Real Relief, Not Quick Fixes
If your pet is scratching, licking, biting, or losing hair, you’re not alone — skin and allergy issues are some of the most common reasons pets visit us, especially here in Southern California, where allergens stick around year-round.
At Rialto Animal Hospital, we take a long-term, root-cause approach to allergy and dermatology care for dogs and cats. Instead of just calming the itch, we work to identify why your pet is uncomfortable — and build a plan that gives them lasting relief.
Common Signs of Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs and Cats
Skin and allergy issues can show up in lots of different ways. Watch for:
- Persistent scratching, biting, or licking
- Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
- Hair loss or thinning coat
- Bumps, sores, or hot spots
- Recurring ear infections or head shaking
- Dark, thickened, or “elephant skin” patches
- A distinct yeasty or musty smell
- Excessive paw licking
- Scooting or rubbing the face on furniture
If any of these sound familiar, your pet probably isn’t going to outgrow them. Skin issues almost always have an underlying cause — and the longer they go untreated, the harder they can be to manage.
Common Causes
Skin and allergy problems can stem from a lot of different sources, including:
- Environmental allergies (grass, pollen, dust mites, mold)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Flea allergy dermatitis — even a single flea bite can cause severe reactions in sensitive pets
- Bacterial or yeast infections (often secondary to another issue)
- Ear infections (frequently tied to broader skin or allergy issues)
- Mites, mange, and other parasites
- Hormonal or thyroid conditions
Because many of these conditions look similar from the outside, accurate diagnosis is key. We use a combination of physical exams, skin testing, cytology, and (when needed) blood work or food trials to pinpoint what’s going on.
How We Build a Treatment Plan
Every pet’s skin and allergy situation is different, so we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Depending on what we find, your pet’s plan might include:
- Targeted medications to control inflammation, itching, or infection
- Modern allergy therapies like Apoquel, Cytopoint, and Atopica that go beyond traditional steroids
- Medicated shampoos and topical treatments
- Ear care protocols to break the cycle of recurring infections
- Diet trials to identify food sensitivities
- Parasite prevention as a foundation for all skin care
- Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health from the inside out
- Long-term management strategies for chronic conditions
We’ll walk you through every recommendation and what to expect, and we’ll adjust the plan as we learn what works best for your pet.
A Word on Chronic Cases
Some pets struggle with allergies and skin issues their whole lives — and managing chronic conditions takes patience, partnership, and ongoing tweaks. We’re here for the long haul. If your pet has been dealing with skin problems for years (or you’ve already tried “everything”), we’d love a chance to take a fresh look and see what we can do together.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dermatology Exam
If your pet is itchy, uncomfortable, or dealing with recurring skin issues, give us a call at (909) 875-6161 or request an appointment online. Relief is possible — and your pet deserves it.