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Allergies & Dermatology

Say goodbye to itching, redness, and skin issues with expert dermatology and allergy care for pets.

Allergies & Dermatology: Helping Your Pet Feel Comfortable in Their Skin
If your pet is constantly scratching, licking, or dealing with skin irritation, they may be suffering from allergies or a dermatological condition. These issues can be frustrating for pets and pet parents alike—but the good news is, there are safe and effective treatments available.

What Are Pet Allergies?

Allergies occur when your pet’s immune system overreacts to something in their environment, food, or parasites. Common triggers include:

  • Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass

  • Fleas or flea saliva

  • Food sensitivities, especially to proteins like chicken or beef

  • Contact irritants such as shampoos or cleaning products

These allergens can lead to symptoms that appear on the skin and coat or affect the ears, paws, and respiratory system.

Signs Your Pet May Have Allergies or a Skin Condition

  • Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing

  • Red, inflamed, or scaly skin

  • Hair loss or bald patches

  • Ear infections or head shaking

  • Frequent paw licking

  • Rashes or hot spots

  • Unusual odor

If these symptoms sound familiar, your pet may benefit from a dermatological exam.

What to Expect During a Dermatology Visit

At your appointment, your veterinarian will:

  1. Conduct a thorough skin and coat exam

  2. Ask about diet, environment, and symptom history

  3. Perform tests such as:

    • Skin scrapings

    • Cytology (microscopic analysis)

    • Ear swabs

    • Allergy testing (if needed)

Once the cause is identified, we’ll create a customized treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Prescription medications to relieve itching and inflammation (oral or injectable)

  • Topical treatments or medicated shampoos

  • Flea prevention (essential for flea allergy dermatitis)

  • Diet changes or elimination trials for suspected food allergies

  • Immunotherapy (allergy desensitization for long-term relief)

  • Ear treatments for infections or chronic inflammation

Our goal is not just short-term relief, but long-term comfort and healthy skin.

Chronic skin issues can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life. With proper care, many pets experience significant improvement, even full resolution of their skin and allergy concerns.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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Do Pets Get Allergies? True or False?

Did you know that pets can suffer from allergies just like humans? However, unlike humans who show symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, pets usually exhibit allergic reactions through their skin. This can lead to allergies in pets often being overlooked or misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.