From hot spots and hair loss to chronic allergies, we diagnose and treat skin problems in dogs, cats and small pets — with a clear plan you understand and a price you know upfront.
Skin problems are the most common reason pets come to see us. They’re uncomfortable for your pet, frustrating for you, and rarely fix themselves — but the good news is that most cases respond quickly to the right treatment, once we’ve identified the cause.
Common skin problems we treat
Skin disease is rarely just one thing. Itching, hair loss and infections often have multiple overlapping causes — allergies on top of fleas on top of bacterial overgrowth. Our job is to work through the layers methodically rather than reaching for the same antibiotic or steroid every time.
Allergies (atopic dermatitis)
Allergies are the most common cause of chronic itching in dogs, particularly in breeds like Labradors, French Bulldogs, Westies and Golden Retrievers. Pets can be allergic to environmental triggers (pollen, dust mites, grass), food ingredients, or flea saliva — and many pets have multiple allergies that flare up at different times of year. Modern treatments like Apoquel, Cytopoint and immunotherapy give us excellent options well beyond the old reach for steroids.
Bacterial & yeast infections
Once the skin barrier is compromised — usually by allergies, moisture or trauma — bacteria and yeast move in and make everything worse. We use in-house cytology (microscopic skin sampling) to confirm exactly what we’re dealing with before prescribing, rather than guessing.
Parasites
Fleas, mites and lice still cause a huge proportion of skin problems we see — and many owners genuinely believe their pet is parasite-free when they aren’t. A flea allergy can cause severe itching from just one bite. We’ll always check thoroughly and recommend prevention that actually works.
Hot spots & acute moist dermatitis
That sudden, weeping, painful patch that appeared overnight — usually on the face, neck or hindquarters. Common in thick-coated breeds, particularly in summer. These need prompt cleaning, clipping and topical or systemic treatment to stop them spreading.
Lumps, bumps & skin growths
Most lumps are benign, but some aren’t — and you can’t tell by looking. We use fine-needle aspiration to sample suspicious lumps and provide a diagnosis quickly. Early identification matters, particularly for older pets.
When to bring your pet in promptly
- Sudden severe itching or self-trauma your pet won’t leave alone
- A rapidly growing or bleeding lump
- Skin that’s hot, swollen, or has a foul odour
- Open wounds, ulceration or weeping sores
- Hair loss accompanied by lethargy, weight change or excessive thirst
- Itching that’s keeping your pet (or you) awake at night
How we diagnose skin problems
Skin disease is one of the few areas where corner-cutting really shows. A 5-minute “here’s some antibiotics” appointment may settle the problem temporarily, but if we don’t identify the underlying driver, you’ll be back six weeks later. Our approach combines a thorough history, a proper physical examination, and in-house diagnostics where appropriate.
In-house cytology
Microscopic examination of skin samples to identify bacteria, yeast and inflammatory cells — results within minutes.
Skin scrapes & trichograms
To rule out mites and check hair follicle health, particularly in cases of patchy hair loss.
Allergy investigation
Structured elimination diets, blood testing or referral for intradermal allergy testing where appropriate.
Bacterial culture
For resistant or recurrent infections, we send samples to an external lab for culture and sensitivity.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended Consultation (complex / chronic cases) | £60 |
| In-house skin cytology | £25 |
| Skin scrape / trichogram | £25 |
| Allergy blood testing | POA |
Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off ongoing care. For chronic skin conditions requiring regular medication, this can save hundreds per year.
Allergies are ongoing — your costs shouldn’t spiral
If your pet has chronic skin problems, the bills add up fast. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications, plus year-round flea cover — one of the most common hidden drivers of skin disease.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog keep getting the same skin infection?
Recurring infections almost always have an underlying cause — usually allergies, parasites, hormonal disease or anatomical predisposition. Treating the infection without addressing the cause is why it keeps coming back. We’ll work through this with you systematically.
Could my pet’s food be causing the itching?
Possibly — food allergies make up roughly 10–20% of allergic skin disease in pets. The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is a strict 6–8 week elimination diet using a hydrolysed or novel-protein food. We’ll guide you through it.
Will my pet need to be on medication for life?
For environmental allergies (atopy), treatment is usually long-term but it doesn’t have to be costly steroids. Modern medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint, alongside immunotherapy, give us much better long-term options with fewer side effects.
How long until I see improvement?
For acute infections, you’ll usually see significant improvement within 7–10 days. Chronic allergic disease takes longer to stabilise — typically 4–6 weeks with the right plan.
Should I shampoo my pet?
Often yes — medicated shampoos are a hugely underused part of skin treatment. We’ll recommend specific products based on what’s actually wrong, rather than generic supermarket shampoos.
What about CBD or natural remedies?
We’re happy to discuss complementary approaches, but evidence-based veterinary medicine should always come first — particularly for infected or open skin. Get a diagnosis first, then we can talk about the wider picture.
Get your pet’s skin sorted
Same-week appointments. In-house diagnostics. A clear plan, not a guess.