Pet Skin Conditions and Dermatology in Peachtree Corners, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Peachtree Corners is a vet in Peachtree Corners, GA, that diagnoses and treats skin problems in dogs and cats. Itching, red patches, hot spots, flaky coats and bald spots all have a cause, and most can be found with simple tests at the first visit.

Waiting rarely helps: the longer a pet scratches, the more the skin breaks down and the harder the infection is to treat.

Call (770) 637-0032, book online or walk in.

What is causing my pet's itchy skin?

Most itch comes from one of a few causes:

• Fleas, even when you can't find any

• Allergies to pollen, grass, dust mites or a food protein

• Bacterial or yeast infections, which often follow an allergy

• Mites, like the ones that cause mange

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

Skin complaints climb in warm weather. Across Petfolk, about 20% of sick visits between June and September were for skin problems, compared with about 16% from December to February, in the year from Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026. Fleas and yeast like a Georgia summer. Itch that comes back each season often points to allergy; see allergy testing and treatment in Peachtree Corners.

Simple skin tests at the visit

The vet often runs one or more quick tests:

1. Tape or swab test. A sample under the microscope shows yeast and bacteria.

2. Skin scraping. A gentle scrape checks for mange mites.

3. Flea combing. Finds fleas or flea dirt hiding in the coat.

4. Fungal culture. Checks for ringworm, with results in a few weeks.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and these tests take only a few minutes. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. A sick exam starts at $135.

Are hot spots serious?

Hot spots are red, wet, painful patches that can grow in hours, often under thick fur on the neck or hips. They usually start with an itch, a flea bite or a coat that stays damp after a swim. They aren't life-threatening. They do hurt, and they spread fast, so book a same-day visit for clipping, cleaning and medicine. Until you can come in, keep your pet from licking the spot, and don't put creams on it.

Is my pet's hair loss normal?

Spring and fall shedding is normal. Bald patches, thin fur on the tail, a dull coat or a cat who overgrooms her belly are not. Causes include allergies, parasites, ringworm and hormone problems such as low thyroid in dogs. Blood work may be part of the visit if the vet suspects a hormone cause. See pet blood work and lab testing in Peachtree Corners.

Bath-time habits that help

Use only the shampoo the vet suggests, since human shampoo dries pet skin. Let medicated shampoo sit for the full time on the label, often 10 minutes, before rinsing. Dry thick coats all the way down to the skin. Wash bedding and soft toys each week during a flare. Keep every pet in the home on flea prevention all year, including the indoor cat. If you visit the off-leash dog park near the Town Green, check for scrapes and bites when you get home.

New lumps and skin changes

Point out any new lump, a sore that won't heal, or a dark spot that grows. Many lumps are harmless. Testing is the only way to know.

Skin changes that need help now

Sudden face swelling or hives after a sting or new medicine needs a same-day visit. If the swelling comes with trouble breathing or collapse, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital, such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Brookhaven.

Visit for skin care

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Peachtree Corners is at 5175 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 1300-B, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, at The Forum. Call (770) 637-0032.

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