Dear valued clients. Temporary afterhours triage services have commenced.  READ MORE HERE

98-100 Yandilla Street, Pittsworth, QLD, 4356

pittsworth vet surgery phone details - Right Business Hours

07 4693 2233

pittsworth vet surgery emergency phone number right After Hours

0429 932 233

98-100 Yandilla Street, Pittsworth, QLD, 4356

pittsworth vet surgery phone details - Right Business Hours

07 4693 2233

pittsworth vet surgery emergency phone number right After Hours

0429 932 233

cattle in field grain poisoning

Around springtime, we often see an increase in itchy skin (dermatitis) and ear infections in dogs and cats.

How to spot itchy skin

You should know almost right away if your cat or dog has dermatitis. Here are a few of the common signs:

  • Constant scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin
  • Flaky, scaly, or greasy skin
  • Unusual and excessive hair loss in isolated or large areas
  • Inflamed, swollen, broken, or bleeding areas of skin (usually caused by scratching, chewing, licking)
  • Hives or red bumps or rashes
  • Unpleasant smelling skin (especially in dogs)

Areas most commonly affected in both cats and dogs include the ears, ankles, underarms, groin and lower abdomen, around the eyes, and the muzzle region of their face.

What causes itchy skin?

There can be many causes of dermatitis in dogs and cats. Some of the more common causes include:

  • Allergies (caused by dust mites, mould spores, pollen, grasses, plant sap, household chemicals, etc.)
  • Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites
  • Generally dry skin
  • Skin infections (like eczema, ringworm fungus, yeast, and other bacterial infections)
  • Foreign objects (i.e., a grass seed, thorn, splinter, or other foreign matter stuck in your pet’s skin)
  • Boredom or anxiety (chewing and licking the skin due to boredom can upset the skin’s natural balance and lead to greater irritations)
  • Wet or damp fur for prolonged periods of time
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal imbalances

Most of these conditions have very simple, effective treatments, including dietary changes, parasite control treatments (topical and ingested), pet-safe moisturisers, and grooming.

Does your cat or dog have an ear infection?

Look out for these common ear infection symptoms:

  • Constant or unusual shaking or tilting of the head
  • Constant or unusual scratching or pawing of the ears
  • Swelling or red skin around or inside the ears
  • Unpleasant smelling ears
  • Brown, yellow, black, or green discharge in or around the ears

There are many different causes of ear infections in pets:

  • Heat
  • Foreign objects (dirt, grass seeds, etc.)
  • Trapped fluid (water from swimming or playing)
  • Ear mites
  • Excessive wear wax
  • Allergies

Some breeds of dogs with floppy ears are also very prone to ear infections. We recommend regular ear cleaning to prevent infections; speak to us and learn how to do this safely and comfortably for your pet.

If you are worried your pet has an ear infection or dermatitis, please book an appointment online, or give us a call on 07 4693 2233 so we can diagnose the problem and recommend a quick and efficient treatment.

RELATED ARTICLES

Urinary Blockages in Cats

Urinary Blockages in Cats

What is a urinary blockage?  Urinary blockages in cats are often referred to as ‘blocked bladders’ and ‘urethral obstructions’. This is a common, potentially life-threatening condition, especially amongst neutered male adult cats and overweight cats. A urinary...

Arthitis Awareness

Arthitis Awareness

Ouch! Do you ever experience sore joints on a chilly morning?Like humans, our furry best friends can experience aches and pains caused by arthritis. These pains can become more intense over the cooler months - let us teach you a little about this common condition, so...

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

You've likely been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic, and no doubt your dog has enjoyed this quality time with you. If like many, you've welcomed a new furry family member into your home during this period, they'll be very used to having you around...

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

We all love spending quality time with our pets on a hot summer’s day. However, we need to stay vigilant in summer, as the warmer weather can expose our pets to several dangers.  One of these dangers is heatstroke. Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s...

RELATED
ARTICLES

Urinary Blockages in Cats

Urinary Blockages in Cats

What is a urinary blockage?  Urinary blockages in cats are often referred to as ‘blocked bladders’ and ‘urethral obstructions’. This is a common, potentially life-threatening condition, especially amongst neutered male adult cats and overweight cats. A urinary...

Arthitis Awareness

Arthitis Awareness

Ouch! Do you ever experience sore joints on a chilly morning?Like humans, our furry best friends can experience aches and pains caused by arthritis. These pains can become more intense over the cooler months - let us teach you a little about this common condition, so...

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

You've likely been spending lots of time at home during the pandemic, and no doubt your dog has enjoyed this quality time with you. If like many, you've welcomed a new furry family member into your home during this period, they'll be very used to having you around...

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

Hot Weather & Heatstroke

We all love spending quality time with our pets on a hot summer’s day. However, we need to stay vigilant in summer, as the warmer weather can expose our pets to several dangers.  One of these dangers is heatstroke. Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when your pet’s...

Call Us Today To Discuss Your Animal Needs

Business Hours Phone: 07 4693 2233