Veterinary Dermatology in Gilford, NH | Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic
Skin care, allergy relief, and cryotherapy for dogs and cats in the Lakes Region. Locally owned and operated, Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic provides thoughtful, effective care for chronic skin conditions.
Helping Pets Feel Comfortable in Their Skin
It’s tough to see your dog constantly scratching or your cat developing mysterious bald spots. Skin and coat problems can affect a pet’s comfort, mood, and sleep—and they often hint at deeper health issues. These concerns are more than cosmetic. They deserve attention, answers, and a plan.
Serving the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic offers dermatology services designed to get to the root of skin conditions—not just mask the symptoms. Whether it’s seasonal allergies, persistent ear infections, or growths that need evaluation, we approach every case with care, clear communication, and a commitment to your pet’s long-term well-being.
Diagnosing and Managing Chronic Skin Conditions
Some pets struggle with skin issues that don’t go away with a single treatment. Chronic conditions need a step-by-step approach: careful diagnostics, realistic care plans, and ongoing support. We see many pets with:
- Persistent itching and licking
- Redness or scabbing on the skin
- Hot spots and oozing sores
- Repeated ear infections
- Hair loss or thinning coats
- Odor from ears or skin
- Thickened or darkened skin patches
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and exam. We often use skin scrapings, cytology, fungal cultures, or biopsies, all available right here in our Gilford clinic. These tools help us identify bacteria, yeast, parasites, or underlying inflammation so we can tailor a treatment plan that’s grounded in facts—not guesswork.
Ongoing skin care might involve oral medications, medicated shampoos, topical treatments, or anti-inflammatory therapies. Every treatment plan is shaped by what your pet needs—and what works for your home routine.
Allergy Management Plans That Make Sense
Allergies are one of the most common (and frustrating) causes of skin issues in pets. Dogs might chew their paws until they’re raw, or cats might scratch until they create open wounds. Triggers vary—from pollen and mold to dust mites or food ingredients.
We help families manage allergies through:
- Pattern tracking and history-taking to spot seasonal or environmental links
- Food elimination trials when diet is suspected
- Testing for environmental allergens when needed
- Customized treatment plans that may include medications, topical therapy, lifestyle changes, or immune support
Allergy care is rarely one-and-done. Our team stays in touch to help you tweak the plan as your pet’s needs evolve. You won’t be asked to navigate it alone.
Cryotherapy for Select Skin Lesions and Growths
Not all skin conditions are caused by allergies or infections. Some pets develop growths or lesions that need attention—and that’s where cryotherapy can be a useful option. Cryotherapy uses intense cold to treat specific, superficial skin issues. It’s often used to remove:
- Benign growths
- Superficial tumors
- Warts or cysts in accessible locations
This method is quick, minimally invasive, and typically well tolerated without anesthesia. It’s especially helpful for senior pets or those with conditions that make surgery risky. We’ll walk you through whether it’s appropriate based on your pet’s unique case.
What Treatment Looks Like Here
The Lakes Region is home to families, retirees, and small business owners who need veterinary care that’s both high-quality and straightforward. We’ve designed our dermatology services to match that need—pairing modern medical tools with practical, caring guidance. Our treatments include:
- Topical sprays and creams for targeted relief
- Medicated shampoos or wipes
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics
- Allergen blockers and supplements
- Cryotherapy for select cases
- Environmental recommendations to reduce flare-ups
We’ll explain what each treatment is for, how to use it, and what to expect next. Every plan is designed around what’s doable in your home—not just what’s available in a textbook.
Why Lakes Region Families Turn to Us
Families throughout Gilford, Meredith, Laconia, and beyond rely on Birch Bark Veterinary Clinic for dermatology care that’s grounded in experience, not hype. We’re not a chain, and we don’t treat pets like numbers. Here, you’ll find:
- A small, local team that gets to know you and your pet
- Clear diagnostic options, offered in-house
- Respectful, judgment-free communication
- Respectful, judgment-free communication
- Emergency phone protocol for off-hours concerns
- Trupanion direct pay, making insurance easier to use
We’re also proud to be among the only clinics in New Hampshire offering advanced procedures—like cryotherapy and orthopedic surgery—in a community-focused setting. No need to travel to Boston or Concord unless absolutely necessary.
