Pet Skin Care in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, From Your Local Vet

Answers for rashes, hot spots, hair loss and lumps on the skin.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is a vet in North Hills, Raleigh, that treats skin problems in dogs and cats. Common reasons for a visit are itching, hot spots, rashes, hair loss, scabs, dandruff, odor and new lumps. Most skin problems have a cause that can be found, such as fleas, allergies, infection or a hormone problem.

Skin issues are easy to put off, but untreated itching often leads to infection and more discomfort.

Call (984) 983-4900 or book online. Same-day visits are available.

What causes skin problems in Raleigh pets?

At Petfolk North Hills, the most common causes are:

Fleas, which can set off intense itching from just a few bites.
Environmental allergies, to pollen, grass and mold.
Food allergies, less common, but often itchy all year.
Bacterial or yeast infections, which grow on irritated, damp skin.
Mites, such as mange.
Hormone problems, like an underactive thyroid in dogs.

The clinic page for Petfolk North Hills lists skin irritation from the humid climate among the problems it treats. Across Petfolk, skin complaints rise in the warm months, making up about 20% of sick visits from June to September versus about 16% from December to February (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026).

What is a hot spot?

A hot spot is a red, wet, painful patch of skin that appears fast, often in a day. It starts when a pet licks or scratches one spot over and over, and bacteria take hold. Hot spots are common after swimming or in humid weather, especially in thick-coated dogs. They usually need clipping, cleaning and medicine. Don't cover one with a bandage at home, since that traps moisture.

How does the vet figure out a skin problem?

The vet at Petfolk North Hills starts with a close look at the skin and coat and questions about when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what your pet eats. Then, as needed:

Skin scraping, to look for mites under the microscope.
Skin cytology, pressing tape or a slide to the skin to look for yeast and bacteria.
Fungal culture, for ringworm, which is a fungus, not a worm.
Blood work, to check for hormone problems.
Needle sample of a lump, to see what kind of cells are inside.

You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

I trust them and my baby is finally sleeping and peaceful not scratching… lol.
Dee C., Google review

How much does skin treatment cost?

A sick exam at Petfolk North Hills starts at $135. Tests and medicine are quoted first, and many medicines come from the on-site pharmacy. Long-term skin conditions often need a few rechecks, and PetfolkCare membership, which starts at $199 a year, includes chat access to a 24/7 care team for questions between visits.

Caring for skin at home

Keep flea prevention going every month.
Bathe only with the shampoo the vet suggests, and rinse well.
Dry your dog fully after swims or rain, especially in skin folds.
Use the cone if your pet won't stop licking a spot.
Take photos of flare-ups to show the vet.

Every Petfolk clinic uses Fear Free handling. Sore skin hurts to touch, so the North Hills team goes slowly and uses treats.

Lumps, bumps and urgent skin problems

Any new lump, or a lump that grows or changes, should be checked. Many are harmless, but a quick needle sample is the only way to know. See pet surgery in North Hills if one needs to come off.

Sudden hives and face swelling need a vet the same day. If swelling spreads to the throat or your pet has trouble breathing, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Paragon Park Road in Raleigh.

Get your pet comfortable again

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is at 631 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Call (984) 983-4900, book online or walk in.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills, or see all veterinary services in North Hills.

Skin problem questions

Skin care in North Hills