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Dermatology

Itchy pet? Our Duluth vets treat allergies, ear issues, and skin conditions with care that’s modern, local, and built on trust.
Veterinary Dermatology & Allergy Care for Dogs and Cats in Duluth, MN

Veterinary Dermatology & Allergy Care for Dogs and Cats in Duluth, MN

Itchy skin, red ears, and restless scratching are clear signs something’s not right. And in Duluth, where the seasons shift quickly and allergens are everywhere, pets are no strangers to skin troubles.

With generations of trusted pet care behind us, Duluth Veterinary Hospital helps families find relief for their dogs and cats through thoughtful, thorough skin and allergy support. From a simple rash to a chronic ear issue, our team is here to bring clarity and comfort.

Skin Problems in Pets: What to Watch For

Allergies and dermatologic issues show up in different ways depending on your pet. Some scratch constantly, others lick until their paws are raw. Cats might quietly overgroom or hide more than usual. Here are the most common causes we see:

Seasonal and environmental allergens: Pollen, grass, dust mites, and mold

Flea allergy dermatitis: Even one bite can trigger a major reaction

Food sensitivities: Often tied to certain proteins like chicken, beef, or fish

Contact irritants: Cleaning products, shampoos, or yard chemicals

Infections: Yeast, bacteria, or mites affecting skin or ears

Symptoms can be easy to miss at first. But if your pet is scratching more than usual, shaking their head, or showing patches of hair loss, it’s time for a closer look.

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What Our Dermatology Services Include

Skin and allergy care at Duluth Veterinary Hospital starts with the basics: listening to you and examining your pet. From there, we use diagnostics and long-term planning to manage or resolve the problem.

Diagnostic Services

Skin scrapings: Check for mites or microscopic infections

Cytology: Evaluate for yeast, bacteria, and inflammatory cells

Flea comb exams: Identify live fleas or flea dirt

Ear swabs and otoscopic exams: Find the cause of infections or discharge

Treatments and Management:

Allergy medications: Oral or topical options to reduce itch and inflammation

Medicated shampoos and wipes: Effective topical treatment of infection and dermatological conditions

Dietary counseling and food trials: Explore food sensitivities with care

Ear treatments: Target stubborn or recurring infections

Follow-up plans: Personalized strategies to keep problems under control

Referral support: If advanced testing or specialty care is needed

Our goal isn’t just to treat the symptoms. It’s to understand the why, so your pet can stay comfortable and happy in the long term.

Why Families Across the Northland Turn to Us

Since the 1940s, Duluth Veterinary Hospital has served dogs and cats with compassion, experience, and modern veterinary tools. We’re proud of what makes us different:

Still locally and privately owned

Long-term staff who know your pet’s story

AAHA-accredited, Fear Free Certified, and Low Stress Handling–certified

Low-stress handling for cats and dogs

Cat Friendly Practice designation

Centrally located near Lake Superior

Serving Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Esko, and beyond

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, our team will treat your pet with the same care we’d want for our own.

What to Expect During a Skin Appointment

Your visit begins with a conversation. What have you noticed? What changed recently? Have there been food switches or changes in your pet’s environment?

From there, we perform a full exam and, if needed, diagnostic testing. We’ll walk you through the results, explain what’s going on in plain language, and offer realistic options based on your budget and goals.

Every case is different. Some pets respond quickly to treatment; others need a little more trial and error. But we stay in touch, adjust the plan when needed, and always prioritize your pet’s comfort.

Why Families Across the Northland Turn to Us

Long-Term Comfort Starts With a Conversation

Some skin problems need a one-time treatment. Others need steady, consistent care. Either way, early intervention makes all the difference. Whether it’s a senior dog with recurrent ear infections or a young cat with mysterious itching, we’ll help you find answers and relief.

 

We’re proud to offer dermatology care that’s both thorough and personal. That’s what you can expect at Duluth Veterinary Hospital, every time you walk through our doors.

 

Ready to schedule? Call us today at (218) 728-3616 or book online.

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Long-Term Comfort Starts With a Conversation
FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatology

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Seasonal allergens like ragweed, tree pollen, and mold are common triggers. Fleas are also a major factor, especially in warm months. Indoor triggers, such as dust or certain fabrics, can also play a role.

Watch for excessive licking, scratching, hair loss, head shaking, red or inflamed skin, scabbing, or unusual odors from the ears or skin.

Yes. Food allergies often show up as year-round itchiness or recurring ear infections. We may recommend a prescription diet trial to help pinpoint or rule out food as a cause.

While we don’t perform in-house blood or intradermal allergy tests, we can recommend treatment options and refer you to trusted specialists for advanced testing if necessary.

Many skin conditions are chronic, meaning they require ongoing management. Our team works with you to create a long-term plan that fits your life and keeps your pet as itch-free as possible.