Seeing your pet constantly scratching their skin and ears can be heartbreaking, knowing your pet is uncomfortable and suffering from itchy skin or an ear infection. However, if your pet is scratching more than usual, it can be a good idea to take your pet to a veterinarian to diagnose the cause of their itchiness or if they have an infection. Our veterinary care team at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital serving Mission, BC, and Maple Ridge, BC, can help provide your pet relief from their itchiness and infections.
What Causes Itchy Skin, and How Can It Be Treated?
Parasites, poor nutrition, and allergens are pets' most common causes of itchiness. Itchiness symptoms may include bumps, blisters, redness, cracked skin, or scaly skin. Excessive scratching and chewing on affected areas can signify pet allergies or a skin infection. Additionally, if your pet has a bad smell, even after bathing, it could be a sign of a skin infection, which may cause consistent scratching. Seeking veterinary treatment can help alleviate the symptoms your pet is experiencing and help prevent the condition from worsening.
Depending upon the cause, a veterinarian on our team can treat it with medication. Some medications used to treat this condition may include tablets, chews, or topical ointments. A vet on our team can guide you towards the best treatment.
What about an Ear Infection?
When a dog or cat experiences an infection in the ear, they may excessively scratch or paw at their ear. Common causes include a foreign body in the ear, mites, wax buildup, or allergies. In addition, dogs with floppy ears may experience more infections due to the shape of their ear canal. If your pet suffers from an infection in their ears, it can be important to seek treatment to help prevent further damage. Common treatments may include drops, tablets, or chews.
Call Us to Treat Pet Skin with the Help of a Pet Doctor on Our Team
Pet ear and skin infections can be treated to prevent the infection from spreading or causing more damage to the skin and ears. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian with us at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital serving Mission, BC, and Maple Ridge, BC. We are here to help ensure your pets are comfortable, happy, and healthy. Call our office at (604) 286-0160 to schedule an appointment with one of our vets.