, or skin infections. We create tailored treatment plans to soothe inflammation and prevent recurrence.
Bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections can cause itching, odor, and discomfort. Our diagnostic tools (e.g., skin biopsies, cytology, cultures) help us quickly identify the root cause of your pet’s skin infection and treat it effectively.
External parasites like fleas, mites and ticks not only irritate the skin but can also transmit disease. We offer fast relief for your pet and preventive care recommendations to keep your pet parasite-free.
Pet allergies often show up as chronic itching, ear issues, or skin infections. They can be due to environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, fleas) or food allergies in dogs and cats. We work to identify triggers and build an effective long-term care plan for your pet.
While some lumps are benign, all bumps require testing to rule out infection, cysts, or cancerous tumors. We offer in-house diagnostics and collaborate with board-certified pathologists in addition to surgical skin lump removal to bring peace of mind for you and relief for your furry friend.
Unsure about your pet’s skin issue? Bring them to us & we’ll take care of the rest!
WHAT TO EXPECT SECTION
What to Expect: Pet Dermatology in Denver, Colorado Springs, & Chicago
1. Clinical Evaluation for Dog & Cat Skin Issues
For all dog and cat skin issues, we start with a clinical evaluation or physical exam. In cases where the symptoms point to a definite cause, this step is enough to determine the best treatment for your dog or cat.
2. Pet Diagnostics for Skin Problems
When symptoms are overlapping or indefinite, guesswork is not an option. Our vets may recommend diagnostics to accurately determine the root cause of your dog’s or cat’s skin issues.
Pet diagnostics for skin-related problems can include:
- Bloodwork – to rule out systemic issues which can contribute to skin problems (e.g, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease)
- Skin scraping, cytology or biopsies – for intense itching and hair loss
- Wood’s Lamp exam and PCR testing – for suspected ringworm infections
- Bacterial or fungal cultures – for determining the cause of skin infections and direct specific therapies
3. Testing for Allergies in Dogs & Cats
Because allergies in dogs and cats are so common, we may discuss allergy testing for your pet, especially if the itching, dermatitis, and recurrent ear infections cannot be tied to any other cause or empirical therapy is not improving these signs.
Allergy testing in dogs and cats comes in two forms:
- Intradermal skin testing – typically recommended when the suspected allergy may be seasonal or environmental. This test involves the injection of small amounts of common allergens on a patch of skin to observe the reactions in a controlled setting.
- Food trials – typically recommended when cat or dog food allergies are suspected. This test can last 6 to 8 weeks, with a series of strict dietary recommendations to deduce the food allergen involved by a process of elimination.
4. Treatment for Cat & Dog Skin Issues
You can count on our veterinarians in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago to provide your pet with the personalized treatment plan that works best for their case. This can include:
Allergy testing in dogs and cats comes in two forms:
- Oral medication – used to manage inflammation, itching, and widespread bacterial or fungal infections.
- Topical treatments – can include creams, sprays, or ointments to soothe irritation or a localized skin infection.
- Medicated baths – can be recommended for treating mites or severe fungal infections. These can also be supportive treatment for itching and contact allergies.
- Prescribed shampoos – veterinary-grade formulations can help soothe inflammation or widespread bacterial or fungal skin infections.
- Anti-tick or anti-flea prescriptions – oral medications or topical spot-on treatments that eliminate existing flea or tick infestations and provide preventive protection.
- Allergy treatments – oral antihistamines, apoquel chews or cytopoint injections (for dogs only), and prescription diets can be recommended, depending on your pet’s case.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common pet skin issues include itching, hair loss, infections, hot spots, allergies, and lumps. These symptoms may be caused by parasites, food or environmental allergies, hormonal imbalances, or bacterial/fungal infections. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment.
Persistent itching often signals allergies in dogs and cats, skin parasites, dermatitis, or skin infections. A veterinary exam with diagnostics, like skin cytology or allergy testing,
can help identify the exact cause and guide effective treatment.
Yes. Dogs and cats with food allergies may develop chronic itching, ear infections, and skin inflammation. A structured food trial is often used to pinpoint the specific allergen.
At Sploot, wWe offer intradermal skin testing for environmental allergens and structured food trials to identify dietary sensitivities. These tests help us create personalized allergy management plans for your pet.
At Sploot, we offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing allergies and skin conditions with both in-house testing and specialized reference lab services:
- Structured Food Trials – The most reliable way to determine dietary sensitivities or food allergies.
- Cytology – Our veterinarians can make slides from aspirates or impression smears and review them under our in-house microscopes for same-day results.
- Skin Scrapes – Performed in-house to diagnose mites and other external parasites.
- Pathology & Cultures – For more complex cases, we send samples to a board-certified pathologist or IDEXX reference lab for cytology review, bacterial cultures, or fungal cultures.
This approach allows Sploot to provide fast initial answers in-house and expert confirmation from specialists when needed, ensuring your pet gets the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Skin infections may be treated with oral antibiotics or antifungals, topical creams or sprays, medicated shampoos, and supportive care. We use diagnostics like cytology or cultures to choose the right treatment.
Yes! Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, weeds, or mold. Common signs include:
- Itchy skin or paws
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Watery eyes or sneezing
- Ear infections
If your pet’s symptoms flare up in spring or fall, seasonal allergies may be the cause. Our team can perform diagnostic testing and create a personalized allergy management plan to keep your pet comfortable.
Help your pet find lasting relief from itchy, inflamed, or infected skin today!
When it comes to cat and dog skin issues, our team is here to provide an accurate diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan to help your pet look and feel their best!
Book a consult today or ask us about our veterinary dermatology services!
