Itching that won't stop. Hair loss. Rashes that come back. Skin problems in pets are rarely just a surface issue — they are often a signal from inside the body. Senior veterinarians educated at respected European universities, with 25+ years of clinical experience. In-house lab results in under 15 minutes.
"The skin is the mirror of the body's health. What appears on the surface often reflects what is happening inside. Treating the symptom without finding the cause is why skin problems keep coming back." — Best Pet Vet · Senior Veterinary Team · Abu Dhabi
What's Happening to Your Pet?
Skin problems look different depending on the cause. Click what matches your pet's situation.
Won't stop scratching, biting or licking the same spots — day and night
Spotted something moving, or excessive scratching with no other explanation
Circular bald patches, flaky or crusty areas — possibly ringworm
Hot spots, oozing patches, skin that looks infected
Skin and coat problems alongside other symptoms — may be internal
Something is off with the skin or coat but you can't identify what
Allergies are the single most frequent cause of skin problems in dogs and cats. In Abu Dhabi, the climate, dust levels and specific plant life create particular allergy challenges that may not exist in the countries where many expat owners originally lived with their pets.
Environmental allergies cause reactions to dust mites, pollen, mould and airborne particles. Food allergies — often to protein sources — present as recurring skin inflammation, ear infections and digestive symptoms. Contact allergies can develop from cleaning products, fabrics or outdoor surfaces.
The important thing: allergies are manageable, but only after the trigger is identified. Treating the itch without identifying the cause leads to recurring problems and escalating discomfort for your pet. Our approach combines a thorough clinical assessment with in-house blood work to identify possible systemic or immune-related contributors.
Parasite-related skin problems are common in Abu Dhabi — particularly in pets that spend time outdoors or come into contact with other animals. Fleas cause intense itching and, in sensitive animals, can trigger a full allergic reaction from a single bite. Ticks attach to skin and can transmit disease if not removed promptly and correctly.
Mites are microscopic and cause conditions ranging from demodectic mange — often seen in younger dogs with developing immune systems — to sarcoptic mange, which is highly contagious and intensely itchy. Some mite-related conditions are transmissible to humans, making prompt diagnosis and treatment important for the whole household.
Identifying the specific parasite is essential — treatment varies significantly depending on the type. Our in-house assessment determines the cause and the correct course of action.
Ringworm — despite the name, it is a fungal infection, not a worm — is one of the more common dermatological presentations in Abu Dhabi, particularly in cats. It causes circular areas of hair loss, scaly or crusty skin and is not always itchy, which makes it easy to miss or misidentify.
Ringworm is transmissible to humans, including children — making it important to identify and treat quickly. It can be detected using a specialised lamp examination or fungal culture. Treatment involves antifungal therapy and, in multi-pet households, precautions to prevent spread.
Other fungal conditions — including yeast overgrowth, which commonly affects skin folds, ears and paws — are also frequently seen in the Abu Dhabi climate. Warm, humid microenvironments in skin folds create ideal conditions for yeast to proliferate.
Bacterial skin infections in pets frequently develop as a secondary consequence of another problem — allergies, parasites or wounds that get infected. Hot spots — acute moist dermatitis — are particularly common: areas of rapidly spreading, intensely itchy, inflamed skin that pets scratch or bite until they become raw and infected.
Pyoderma — bacterial infection of the skin — can be superficial (affecting the top layer of skin) or deep (reaching into tissue and follicles). Deep pyoderma requires more intensive treatment and careful follow-up. In Abu Dhabi's warm climate, bacterial skin infections can escalate quickly without treatment.
Our in-house laboratory allows us to assess the type of infection and guide appropriate treatment — without waiting days for external lab results.
Not all skin problems originate in the skin. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease and sex hormone imbalances commonly present as coat and skin changes — thinning coat, symmetrical hair loss, darkened skin, poor wound healing or a generally dull appearance.
This is why our dermatology assessment does not stop at the skin surface. In-house blood work — CBC, biochemistry up to 24 parameters and hormones — allows us to check for internal and hormonal causes during the same visit. Results are available in under 15 minutes.
Treating a hormonal skin condition with topical creams alone will not resolve the problem. The underlying cause must be identified and addressed. This is the difference between a skin assessment and a full clinical investigation.
Diagnostic Approach
Surface treatment without diagnosis is the reason skin problems keep returning. Our approach starts with understanding what is actually driving the condition.
Systematic assessment of the coat, skin surface, distribution of lesions, affected areas and pattern of involvement. The pattern often points to the cause — allergies, parasites and fungal infections each present differently.
CBC, biochemistry up to 24 parameters, hormones, organ markers — all in-house. Hormonal and internal causes of skin disease identified the same day. No waiting for external lab results before starting treatment.
Wood's lamp examination for ringworm. Skin scrapes for mite identification. Cytology samples to assess infection type. The right test depends on the clinical picture — your senior vet decides which is appropriate at the consultation.
When did symptoms start? What has changed in diet, environment or routine? Abu Dhabi-specific triggers — sand, humidity, seasonal pollen — are considered as part of the assessment.
Bacterial infections left untreated can enter the bloodstream. For pets with skin conditions and any cardiac history, our on-site cardiology capability means both can be assessed in the same visit.
For skin conditions with suspected hormonal or internal organ involvement, abdominal ultrasound can be performed on the same visit. No referral, no second appointment.
At the Appointment
From arrival to leaving with a clear plan — what to expect at every step.
Why Best Pet Vet
Skin problems that keep coming back have not been properly diagnosed. That is where we start.
CBC, biochemistry up to 24 parameters, hormones and organ markers — all in-house, results in under 15 minutes. Hypothyroidism, Cushing's and other internal drivers of skin disease can be investigated during the same appointment as the skin examination.
Dr. Davor and Dr. Maya bring over 25 years of hands-on clinical experience with internationally recognised clinical training. All doctors hold valid UAE licenses. Dermatology is a discipline that rewards experience — knowing what a condition looks like at different stages, and what to look for beyond the obvious presentation.
Fungal skin infections are transmissible to humans and require specific treatment that differs from bacterial infection. Correct identification is not optional. We perform Wood's lamp examination and, where indicated, fungal culture to confirm the diagnosis before treatment begins.
The dust, climate, seasonal variation and specific fauna of the UAE contribute to skin and allergy presentations that may not appear in European or American veterinary textbooks. We practise here and factor local conditions into every assessment.
Rabbits, birds and reptiles develop skin conditions too. Dermatological presentations in exotic species require different knowledge and different diagnostic approaches. Best Pet Vet assesses and treats skin conditions in all exotic species we see.
Free client parking — no stress before you walk in
Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi — easy to reach from Khalifa City, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Mussafah
Mon & Wed–Sun: 09:00–21:00
Tuesday: Closed
In-house lab — CBC, biochemistry, hormones in under 15 min
Dogs, cats & exotic animals — all skin conditions assessed
Expat-friendly — senior vets, calm environment, clear communication
WhatsApp: +971 58 511 7557
Serving All of Abu Dhabi
Al Raha Beach location with free parking — easy to reach from every part of Abu Dhabi.
Book a Consultation
Same-day and next-day appointments available. When you contact us, describe your pet's symptoms and how long they have been present — our team will advise on what to prepare before the appointment.
FAQ