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Soothing Relief for Cat and Dog Allergies in Sacramento, CA

A little scratching here and there is normal. Constant licking, chewing, shaking, or irritated skin is not. Skin problems can make pets uncomfortable for months before the underlying cause is fully identified, and many issues tend to worsen over time without treatment.

Broadway Veterinary Hospital provides care for cat and dog allergies and other skin problems with diagnostic testing, treatment planning, and long-term management tailored to your pet’s symptoms and lifestyle. Whether your pet is dealing with itchy skin, chronic ear infections, hair loss, or recurring flare-ups, our Sacramento team works to identify what is driving the problem instead of only treating the surface symptoms.

Give us a call at (916) 446-6154 or book an appointment online for a dermatological consultation.

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Beagle dog scratching himself in garden

Common Skin Problems We See in Dogs and Cats

Skin conditions can look different from pet to pet. Some animals develop severe itching, while others experience recurring infections, hair loss, or changes in skin texture and odor.

Common symptoms of allergies and skin disease include:

  • Persistent scratching or licking

  • Chronic ear infections

  • Red, inflamed, or thickened skin

  • Hair loss or thinning coat

  • Scabs, sores, or hot spots

  • Paw chewing

  • Excessive shedding

  • Skin odor

  • Flaky or greasy skin

  • Scooting or anal gland irritation

Some pets experience seasonal flare-ups, while others struggle with symptoms year-round.

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What Causes Skin Problems in Pets?

Skin disease is often more complex than it first appears. Allergies are one of the most common causes, but infections, parasites, hormonal disease, and environmental factors can all contribute to irritation and inflammation.

Potential causes may include:

  • Environmental allergies such as pollen, grass, dust, or mold

  • Food sensitivities to protein sources

  • Fleas and other parasites

  • Bacterial or yeast infections

  • Ear infections connected to underlying allergies

  • Hormonal conditions such as thyroid disease or Cushing’s disease

  • Skin mites

  • Contact irritation from shampoos, cleaners, or surfaces

Because many skin conditions overlap, diagnosing the root cause often requires a combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing.

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How We Diagnose and Treat Allergies and Skin Conditions

Our goal is to identify what is causing your pet’s symptoms and create a treatment plan that improves comfort while reducing future flare-ups.

Depending on your pet’s condition, diagnostic testing may include:

  • Skin or ear cytology to look for bacteria or yeast

  • Flea and parasite evaluation

  • Bloodwork to screen for underlying disease

  • Food elimination trials

  • Skin scrapings

  • Allergy testing

Treatment recommendations vary based on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Your pet’s care plan may include:

  • Prescription allergy medication

  • Medicated shampoos or wipes

  • Ear medication

  • Antibiotics or antifungal medication

  • Flea prevention

  • Dietary changes or prescription diets

  • Nutritional supplements

  • Referral coordination with a board-certified dermatologist when needed

cat sneezing while outside

What Long-Term Allergy Care Usually Looks Like

Most allergy conditions are managed, not permanently cured. The goal of long-term care is to reduce itching, prevent infections, improve skin health, and help your pet stay comfortable throughout the year.

Some pets only need seasonal treatment during certain times of the year, while others benefit from more consistent management. Follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor skin response, adjust medications, or address recurring ear or skin infections before they become more severe.

Long-term care often works best when treatment is practical for both the pet and the owner. We’ll help you build a plan that fits your routine and your pet’s needs as realistically as possible.

If your pet is itchy and uncomfortable, call us at (916) 446-6154 or schedule an appointment online.

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