Itchy, irritated skin? Let's find out why.
Scratching, hair loss, hot spots, or recurring ear infections are your pet's way of telling you something's off. Our vets track the cause down — infection, allergy, parasite, or something else — and treat it, not just the symptom.
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More than a bad scratch.
Sploot's veterinary dermatology, available in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago, addresses a wide range of cat and dog skin issues — from infections to allergies to lumps. It's part of the all-in-one care we offer, alongside primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services.
Experienced veterinarians
Our team is trained to recognize and treat a wide range of coat and skin issues, from infections to allergies in dogs and cats, and to support your pet's long-term wellness.
Rooted in precise diagnostics
From skin cytology to allergy testing, we lean on evidence-based diagnostics to pinpoint the real cause behind itching, hair loss, and inflammation — not just treat around it.
Access to dermatology specialists
When a case needs more advanced support, we collaborate with trusted veterinary dermatology specialists so your pet gets expert care with no gap in continuity.
When it's more than a one-off itch.
A little scratching is normal. These are the signs it's worth a closer look.
No issue is too big or too small — bring your pet in and we'll take it from there.
Pet dermatology in Denver, Colorado Springs & Chicago, start to finish.
Skin issues get worked through in order — starting simple, going further only if the exam doesn't already point to an answer.
Clinical evaluation
For all dog and cat skin issues, we start with a clinical evaluation and physical exam. When the symptoms point to a clear cause, this step alone is enough to land on the right treatment.
Diagnostics for skin problems
When symptoms overlap or don't point anywhere obvious, guesswork isn't the plan — we run diagnostics to find the actual root cause. This can include:
- Bloodwork — to rule out systemic issues that can contribute to skin problems, like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. See our lab tests & diagnostics.
- Skin scraping, cytology, or biopsies — for intense itching and hair loss
- Wood's Lamp exam & PCR testing — for suspected ringworm infections
- Bacterial or fungal cultures — to identify the cause of a skin infection and target the right therapy
Testing for allergies
Allergies in dogs and cats are common, so we may discuss allergy testing, especially if itching, dermatitis, or recurrent ear infections can't be tied to another cause, or aren't improving with initial treatment. It comes in two forms:
- Intradermal skin testing — typically used when the suspected allergy is seasonal or environmental. Small amounts of common allergens are injected into a patch of skin to observe the reaction under controlled conditions.
- Food trials — typically used when a food allergy is suspected. This runs 6–8 weeks on a strict elimination diet to identify the allergen involved.
Treatment
Our vets build a personalized treatment plan for your pet's case. Depending on what's found, that can include:
- Oral medication — to manage inflammation, itching, or widespread bacterial or fungal infections
- Topical treatments — creams, sprays, or ointments for localized irritation or infection
- Medicated baths & prescribed shampoos — for mites, severe fungal infections, or as supportive care for itching and contact allergies
- Anti-flea & anti-tick prescriptions — oral or topical treatments that clear an active infestation and prevent the next one. See parasite prevention.
- Allergy treatments — oral antihistamines, Apoquel, Cytopoint injections (dogs), or a prescription diet, depending on your pet's case
10% off dermatology diagnostics & treatment.
Skin cases often mean a few visits — an exam, diagnostics, then treatment. SplootPack's 10% applies across all of it, plus what's already on the card.
- 10% off diagnostics, medication, and treatment for skin & allergy care
- 3 free exam visits a year
- 10% off bloodwork, vaccines, and everything else
Skin & allergy care, answered.
What are the most common skin issues in dogs and cats?
Common pet skin issues include itching, hair loss, infections, hot spots, allergies, and lumps. These symptoms can be caused by parasites, food or environmental allergies, hormonal imbalances, or bacterial and fungal infections. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment.
Why is my dog or cat itching so much?
Persistent itching often signals allergies, skin parasites, dermatitis, or a skin infection. A veterinary exam with diagnostics — like skin cytology or allergy testing — helps identify the exact cause and guide effective treatment.
Can food allergies cause skin problems in pets?
Yes. Dogs and cats with food allergies can develop chronic itching, ear infections, and skin inflammation. A structured food trial is often used to pinpoint the specific allergen.
What kind of allergy testing is available for pets?
We offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing allergies and skin conditions, combining in-house testing with specialized reference lab services when a case needs it:
- Structured food trials — the most reliable way to pin down a dietary sensitivity or food allergy
- Intradermal skin testing — for suspected seasonal or environmental allergens
- Cytology — slides from aspirates or impression smears, reviewed under our in-house microscopes for same-day results
- Skin scrapes — performed in-house to diagnose mites and other external parasites
- Pathology & cultures — for more complex cases, samples go to a board-certified pathologist or reference lab for cytology review, bacterial cultures, or fungal cultures
That combination means fast initial answers in-house, and expert confirmation from specialists when a case needs it.
How are pet skin infections treated?
Skin infections may be treated with oral antibiotics or antifungals, topical creams or sprays, medicated shampoos, and supportive care. We use diagnostics like cytology or cultures to choose the right treatment rather than guess.
Can pets get seasonal allergies?
Yes — just like people, dogs and cats can develop seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, weeds, or mold. Common signs include itchy skin or paws, excessive licking or scratching, watery eyes or sneezing, and ear infections. If your pet's symptoms flare up in spring or fall, seasonal allergies may be the cause — we can run diagnostic testing and build a personalized allergy management plan to keep your pet comfortable.
Help them find lasting relief.
Book a dermatology consult at any of our vet clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Chicago, open 8AM to 8PM, every day of the year.