Did you know that dogs and cats have allergies too? Atopic dermatitis is an itchy skin disease of dogs and cats. In atopic dermatitis, an allergic reaction occurs when a pet inhales airborne substances (pollen, mold or house dust). Some dogs or cats especially those suffering from chronic ear infections are allergic to their food or treats.. The allergic reaction causes the animal to itch, rub, lick, or bite themselves. The itching may be localized to certain areas or may be over their entire body. Usually the feet, face, ears, armpits and front legs are affected. If your pet also has a flea allergy, their rump, tail, groin and thighs are affected.
If your pet is exhibiting itchy skin symptoms, is suffering from alopecia (hair loss) or other skin conditions, please give us a call. We will thoroughly examine and discuss further diagnostic testing and treatment options with you so you and your pet can get itchy skin relief!
Ear infections of the external ear (otitis externa) and middle ear (otitis media) are common in south Floridian dogs and less common in cats. Although any dog or cat can get an ear infection, some breeds appear to be more prone than others. Dogs with heavy hanging ears, like Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, and dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, like Miniature Poodles and Schnauzers, tend to have a higher occurrence of ear infections. In cats, the Persian breed seems to be more prone to such infections.
Otitis has many initiating causes such as flea allergies, pollen or house dust allergies, ear mites, foreign bodies, hormone imbalances, anatomical abnormalities (i.e., excessive hair in the ears, floppy ears or polyps/tumors in the ears) and water getting in the ears. Yeast or bacterial infection will complicate otitis; however, these germs do not start an ear problem.
Ear infections are very uncomfortable for your pet. The sooner we see the pet with an ear infection, the easier the treatment may be. Once your dog exhibits symptoms of otitis, please give us a call.
At Hometown Animal Hospital we are well equipped to diagnose and treat ear infections. Each exam room is equipped with specialized ear video cameras to display the inside of your dog or cat's ear on a television screen for all to see. This helps us diagnose and follow treatment progress. An important part of ear disease care revolves around prevention. Monthly recheck exams are critical for continued ear infection control.
Please give us a call if you believe your pet has an ear infection. We will thoroughly examine and discuss further diagnostic testing and treatment options with you so you and your pet can get relief from an uncomfortable ear infection!
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