Pet dermatology & skin care for itchy dogs and cats in Surrey Hills NSW
Itchy skin, sore ears, rashes or hair loss are common—and very treatable. At Vets On Crown in Surry Hills, NSW, we find the cause quickly, start relief the same day, and set a simple plan to prevent flare-ups.
Last updated: 1 November, 2025
What causes itchy skin in dogs and cats?
Most cases come from one or more of the following:
- Fleas and flea-allergy dermatitis
- Environmental allergy (atopy: pollen, dust mites, mould)
- Food allergy/intolerance
- Bacterial or yeast infection (skin/ears)
- Mites (demodex/scabies), ringworm
- Hormonal or autoimmune skin disease
Signs of skin problems in pets (and when to see a vet)
| Signs you'll notice | Why act now |
|---|---|
| Constant scratching, paw-licking, and face rubbing | Prevents self-trauma and infection |
| Red, smelly, weeping patches or “hot spots” | Likely bacterial/yeast overgrowth |
| Head shaking, ear discharge or pain | Otitis needs targeted treatment |
| Patchy hair loss, dandruff or crusts | Parasites, ringworm or hormones |
| Seasonal flares or after park/daycare | Common in environmental allergy |
Skin tests we used to diagnose the itch
| Test | What it finds | When we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Skin/ear cytology | Yeast, bacteria, and inflammation | Any red/itchy, or smelly area |
| Skin scraping/trichogram | Demodex, scabies, hair issues | Hair loss, crusting, severe itch |
| Wood lamp/fungal culture | Ringworm | Patchy hair loss, multi-pet homes |
| Bacterial culture & sensitivity | Exact bug & best antibiotic | Recurrent/non-resolving infection |
| Allergy blood testing | Sensitisation profile | Planning long-term control |
| Blood/urine tests | Hormonal causes | When signs suggest endocrine disease |
Treatment for dog & cat skin allergies and ear infections
- Fast itch relief (e.g. oclacitinib/Cytopoint; short steroid taper if appropriate)
- Targeted antibiotics/antifungals guided by cytology/culture
- Medicated washes/wipes with clear contact times
- Strict, year-round flea control for every pet in the home
- 8–12 week elimination diet to confirm/deny food allergy
- Environmental allergy control (home tweaks ± immunotherapy)
- Ear cleaning and drops matched to cytology
How a skin appointment works (step-by-step)
- Nurse history (diet, seasonality, home care)
- Vet exam of skin and ears
- Same-day point-of-care tests (cytology/scrapings)
- Relief plan started (anti-itch + infection control)
- Long-term plan (flea strategy, diet trial, allergy control)
- Recheck to lock in control and prevent relapse
Aftercare and prevention at home
- Give all meds as prescribed; finish the full course
- Use a cone/recovery suit if licking persists
- Follow the wash plan – timing on coat matters more than brand
- Keep monthly parasite control up to date for every pet
- Attend the recheck to confirm control and prevent relapse
Prices for pet skin care (guide)
Final fees depends on case complexity.
| Services | Includes | Timeframe | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatology consult | Full exam, plan | 20–30 mins | $110 |
| Skin or ear cytology | Sample, stain, microscope report | Same day | $55 |
| Skin scraping/trichogram | Mite & hair assessment | Same day | $45 |
| Fungal culture (DTM) | Ringworm culture | 7–14 days | $120 |
| Bacterial culture & sensitivity | Lab + targeted plan | 3–5 days | $200 |
| Allergy blood test | Serum panel | 7–10 days | $320 |
Last updated: 1 November, 2025
Frequently asked questions
One bite can trigger weeks of itch in flea-allergic pets. Use strict, year-round prevention for all pets and treat the home.
Cytology shows infection. If the itch continues once the infection clears, an allergy is likely, and we plan longer-term control.
Sometimes they help, sometimes not, and doses differ by pet. Don’t trial meds without vet advice—some are unsafe for cats.
One vet-approved diet only for 8–12 weeks (no treats/flavoured meds), then a challenge to confirm.
Book same day if you notice severe ear pain/swelling, rapidly spreading hot spot, pus, widespread sores, or when your cat or dog can’t settle from itch
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