Healthcare services
Dermatology & Skin Conditions
Diagnosing and managing skin, coat, ear, and nail conditions in dogs and cats — from allergies and infections to chronic inflammatory disease.
Skin problems are more common than you think
Skin conditions are among the most frequently seen problems in veterinary practice. Itching, redness, hair loss, recurring ear infections, and hot spots can all significantly affect your pet's quality of life — and many owners are surprised to learn how treatable these conditions are with the right diagnosis.
At Vets in Frankston, we take a thorough, methodical approach to skin disease. Rather than simply treating symptoms, we work to identify the underlying cause — whether that's an allergy, infection, parasite, or immune-mediated condition — so we can provide lasting relief for your pet.
Signs your pet may need a skin check
Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin
Hair loss or thinning coat in patches
Red, inflamed, or thickened skin
Recurring ear infections or head shaking
Unpleasant skin or ear odour
Crusty, scaly, or flaky skin
Sores, hot spots, or weeping lesions
Paw licking or face rubbing on furniture
Conditions we treat
Allergic skin disease (atopy)
Environmental allergens such as grass, pollen, dust mites, and mould can trigger chronic itching, paw licking, and skin inflammation in dogs and cats.
Food allergies & intolerances
Adverse reactions to dietary proteins can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal signs, and recurrent ear infections. Diagnosis involves a strict elimination diet trial.
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
Even a single flea bite can trigger an intense allergic reaction in sensitive pets. FAD is one of the most common causes of itching and skin disease in Australia.
Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma)
Secondary bacterial infections often develop alongside other skin conditions, causing pustules, crusting, and an unpleasant odour. Treatment involves targeted antibiotics.
Fungal infections (ringworm, Malassezia)
Fungal organisms can cause hair loss, scaling, and greasy skin. Malassezia yeast is a common cause of ear infections and skin fold dermatitis.
Mange (Sarcoptic & Demodectic)
Mite infestations cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin thickening. Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious; demodectic mange is linked to immune function.
Ear disease (otitis)
Recurring ear infections are often a sign of underlying allergy or anatomical predisposition. We investigate the root cause rather than just treating each flare-up.
Seborrhoea & scaling disorders
Abnormal skin cell turnover can cause excessive dandruff, greasiness, or scaling. These conditions may be primary (genetic) or secondary to another disease.
Autoimmune skin disease
Conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus cause the immune system to attack the skin, resulting in crusting, ulceration, and hair loss — often around the face and ears.
Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
Rapidly developing areas of moist, inflamed skin caused by self-trauma. Common in thick-coated breeds, especially in warm weather.
Our diagnostic approach
Detailed history
We start by understanding when the problem began, what makes it better or worse, your pet's diet, parasite prevention, and any previous treatments.
Full skin examination
A thorough physical examination of the skin, coat, ears, paws, and nails to characterise the lesions and identify distribution patterns.
In-house diagnostics
Skin scrapes, cytology, fungal cultures, and ear swabs can be performed in-clinic to quickly identify infections, mites, and yeast.
Allergy investigation
Where allergy is suspected, we guide you through elimination diet trials and discuss intradermal or serum allergy testing options.
Tailored treatment plan
Treatment is tailored to the diagnosis — this may include medicated shampoos, topical treatments, oral medications, or long-term allergy management.
Follow-up & monitoring
Skin conditions often require ongoing management. We schedule follow-up appointments to assess response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed.
Common questions
Book a skin consultation
If your pet is scratching, losing fur, or has recurring skin or ear problems, we're here to help. Book online or give us a call.