If you’ve noticed your pet scratching more than usual, August is the perfect time to pay attention—Itchy Pet Awareness Month is a national reminder that skin issues in pets are common, often misunderstood, and sometimes overlooked. While it might seem like a seasonal nuisance, persistent itching can signal an underlying condition that requires more than just a quick fix. 

Allergic and atopic skin diseases are among the leading reasons pets are seen by veterinarians, and many cases go untreated or mismanaged without the right diagnosis. Consulting a veterinary dermatologist can make all the difference in your pet’s comfort and long-term health. 

“Allergic skin disease is on the rise in both humans and pets. This condition can be challenging as the condition is multi-factorial in nature. A veterinary dermatologist can help tailor a treatment that works specifically for your pet and their symptoms,” says Dr. Jay Korbelik, DACVD, MSc, BVSc. 

If your pet is struggling with itchy, red, or irritated skin, it may be time to seek out a veterinary dermatologist. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we partner with our sister hospital in Surrey, BC to provide care in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin-related conditions, including: 

• Environmental allergies 

• Food allergies 

• Chronic ear infections 

• Fungal and bacterial skin infections 

• Immune-mediated skin diseases 

• Parasitic skin conditions 

When Should You See a Veterinary Dermatologist?

It’s not always easy to tell when your pet needs to see a specialist. Here are four key reasons our dermatology team recommends booking a consultation: 

Your Pet’s Itching Is Affecting Their Quality of Life

Constant itching isn’t just frustrating—it can be debilitating. If your pet is frequently scratching, licking, or biting their skin, or if their discomfort is affecting their sleep or yours, it’s time to intervene. 

One of the most common causes is atopy, or environmental allergies, which range in severity depending on your pet’s sensitivities and exposures. Allergens may include pollens, mold spores, dust mites, or insects. Some pets are only mildly affected during allergy seasons, while others may struggle year-round. 

Veterinary dermatologists can conduct allergy testing and design a customized treatment plan to desensitize your pet to the triggers. This may involve immunotherapy, dietary changes, or targeted medications. 

Other possible causes of itching include parasites or infections, and our team will ensure the correct diagnosis before beginning treatment. 

Your Pet Has a Rash That Isn’t Improving

Skin inflammation or rashes can result from mild contact irritation, infections, or something more complex. If your pet has a persistent rash that doesn’t resolve—or seems to be getting worse—it may be time to consult a specialist. 

In rarer cases, an immune-mediated skin disease could be the cause. These conditions occur when a pet’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin. Common examples include Pemphigus foliaceus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. 

Diagnosing these diseases typically requires a skin biopsy, which our dermatology team can perform and evaluate to guide effective treatment. 

Your Pet Is Losing Fur

Alopecia, or hair loss, can have many causes—ranging from common skin allergies to rare congenital conditions—and finding the underlying reason can be complex. Veterinary dermatologists are trained to identify these causes and recommend targeted treatment options based on the pattern, severity, and associated clinical signs. 

In many cases, hair loss tied to allergic skin disease is accompanied by intense itching, redness, and inflammation. In contrast, pets with hormonal or metabolic disorders often experience hair loss without any itchiness. Conditions like Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, or sex hormone imbalances can lead to symmetrical hair thinning, dull coat quality, or changes in skin texture. 

Less commonly, congenital disorders such as colour dilution alopecia or black hair follicular dysplasia may cause gradual, non-itchy hair loss in younger animals, especially those with dilute or black coat colouring. These conditions are diagnosed through a skin biopsy, which is examined microscopically to evaluate the health of hair follicles and skin cells. Learn more in this AVMA case study on alopecia variants. 

One of the key benefits of visiting a specialty hospital like Boundary Bay is the collaborative care your pet can receive. Our dermatologists work closely with our internal medicine team to co-manage complex cases—especially when diagnostic tests point to underlying systemic illness. 

With the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, most pets experiencing hair loss can recover or manage their condition effectively. 

Your Pet Has Chronic or Recurrent Ear Infections

Ear infections in pets are often tied to underlying allergies. Other causes may include ear mites, tumours, or foreign material trapped in the ear canal. 

Common signs include: 

• Head shaking 

• Scratching at the ears 

• Discharge or odour 

• Sensitivity when touched 

• Hearing loss 

• In serious cases, loss of balance 

If your pet has ongoing ear infections that aren’t resolved with standard treatment, your vet may recommend referral to a veterinary dermatologist for deep ear flushing, imaging, or biopsy. In some cases, consultation with a surgical team may also be necessary. 

At Boundary Bay, our goal is to ensure nothing stands in the way of your pet’s comfort and health. If your family veterinarian recommends a dermatology consultation, we’re here to help. 

Don’t wait to get help for your itchy pet. Contact us to schedule a dermatology consultation today.