
What is an Animal Dermatologist?
Just like humans, some animals need a dermatologist to help them care for their skin and ears. A veterinary dermatologist treats animals with allergies, skin infections, ear infections and more! DoveLewis' board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Sonja Zabel, is one of the country's experts in otology, meaning she is particularly adept at addressing infections and diseases of the ears in pets.
What conditions does an animal dermatologist treat?
Veterinary dermatology is a broad and essential area of medicine. They are helpful for treating animal allergies, ear infections in dogs and cats (veterinary otology), skin infections, excessive licking in dogs and cats, tick and flea infections, and even skin cancer.

Common conditions in animals that a pet dermatologist could help, include:
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Food and environmental allergies
- Infections of the skin and nails including bacterial, yeast, and fungal (ringworm)
- Infections of the ear including the middle and inner ear
- Auto-immune diseases of the skin and nails
- External Parasites
- Inherited skin diseases
- Ear polyp removals
- Perianal and perivulvar diseases
- Hormonal diseases associated with the skin
Recent Posts
What Should You Do if You Find a Wild Animal?
As we approach the warmer summer months, DoveLewis sees an increase in wildlife cases. Thanks to our donor-funded Stray Animal & Wildlife Program, we are able to cover the cost of providing emergency care for thousands of wildlife each year.