Pet Skin Care and Dermatology in East Cobb, Marietta, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - East Cobb Marietta is a vet in East Cobb that treats skin problems in dogs and cats, from hot spots and rashes to hair loss and skin infections. The vet uses quick in-clinic tests to find the cause, so treatment fits the problem.

Skin is the largest organ your pet has, and it shows a lot. Itching, odor and flaky patches often point to allergies, parasites or infection underneath.

Call (678) 539-8441 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

What causes skin problems in dogs and cats?

The most common causes the vet at Petfolk East Cobb sees are:

• Allergies to pollen, fleas or food, which make skin itchy and easy to infect.

• Parasites like fleas and mites.

• Bacterial infections (pyoderma), often with red bumps or crusts.

• Yeast, which smells musty and favors damp skin folds and paws.

• Ringworm, a fungus, not a worm, that can spread to people.

• Hormone problems like low thyroid, which can cause thin coat and dark skin.

Why does my dog's skin get worse in summer?

Heat and humidity help bacteria and yeast grow. The clinic page for Petfolk East Cobb lists skin irritation from humidity among the most common local problems. Across Petfolk, skin complaints rise in the warm months, from about 16% of sick visits in winter to about 20% from June to September (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026). Swimming dogs, thick-coated breeds and dogs with deep skin folds feel it most.

How does the vet find the cause?

At Petfolk East Cobb, a skin visit starts with a full look at the coat and skin, plus questions about diet, flea control and when the problem started. Common in-clinic tests:

1. Skin scraping: a gentle scrape checked under the microscope for mites.

2. Tape or swab cytology: clear tape pressed on the skin to look for bacteria and yeast.

3. Flea comb check: for fleas and flea dirt.

4. Fungal check for ringworm when the pattern fits.

Some cases need blood work or a small skin sample sent to an outside lab. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and these tests are quick and gentle.

Much appreciated fast and professional care at a reasonable cost.

Lars M., Google review

Hot spots

A hot spot is a red, wet, painful patch that can grow fast, sometimes within a day. Dogs make it worse by licking and chewing. The vet usually clips and cleans the area, then sends home medicine to calm the itch and treat infection. A cone can keep your dog from licking while it heals.

To lower the odds of another one, dry your dog well after a swim or a summer bath, keep the coat brushed so moisture can't get trapped, and stay on monthly flea prevention.

Lumps and bumps

New lumps are common, especially in older dogs. Many are harmless fatty lumps, but a lump can't be judged by touch alone. The vet may take a small needle sample (fine needle aspirate) to look at the cells. If a lump needs to come out, see pet surgery in East Cobb.

Cost of skin care

The cost depends on the tests and medicine your pet needs. A wellness exam at Petfolk East Cobb starts at $99, and an urgent care visit for a sudden flare starts at $135. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Skin signs that can't wait

Sudden swelling of the face, hives over the whole body, or a skin wound that smells bad and is spreading needs a vet the same day. If your pet has trouble breathing or collapses, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency on Powers Ferry Common SE in Marietta.

Book a skin check

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - East Cobb Marietta is at 4475 Roswell Rd, Suite 1420, Marietta, GA 30062. Call (678) 539-8441 to book.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - East Cobb Marietta, or see all veterinary services in East Cobb Marietta.