Have you noticed that your pet has been acting a bit irritable lately? Maybe it is showing signs of itchy skin or ears that are irritated. It is important to pay close attention to these signs as they may prompt a visit to a veterinarian. Sometimes, it can be more serious than just itchy skin. This is why we take all pet skin issues seriously here at Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital in Bossier City LA.
Causes of Itchy Skin & Ear Infections
Itchy skin in your pet can be caused by many things. The medical term for itchy skin in pets is called pruritus. It is mainly caused by seasonal allergies, food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or sarcoptic mange. On the other hand, there are many potential causes of pet ear infections. It can be the result of wax or moisture build-up or even an excessive amount of hair. It may also be due to allergies, hypothyroidism, ear mites, trauma to the body, foreign objects, or even polyps or tumors in the ear canal.
Signs to Watch out For
Several symptoms of an ear infection require veterinary attention:
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ears
- Crusting or scabs in the outer or inner ear
- Hair loss around the ear
- Shaking and tilting head
- Hearing loss
- Pain when opening mouth
- Vertigo or loss of balance
Signs of itchy skin to watch out for include:
- Bleeding
- Biting
- Scratching that is uncontrollable
- Licking himself constantly
- Chewing on paws
- Skin scaling
- Infection and redness
Diagnosis & Treatment
Our veterinarian will be able to determine if your pet has an ear infection by looking at the ear canal and eardrum using a magnifying ear cone. If your dog shows signs that he is experiencing pain, sedation may be given so that your vet can finish examining his ears. A sample of your pet's ear discharge may also be taken to determine the cause of the infection. The discharge will be examined for yeast, parasites, and bacteria.
For itchy skin, our vet will conduct a physical exam to check for mites and fleas. We may also check to see if your pet has a skin infection via culture to examine for fungus and bacteria. Ear infections are normally treated with prescription meds taken at home or with topical medication. Depending on the cause of your pet’s itchy skin, different treatment approaches are taken. Skin infections can be treated with topical or oral medications. Essential fatty acid supplements can help your pet’s itchy skin as well.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Bossier City, LA Today
Call Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital today at (318) 742-5353 for more information on pet skin and ear infections or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.