We will often pluck a few hairs, and gently scrape the skin to microscopically examine the pathology present, so we can direct therapy appropriately. Many times allergies and parasites are involved to some degree. We encourage owners to prevent contact with the offending allergens as much as possible, and to prevent parasite infestation, and consider immunotherapy to decrease the reliance on medications meant to mask the clinical signs. Often immune prevention is more effective than dealing with the frustration of chronic and recurrent problems.