The most common skin problems
Skin diseases are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits. One in ten Finnish dogs has allergies, which often manifest as skin infections and ear infections. Typical symptoms include paw licking, ear scratching, face rubbing, redness on the belly, and recurrent ear infections.
Allergy investigation
When allergy is suspected, food allergens are first ruled out with an elimination diet. If food allergy is excluded, atopic dermatitis (environmental allergy) may be the cause. Allergy blood tests can be taken to identify allergens if needed. Skin and ear samples are examined in the clinic's own laboratory.
Ear infections
A dog ear infection is one of the most common reasons for a visit: head shaking, ear scratching, bad smell and discharge. At the appointment the ear is examined with an otoscope and a sample of the discharge is checked under the microscope so that treatment hits the right target — yeast, bacteria or ear mites. Recurrent ear infections are most often linked to an underlying allergy, which we work up. For chronic and blocked ears we offer video-otoscopy and ear flushing under anaesthesia (€449–489). Read more: Ear Infections in Dogs — Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Cost.
Treatment options
Treatment of skin diseases is individually tailored. Treatment may include elimination diets, allergen-specific immunotherapy (desensitisation), topical treatments, medication, and dietary changes. The goal is to find the cause, not just relieve symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about skin diseases
Can allergies be cured? Allergy is a chronic condition that usually cannot be completely cured. However, with good management, symptoms can be controlled and your pet's quality of life maintained. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (desensitisation) can significantly reduce the severity of allergies — up to 60–70% of patients benefit from the treatment. The treatment is long-term but can permanently reduce the need for medication. How quickly do treatment results appear? Treatment response for skin diseases depends on the diagnosis. Bacterial skin infections typically respond to antibiotic treatment within 2–4 weeks. An elimination diet requires 6–8 weeks of strict adherence before results can be assessed. Immunotherapy is the slowest — initial results often appear only after 6–12 months.