These are medications given before your pet’s appointment to help reduce anxiety and stress. They are part of our commitment to providing a low-stress, Fear Free experience. If your veterinarian has prescribed them, please administer as directed before your visit.

We ask that you withhold food for at least 6 hours before your appointment in case sedation is needed for a thorough dermatology examination or diagnostics. Water is fine.

Most dermatologic conditions are chronic and require ongoing management rather than a one-time cure. Our goal is to provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan to improve your pet’s comfort over time.

Allergy testing is not typically performed during the initial appointment because it’s important to first complete a thorough examination and rule out other possible causes of your pet’s skin issues. The first visit focuses on a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed history and physical exam, to determine whether allergy testing is appropriate and to prepare your pet for the process if needed.

We do not offer blood or skin testing for food allergies, as these methods are not reliable. The gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy is a strict elimination diet using a prescription hydrolyzed or novel protein diet. If food allergies are suspected, we will guide you through the elimination diet process and help monitor your pet’s response.

Cytology means looking at samples under a microscope to check for bacteria, yeast, or inflammatory cells. It provides immediate, essential information that helps us choose the right treatments and monitor progress.

Itching isn’t always obvious scratching. Signs include licking, chewing, rubbing the face or ears, hair loss, and skin redness. If you’re unsure, please ask our team.

Please first refer to the detailed summary you received after your appointment, as it includes specific instructions about what to expect and how to manage flare-ups. If you still have concerns or your pet’s condition is not improving, please contact us by submitting the update/concern form on our website or call the clinic. We’re here to help.

We usually need to assess your pet’s current condition before prescribing medication, as symptoms may look similar but have different underlying causes. Please contact us to schedule a recheck.

We recommend these diets because they remove the most common triggers of food allergies. Hydrolyzed diets contain proteins broken into tiny fragments the immune system doesn’t detect as allergens, while novel protein diets use ingredients your pet has never been exposed to.

Prescription veterinary diets are also produced under strict quality controls to avoid cross-contamination with other proteins. Over-the-counter diets, even those labeled “limited ingredient,” often can’t guarantee this level of purity. Using a veterinary diet gives us the most reliable way to determine whether food is contributing to your pet’s symptoms.

Please call our clinic, and our team will help you book a recheck at a time that works for you. We recommend scheduling follow-ups before you leave your appointment to ensure continuity of care.

You can call us to place a refill order, and we’ll arrange pickup depending on your pet’s diet and what’s available. You also have the option to set up a MyVetStore account for convenient home delivery. If you prefer, your family veterinarian can order the prescribed diet for you as well.

Allergy serum should be kept refrigerated and protected from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid freezing.

If you accidentally leave the serum out at room temperature for a short time, simply put it back in the refrigerator when you remember. Most concentrated allergy extracts are stable enough to tolerate brief periods at room temperature without significant loss of potency.

If you’re unsure or concerned about how long the serum was left out, please contact us for advice.