Every pet scratches now and then. But if your dog or cat is constantly itchy – and treatments don’t seem to help – it might be time to dig deeper. At BluePearl Midvale, our veterinary dermatology team helps identify complex skin conditions that go beyond seasonal allergies or fleas.

A veterinarian meets with a client and her medium sized white and grey dog in a comfortable, welcoming exam room.

Signs your pet needs a dermatology workup.

Contact your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist if your pet shows:

  • Constant scratching, chewing, or biting
  • Skin thickening or darkening
  • Pus, sores, or scabs that won’t heal
  • Hair loss or greasy patches
  • Painful, infected ears
  • Bad odor despite bathing
  • Recurring issues despite medications

These symptoms may point to autoimmune disease, resistant infections, or endocrine conditions – not just allergies.

What else could be causing skin symptoms?

Chronic skin issues aren’t always allergy related. In Midvale, we also diagnose:

  • Bacterial or fungal infections like Malassezia (yeast dermatitis) that resist over-the-counter treatments
  • Hormonal imbalances like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism
  • Autoimmune skin disorders (rare but serious)
  • Demodex or sarcoptic mange, especially in younger or immunocompromised pets
  • Cancerous or precancerous skin lesions

When to request a referral to the dermatologists at BluePearl Midvale.

Your primary care vet may refer your pet if:

  • Symptoms aren’t improving with standard treatment
  • Allergies have been ruled out
  • Skin issues are recurrent, severe, or interfering with quality of life
  • A specialist-level test (e.g., biopsy, culture, allergy panel) is needed

Our dermatology team collaborates closely with your family vet and provides customized treatment plans.

Advanced diagnostics and treatment options.

At BluePearl, we offer:

  • Skin biopsies and microscopic analysis
  • Fungal and bacterial cultures
  • Allergy testing and immunotherapy
  • Long-term disease management
  • Advanced medications not available at general practices

Early intervention gives pets the best chance at comfort and healing.

An Associate smiles and laughs while hugging an orange feline patient in her arms.

Understanding Pet Dermatology in Midvale – FAQ.

If your dog or cat is experiencing constant scratching, chewing, or biting, it may be time to consult a veterinary dermatologist. Other signs that indicate a need for a dermatology evaluation include skin thickening or darkening, pus, sores, or scabs that won’t heal, hair loss or greasy patches, painful or infected ears, persistent bad odor despite regular bathing, and recurring skin issues despite treatment. These symptoms may suggest underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases, resistant infections, or endocrine disorders, rather than just allergies.

Chronic skin issues in pets are not always related to allergies. At BluePearl Midvale, we also diagnose a variety of other conditions that can lead to skin symptoms. These include bacterial or fungal infections that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, hormonal imbalances such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, rare but serious autoimmune skin disorders, and parasitic infections like Demodex or sarcoptic mange, particularly in younger or immunocompromised pets. Additionally, we evaluate for cancerous or precancerous skin lesions that may require attention.

You should consider requesting a referral to BluePearl Midvale if your pet's symptoms are not improving with standard treatments, if allergies have been ruled out, or if skin issues are recurrent, severe, or significantly affecting your pet's quality of life. A referral may also be necessary if specialized testing, such as a biopsy, culture, or allergy panel, is required to determine the underlying cause of your pet's skin condition. Our dermatology team works closely with your primary care veterinarian to create customized treatment plans tailored to your pet's needs.

At BluePearl Midvale, we provide a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostics and treatment options for pets with skin conditions. Our services include skin biopsies and microscopic analysis, fungal and bacterial cultures, allergy testing, and immunotherapy. We also focus on long-term disease management and offer advanced medications that may not be available at general veterinary practices. Early intervention is key to giving pets the best chance for comfort and healing.

Our dermatology team at BluePearl Midvale is committed to collaborating closely with your family veterinarian to ensure a seamless approach to your pet's care. We provide regular updates and work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your pet's specific needs. This collaborative effort helps ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and support throughout their dermatological journey.

Related articles.

A BluePearl urgent care technician smiles while helping a long-haired dog get out of a kennel.
Dog plays with sprinkler
Two chocolate Labrador puppies look at a plate of cookies.