Veterinary Dermatology in Porto
Itching, hair loss and ear infections that keep coming back
Skin is the organ that shows first when something is wrong. Itching that will not settle, hair loss, wounds that do not heal, ear infections that return every few months or a persistent smell are all signs worth investigating, not just relieving. At Serpa Pinto Clinic we examine the skin, coat and ears, run the tests we can on the same day, and explain the plan before going ahead.
- Dermatological exam
- Skin tests at the clinic
- Ongoing control plan
Book an appointment
Booking is done online through Digitail, in under two minutes.
- Examination of skin, coat and ears
- Tests run the same day whenever possible
- Plan and costs explained before going ahead
Select “General Consultation” in the form.
Book a general consultation and mention that it is a skin case. That is the appointment where we assess the situation and, if needed, refer you on to dermatology.
- Years of experience
- 15Years of experience
- Satisfied clients
- +3500Satisfied clients
- Happy pets
- +4200Happy pets
Skin tests run at the clinic
Cytology, skin scrapings, trichograms and tape tests are all done and read under the microscope here. In most cases you leave the consultation already knowing whether there is an infection, a fungus or a parasite.
Chronic problems need follow-up
Most allergies cannot be cured, they are managed. The aim is a plan that keeps the animal comfortable all year round, with reviews booked in advance rather than only when there is a flare-up.
Treatment continues at home
Medicated baths, ear cleaning and elimination diets only work if they are done as agreed. We explain the reason for each step and leave the instructions written up in the Digitail app.
How we investigate a skin problem
Dermatology is rarely resolved in a single visit. The aim of the first consultation is to find the cause, not just to relieve the symptom.
Detailed clinical history
When it started, whether it gets worse at certain times of year, what has already been tried, the diet, the home environment, whether other animals are affected and whether anyone in the family also has skin lesions.
Dermatological examination
We assess the type of lesion and where it is distributed on the body. Location is one of the most useful clues: food allergy, environmental allergy and parasites affect different areas.
Further tests
Cytology to identify bacteria and yeasts, scrapings to look for mites, a trichogram to assess the coat and, when needed, culture or blood work to rule out hormonal causes.
Treating the flare-up and the cause
First we clear the infection and the inflammation causing the discomfort. Alongside that, we treat the underlying cause, which is what prevents a relapse two months later.
A review booked in advance
We book the follow-up for the right moment, to confirm the lesion has genuinely resolved. Stopping treatment as soon as the animal stops scratching is the most common reason the problem comes back.
Signs that justify a consultation
None of these signs is normal, even if the animal seems perfectly happy the rest of the day.
- Scratches, licks or bites itself repeatedly, especially at night
- Loses hair in specific areas, or the coat becomes thin and dull
- Has ear infections that come back every few months
- A strong smell from the skin or ears, even shortly after a bath
- Wounds, crusts or spots that do not heal
- Dandruff, greasy skin, or skin that has darkened and thickened
- Licks its paws until the fur turns brown
- Shakes its head, or rubs its face against the furniture
Veterinary Team
An experienced team led by Dr. Ivo Malta and Dr. Marta Barros, dedicated to animal wellbeing.
We care for every patient closely and individually, focused on prevention and careful diagnosis.
We combine clinical knowledge with an empathetic approach, always with transparency and trust.
What pet owners say
Real reviews left on Google by people who have been here.
Average rating
Google Reviews
“I think the team was great, it was her first bath and she can get very excited. She seemed happy after the bath and the team took great care for her.”
M W (Edgy Hamster)
April 2026
“Muito atenciosos e educados. Todos foram excepcionais, principalmente a menina que me atendeu na recepção, e a veterinária. O cuidado com a minha gatinha, sempre muito pacientes e prestativos, disseram-me toda a informação que eu precisava de saber.”
Karen Farias
March 2026
“Excelentes profissionais e a clínica é muito tranquila. Sem tempos de espera. Conseguem aliar o rigor científico ao cuidado afectuoso. Agradeço a toda a equipa que atendeu a Ba e a Bel no sábado. Chegaram tranquilas a casa e estiveram sem nenhuma queixa. Apreciei tudo e recomendo.”
Cristina de O. Alves
January 2026
Frequently asked questions
Let us clear everything up, openly
Can I book a dermatology consultation directly?
No. Book a general consultation and mention that it is a skin case. That is the appointment where we assess the situation, run the first tests and, if needed, refer you on to dermatology.
My dog has been scratching for months and has already had several medications. Is it worth investigating?
Yes, and those are exactly the cases where it is most worth it. Itching that responds to medication and returns as soon as you stop is not a solved problem, it is a controlled symptom. Finding the cause is what breaks the cycle.
What tests are done at a skin consultation?
It depends on the case, but the most frequent are cytology, skin scrapings and the trichogram, all done and read under the microscope here. Where we suspect a hormonal cause or a resistant infection, we move on to blood work or culture.
Can allergies be cured?
In most cases no, but they can be controlled very well. The aim is to keep the animal free of itching and infections throughout the year, on as little medication as possible. Many animals end up needing only one or two reviews a year.
How long before we know the cause?
Some cases are clear at the first consultation, particularly where there are parasites or an obvious infection. Where food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet takes six to eight weeks, because that is how long it needs for the result to be reliable.
Are recurring ear infections a problem with the ears?
Often not. The ear is skin, and infections that keep coming back are frequently the most visible sign of an allergy. Treating only the ear resolves the flare-up, but it does not prevent the next one.
Can I bathe my pet before the consultation?
We would rather you did not, in the two to three days beforehand. A bath removes the cells and micro-organisms from the surface of the skin, which are exactly what we need to look at under the microscope.
Do you see cats with skin problems?
Yes. In cats the signs are subtler, because many groom in private: symmetrical hair loss, crusts on the neck and an increase in hairballs are common clues. If your cat finds the journey stressful, see our feline medicine consultation as well.
Select “General Consultation” in the form.
Our Pet Friendly Clinic in Porto
Book your pet's appointment
Every pet is different: we assess the case before setting a plan, and costs are explained before going ahead.
Select “General Consultation” in the form.