Itching, Scratching, Shaking? Your Guide to Pet Skin and Ear Care

Healthy skin, a shiny coat, and clean ears are all signs of a happy, healthy pet.
But skin allergies, infections, and ear problems are incredibly common in dogs and cats — especially here in Brisbane, where the warm, humid climate can make things worse.

At Healthy Paws Mobile Vets, we know how uncomfortable these issues can be for pets (and worrying for pet parents). Here’s what you need to know about keeping your furry friend's skin and ears healthy, spotting problems early, and getting the right care.

Common Skin and Allergy Problems in Dogs and Cats

Pets can suffer from a range of skin and allergy conditions. Some of the most common we see include:

• Environmental Allergies (Atopy):

  Atopy is one of the most common causes of chronic skin problems in dogs (and less commonly in cats). It occurs when a pet’s immune system overreacts to everyday environmental allergens such as pollen, grasses, dust mites, mould spores, and even weeds — very similar to hay fever in humans.

  In Brisbane’s warm, humid climate, exposure to these allergens can be year-round, but symptoms often worsen during spring and summer.

  Common signs of environmental allergies include:

  • Persistent itching, chewing, or licking (especially paws, face, ears, armpits, and belly)

  • Red, inflamed, or scabby skin

  • Chronic or recurrent ear infections

  • Rubbing the face along furniture or the carpet

  Atopy tends to be genetic, meaning certain breeds are more prone, such as Staffies, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and French Bulldogs.

• Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

  Flea Allergy Dermatitis is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in flea saliva. It only takes one or two flea bites to trigger a severe, body-wide allergic response in susceptible pets — even if you never see fleas crawling on them.

  Signs of flea allergy include:

  • Intense scratching and biting at the lower back, tail base, and inner thighs

  • Hair loss and scabby sores

  • Thickened, darkened skin from chronic irritation

  • Secondary bacterial or yeast infections due to skin trauma

  Effective, year-round flea prevention is critical, even in cooler months, because flea populations thrive indoors as well as outdoors.

• Food Allergies

  Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies but can cause equally frustrating symptoms. They occur when a pet's immune system mistakenly identifies a specific ingredient — usually a protein like beef, chicken, lamb, fish, or dairy — as harmful.

  Unlike food intolerances (which cause digestive upset), food allergies typically cause skin problems.

  Signs of food allergies include:

  • Chronic itching (especially around the face, ears, paws, and belly)

  • Recurrent ear infections

  • Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in some cases

  • Poor response to regular allergy treatments until diet is addressed

  Diagnosis often involves a strict elimination diet trial over 8–12 weeks to pinpoint the trigger.

• Contact Dermatitis

  Contact dermatitis occurs when your pet’s skin reacts directly to physical substances they touch.
  Common irritants include:

  • Harsh shampoos or grooming products

  • Household cleaners and detergents

  • Pesticides or lawn treatments

  • Certain plants and grasses

  Signs of contact dermatitis include:

  • Red, itchy skin at the points of contact (e.g., belly, paws, chin)

  • Rash-like eruptions or hives

  • Licking and chewing of affected areas

  Avoiding the offending substance and soothing the skin with vet-approved treatments usually leads to rapid improvement.

• Secondary Infections

  When the skin barrier is broken from scratching, licking, or chronic inflammation, bacteria (like Staphylococcus) and yeasts (like Malassezia) can quickly overgrow, leading to secondary infections.

  Signs of a secondary skin infection include:

  • Strong odour

  • Yellow, green, or crusty discharge from sores

  • Greasy, inflamed skin

  • Worsening of existing itching and redness

  • Pain or sensitivity when touched

  Treatment requires veterinary care, usually involving medicated shampoos, topical ointments, or oral antibiotics/antifungals to clear the infection.

Common Signs Your Pet Has a Skin or Allergy Issue

• Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red, inflamed, or scabby skin
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Smelly or greasy coat
• Rubbing face on furniture or carpet
• Frequent head shaking or pawing at ears

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to book a check-up — the sooner skin and allergy problems are addressed, the easier they are to manage.

Ear Problems in Dogs and Cats

Signs of Ear Trouble:

• Red, inflamed, or swollen ear canals
• Strong odour from the ears
• Brown, yellow, or black discharge
• Head shaking or ear scratching
• Sensitivity or pain when touching the ears

Common Causes:

• Allergies (environmental or food-related)
• Moisture buildup (especially after swimming or bathing)
• Ear mites (more common in cats and young animals)
• Bacterial or yeast infections

Diagnosis & Treatment: What to Expect

🩺 Diagnosis Steps

• Full health history and symptom discussion
• Skin scrapings or cytology (microscope tests)
• Ear swabs and visual examination
• Allergy testing or elimination diet trials

💊 Treatment Options

• Medicated shampoos and soothing wipes
• Topical creams or sprays for flare-ups
• Oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, anti-itch)
• Flea prevention programs
• Special diets for food-related allergies
• Advanced therapies like Cytopoint for dogs

For chronic cases, we build custom, long-term care plans to help your pet stay comfortable year-round — because every furry friend deserves relief.

How You Can Help at Home

🧼 Good Flea Control: Year-round prevention is essential, even in winter.

🧴 Regular Bathing: Use vet-recommended hypoallergenic shampoos to soothe the skin.

🛁 Dry Thoroughly After Bathing or Swimming: Prevents moisture buildup in ears.

👂 Check Ears Weekly: Clean gently with a pet-safe ear cleaner if needed (never use cotton buds deep inside the ear).

🍽️ Monitor Diet: Watch for any links between flare-ups and certain foods.

🏡 Provide an Allergy-Friendly Environment: Regular vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water, and using air purifiers can help.

Why Choose Mobile Vet Care for Skin and Ear Problems?

Skin and ear issues can be painful and stressful for pets.
Our mobile vet service means we can assess your pet in their own relaxed environment, making examinations easier and more accurate.

Plus, many allergies are linked to environmental factors — being able to see your pet’s living conditions can help us create a more targeted treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Skin, allergy, and ear issues are incredibly common — but they don’t have to rule your pet’s life.
With the right diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, most dogs and cats can live happy, comfortable lives without constant itching or infections.

If your pet is showing any signs of skin or ear problems, don’t wait — Healthy Paws Mobile Vets are here to help, bringing expert, gentle care right to your door. 🐾
Book a home visit today and let's get them feeling their best again!