Ear and skin infections are common for our companion animals due to genetics, skin physiology, metabolic conditions and environment.

Signs of skin infections include “hot spots”, odor, itching, bleeding, scaling, flakes, redness, sores, scabs, and hairloss. Infections can be from bacteria, yeast, fungi, and skin parasites. Some infections are contagious to people.

Ear infections can start as scratching, shaking or rubbing the head. Typically there is redness and thick waxy material in the ear canal. Swelling, pain, hearing changes, and pus can occur with severe or chronic infections. That thick black material in the ear is most likley not ear mites, so please don’t treat the ear yourself.

Visually, it isn’t always easy to tell what type of infection your pet has. Testing including skin scrapes and cytologies are needed to diagnose the condition. We offer in-house and advanced laboratory testing so that your pet will receive the proper treatment.

Scratching, chewing, licking, head shaking, and rubbing are signs your pet is giving you to say, “Hey, I’m itchy”. Nothing is worse than having a itch. An occasional scratch is normal, but when the itch is consistent and causing your pet to be uncomfortable, a vet visit is needed.

Itchy skin or ears can be caused from parasites, allergies, dryness, or an infection. Our clinic offers skin and blood tests to help determine the cause.

Fleas and ticks and mites, oh my! Parasites are here to stay and are only getting stronger. It is not always easy to spot fleas and ticks on our pets until there is an infestation. Mites do severe damage and can not be seen by the naked eye. Dogs and cats get lice as well, luckily not contagious to us.

Scratching, hairloss, thick skin, open sores, black crusts, and rashes can be signs of parasites. We offer treatment and preventative solutions to keep your pet parasite free.

Growths, masses, and swellings are common on top of the skin, under the skin, and in ear canals. These lumps and bumps can appear suddenly. As a pet owner, you are seeing and feeling your pet everyday and can luckily catch these changes in skin. See, petting your dog and cat has health benefits too!

Any new lump or bump should be checked by a veterinarian. Without testing a bump, the type and cause is unknown based on feel or looks alone. Some lumps and bumps are more of a concern than others. Unfortunately, 20-40% of tumors are cancer. Please bring your dog or cat to see us if you feel or see any changes in your pet’s skin or ears as soon as you can.

Our veterinarian can perform an initial fine needle aspirate and cytology during your visit to help determine the type of growth. This simple test is as basic as getting an injection. A surgical biopsy or removal may be necessary in some cases.

A treatment plan will be discussed after the vet’s physical exam and diagnosis. In general, most skin and ear issues need prescription medications or topicals. Human skin is very different from animal skin therefore, human products can make the condition worse.

Treatment options include antibiotics, anti-fungals, shampoos, solutions, supplements, and anti-itch medications. Our clinic has a variety of treatments including injections and ear packs for hard to medicate pets.