Veterinary Dermatology Clinic for Pet Allergies Skin Care and Expert Treatment Skin Vet

About Dr.Diu Somani

Dr. Diu Somani is a pioneering veterinary dermatologist in India, dedicated to improving pet skin health and advancing dermatology standards for animals. A Royal Veterinary College graduate, she founded The SkinVet in Mumbai, focusing on diagnosing and treating chronic skin conditions, especially among popular but vulnerable breeds. Dr. Somani advocates for preventive care, science-based treatments, and proper nutrition, striving to make pet healthcare as accessible and prioritized as human healthcare. Through her comprehensive approach and awareness initiatives, she aims to empower pet parents to keep their animals happy and healthy.

Common Concerns

1. What are the most common skin problems you see in pets in India, and what early signs should pet parents watch out for?

   
   

Dr. Diu Somani: The most commonly seen dermatological conditions in pets in India include all forms of allergic skin disease, as well as various types of keratinization disorders and parasitic diseases. Pet parents should look out for the following early signs of skin disease: constant itching, redness, paw licking, scaling and crusting, hair loss/alopecia, hyperpigmentation, and thickening of the skin. 

Keeping an eye out for any of the symptoms mentioned and getting it checked out earlier rather than later is strongly recommended. 

Environmental & Seasonal Impact

2. How do India’s climate and seasonal changes, like monsoon or dry summers, affect pet skin health?

   
   

Dr. Diu Somani: India’s climate and seasonal changes have a significant impact on pet skin health, especially in dogs prone to conditions like atopic dermatitis. For example, in the monsoon season, the high humidity and moisture create ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial skin infections as well as hot spots (acute moist dermatitis). Ticks and fleas thrive in the rainy season as well, leading to an increase in flea allergy dermatitis. 

On the other hand, India’s hot summers can lead to a lot of scaling and crusting of your pet’s skin as well as increased water loss from the skin barrier, leading to flare-ups. 

Diet & Nutrition Link

3. How much of a role does nutrition play in preventing skin issues, and what dietary advice would you give pet owners?

   
   

Dr. Diu Somani: Nutrition plays a major role in maintaining healthy skin and preventing skin issues in dogs. Think of skin as the first line of defense: it’s constantly renewing itself, and to do that well, it needs the right nutrients, fatty acids, and hydration. A well-balanced diet strengthens the skin’s natural protective barrier. Nutrients like essential fatty acids, omega-3s, and vitamin E help reduce water loss and block allergens and irritants, as well as help in reducing overall inflammation. 

Certain popular breeds such as Beagles, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, etc, are also prone to having a food allergy dermatitis due to allergens such as poultry - I would recommend simply eliminating these known allergens from your pet’s diet, as that automatically takes us one step ahead in the diagnostic workup of an allergic pet. 

Home Care & Myths

4. What are some common mistakes pet parents make in grooming or skin care, and what simple home care practices do you recommend?

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Dr. Diu Somani: Many pet parents, even with the best intentions, unknowingly make grooming or skincare mistakes that can worsen their dog’s skin problems, especially if the dog has an already weakened skin barrier. A few mistakes I notice very commonly are - bathing very rarely (once in 2-3 months sometimes), using a human shampoo or an artificially scented shampoo, and leaving areas damp after bathing. 

Simple practices that I strongly recommend would be - using a mild lipid-based shampoo and bathing regularly, drying completely post-bathing, using an emollient or ceramide topical to maintain the barrier, and thoroughly cleaning the digits of the paws post-walks! These small changes will make a huge difference in the long run. 

Allergies & Sensitivities

5. How can pet parents identify if their pet’s skin problem is due to allergies, and what steps should they take?  

Dr. Diu Somani:You can leave this to us - if you notice your pet licking/scratching/biting/itching continuously or any lesions on the skin, you can see us (online or in person at our clinic in Worli) and we’ll sort it out for you - we will do a full work up, carry out some diagnostics and make a treatment plan that will give your pet relief!