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Dermatology isn’t a field of medicine that’s exclusive to humans. Animals can suffer from skin diseases and disorders just like we can. While most licensed veterinarians are trained to treat common skin problems in animals, though, they lack the specialized training of veterinary dermatologists.

Veterinary dermatologists are licensed veterinarians who’ve received specialized training and education on animal dermatology. They know how to diagnose and treat skin conditions in animals. Below are seven fun facts about veterinary dermatologists.

#1) Help Eliminate Skin Allergies

Veterinary dermatologists help eliminate skin allergies in animals. Dogs and cats, for instance, often suffer from skin allergies. When exposed to an allergen — pollen, mold, flea dander, etc. — they’ll experience an overreaction of the immune system that manifests in the form of intense itching. As they scratch themselves, they may develop sores that are prone to infection. Fortunately, veterinary dermatologists offer a lifeline to these animals. They can administer injections or prescribe medication to treat and prevent allergy attacks.

#2) Spot and Treat Skin Cancer

While not as common as skin allergies, skin cancer is a far more serious skin condition from which animals can suffer. It occurs when malignant skin cells divide and spread uncontrollably. If left unchecked, skin cancer can spread to other parts of an animal’s body. Veterinary dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat skin cancer in animals. They can perform biopsies of an animal’s skin, and if it tests positive for cancer, they can recommend treatment, such as surgery or medication.

#3) AVMA-Recognized Specialists

All veterinary dermatologists are recognized as specialists by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are nearly two-dozen AVMA-recognized veterinary specialists, one of which being dermatology. As an AVMA-recognized specialty, veterinary dermatologists must become board certified. This is an additional period of training following a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). Veterinary dermatologists can only practice after becoming licensed and board certified.

Board certification, of course, requires passing an examination. For veterinary dermatology, the exam focuses on animal-related dermatology.

#4) Not Limited to Skin Conditions

Many people assume that veterinary dermatologists only treat skin conditions in animals. Veterinary dermatology, however, isn’t limited to the skin. It encompasses other parts of an animal’s body. For example, veterinary dermatologists can treat claw conditions in dogs and cats. Both of these furry animals can suffer from ingrown nails. Veterinary dermatologists are familiar with claw anatomy, and they can typically treat ingrown claws with relative ease.

In addition to claws, veterinary dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat ear conditions. There’s no separate veterinary specialist for ear conditions. Rather, veterinary dermatologists receive training and education related to ear conditions in animals. If an owner believes his or her pet is suffering from an ear disorder, such as otitis externa, the owner may contact a veterinary dermatologist for an appointment.

#5) High-Paying Career

Veterinary dermatology is a high-paying career. Skin conditions are common in animals. Unfortunately, there are certain types of skin conditions that are difficult to diagnose and treat without proper training. This is why there’s a strong demand for veterinary dermatologists. Only veterinary dermatologists have the education and training — as well as the required license — to provide specialized medical treatment for skin conditions in animals.

How much do veterinary dermatologists make exactly? Like with most professions, salaries vary depending on dozens of factors. A veterinary dermatologist working in the middle of a major city, for instance, will likely earn a higher salary than a veterinary dermatologist working in a rural area. Additionally, veterinary dermatologists who’ve been working for an extended period will typically earn more than their counterparts who just recently became licensed and board certified. Nonetheless, most veterinary dermatologists earn a higher salary than non-specialized veterinarians.

#6) Save Lives

While the lucrative salary makes veterinary dermatology an attractive career, it doesn’t compare to the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment knowing of saving lives. Not all skin conditions in animals are a mere nuisance. Some of them can prove fatal if left untreated. Cancer is a potentially fatal skin condition from which animals can suffer. Even a laceration or other open wound can be fatal if left untreated. By treating these conditions, veterinary dermatologists save the lives of animals.

#7) Requires Internship and Residency

If you’re thinking about becoming a veterinary dermatologist, you should know that it requires both an internship and a residency. You’ll still need to earn a DVM. A DVM consists of a four-year college program involving veterinary medicine. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in a DVM program. Upon completing the DVM program, you can then proceed with an internship and a residency.

Veterinary dermatologists typically complete a one-year internship immediately after earning a DVM. The internship is followed by a three-year internship, which must be completed at an accredited program. As a result, the path to becoming a veterinary dermatologist is a little longer than that of a standard veterinarian.