Dermatology Services

Your pet’s skin is precious and in order for them to maintain their healthy glow, you will have to invest in their skin care routine. Our veterinary dermatologists can also pinpoint issues in their nails, hair, skin and fur to treat them accordingly. These conditions can be the result of allergies or underlying medical conditions and can be furiously irritating for your pet, often leading to discomfort or thin patches due to excessive scratching. For most ailments there’s a variety of solutions to accommodate your pet’s preferences. All you need to do is make an appointment to address your concerns and together we can discuss your pet’s health. Call us at 403-982-8387 to learn more.

How do I know if my dog is experiencing skin problems?

The first sign of trouble is an unusual amount of licking and itching. These are usually easy indicators of a skin problem and its location. Skin problems can look like:

• Blisters or sores
• Shedding
• Awkward movements to avoid touching the aggravated spot
• Discoloration
• Rashes
• Scaly skin
• Red spots
• Raw exposed skin

If any of the above are noticed, it’s important to make an appointment with us as soon as you can to discourage worsening of the condition.

What is the cause of my pet’s skin problem?

There are a variety of causes that could be irritating your pet’s skin. Some medical conditions are triggered by:


• Environmental allergies: Your pet may have come into contact with poison ivy, pollen or a bite. Be aware of the places they’ve been and familiarize yourself with the greenery in your neighbourhood.
• Home based allergies: Your pet could have reactions to food, chemicals, and even cigarette smoke. Monitor their response to new products brought into your home.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange (scabies) and tapeworms can lead to aggressive itching and licking. Some parasites can spread so medical treatments should follow a strict schedule to effectively remove them.
• Yeast infections: This will often occur in moist places, like their paws and ears, where bacteria can easily build up. It may cause their fur or skin to be smelly and oily.
• Bacterial infection: Impetigo (common in puppies) or folliculitis occur due to the increase of bacteria in or on your pet’s skin. It can produce skin abnormalities (bumps, scabs, blisters) that can be painful and scaly.
• A lot of licking: Hot spots and acral lick dermatitis can be the result of excessive licking. Upon examination, they may reveal underlying medical conditions.

When we are able to detect the underlying medical issue, we can alleviate them through medical baths/sprays, topical ointments or pills that taste like treats.