Skin allergies, ear infections: Common reasons for itching, licking paws and shaking head.
Skin Diseases & Ear Infections
Providing relief for your pet’s itching, allergies, and ear discomfort.
Understanding Pet Allergies and Skin Issues
While not usually life-threatening, allergies in dogs and cats cause significant discomfort and can greatly impact their quality of life. In the Gulf Coast environment, allergies are as common in pets as they are in people. Most symptoms are associated with dermatologic problems, but some can also lead to digestive issues and even chronic respiratory issues.
If your pet is itching more often than they should, constantly licking their paws, or if you notice anything unusual like redness, hair loss, or scabs, it’s time for an exam. We would love to help get to the bottom of your pet’s skin issues and find a solution that brings them relief. We can also perform allergy testing if indicated for your pet.
The Connection Between Skin Allergies and Ear Infections
Chronic or recurring ear infections are often a direct result of underlying allergies. The same inflammation that causes itchy skin can also affect the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment perfect for yeast and bacteria to overgrow. This can lead to painful infections that cause head shaking, odor, and discharge.
To properly treat an ear infection, we first need to identify the cause. We perform an ear cytology by examining a sample from the ear under a microscope. This allows us to see if the infection is caused by bacteria, yeast, or mites, and guides us to select the most effective treatment. Simply treating the symptoms without addressing the underlying allergy often leads to the infection returning.
Learn more about the causes and treatment of ear infections.
Our Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
Finding the right solution starts with a comprehensive physical examination. Based on our findings, we can create a customized treatment plan. For pets who may have food allergies, we have a variety of special therapeutic diets that can help manage their symptoms. Our goal is not just to treat the immediate issue, but to provide long-term management strategies for your pet’s comfort. Read more about our approach to skin and ear issues.