Ear Infections, Skin Infections, and Itchy Skin

The Animal Hospital of Sullivan County is happy to help pet owners with a variety of conditions, including those that cause ear and skin infections and itchy skin. Often, these conditions have common and easily treatable causes. However, it can sometimes be more difficult to diagnose and treat these conditions.

When Pets Have Allergies

From dust, to pollen, to parasites, to food, our pets can be allergic to various things in their environments. Even grass and the dander from other pets may trigger your pet’s allergies. Like humans, some pets have allergies, and others don't. Allergies can be seasonal or develop over time, taking pets and their owners by surprise.

The symptoms pets can exhibit if they have allergies are similar to many in people, including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Scratching
• Excessive licking or chewing on body parts
• Inflamed, red skin
• Scabs
• Swelling
• Hives
• Chronic ear infections
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Runny eyes

Treating Pet Allergies

The first step to treating your pet's allergies is to identify the allergen causing problems for your pet. Then, you can remove the allergen from your pet's environment or minimize exposure. For example, using an air purifier can help when pets have allergies to dust or pollen.  Blood testing can be used to define what environmental allergies your pet may have. If avoidance of allergens is not possible allergy vaccines to desensitize your pet to environmental allergens can be tailor made for your pet.  We also have state of the art allergy medications thanks to modern research and development.

Scratching and biting can lead to abscesses or infections that require medication in addition to treating the underlying allergy. The longer allergies and other infections go without care in cats and dogs, the more likely the animal may experience permanent side effects.

Because itchy skin and infections may be a sign of food allergies or other internal conditions, rather than a reaction to something directly on the skin, it's smart to see a veterinarian if your pet develops symptoms of irritation or infection. Blood testing for food allergies is not accurate therefore we advise food trials with specifically designed prescription diets. 

Visit Our Veterinary Hospital Today

Call the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County to schedule an appointment for your pet if you're in Ferndale, Monticello, or Liberty.