Just like humans, our cats and dogs are also prone to experiencing itchy dry skin, skin infections, and dreaded ear infections. That’s why it’s important to provide your pet the veterinary care they need to ensure they are not living with pain or discomfort due to infections and skin issues.
At Summit Dog and Cat Hospital, our family-owned veterinary hospital in Summit, NJ, is dedicated to helping pets live long and happy lives. We are able to treat skin and ear infections and make sure they do not progress and severely impact your pet’s quality of life. If you suspect your pet is suffering from skin or ear infections, here’s how we can help.
What Causes Itchy Skin and Ear Infections?
Skin irritation and ear infections can go hand in hand. The skin around the ear can become irritated, leading to prolonged scratching and even more irritation for your pet. On the other hand, there can be two separate issues occurring simultaneously, with your pet’s ear infection coinciding with skin irritation.
Common causes of skin irritation in cats and dogs include:
- Fleas and ticks
- Excessive licking due to stress
- Allergies
- New grooming products
- Psoriasis (in dogs)
- Dry weather
- Contact dermatitis
- Mites
Ear infections, known as otitis externa, can also lead to your pup or cat feeling ill and having inflamed skin around the outer portion of the ear.
How a Veterinary Team Can Help
Skin and ear infections are incredibly common, but they require the help of a professional to be properly diagnosed and treated. If you notice any changes in your pet’s skin, it’s best to get them treated with the help of a veterinary team that specializes in pet dermatology. Dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
Our vet will be able to determine if your pet needs flea treatment, medication to reduce stress and excessive licking, or topical ointments to treat their skin infection. We can also prescribe ear drops, which, like in humans, can help kill any bacteria that are causing otitis externa.
Visit Us for Pet Skin Care
Whether you need help with Dermatology issues or are simply looking to get your pet the best veterinary care in NJ, call Summit Dog and Cat Hospital today at (908) 273-2200 to book an appointment and get rid of any infections or skin issues in your pet. We are now serving the areas of Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Edison, Chatham, Madison, Union, Westfield, and Springfield, NJ.
Summit Dog & Cat Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit.
Why do ear infections and itchy skin sometimes occur together?
An ear infection and itchy skin may occur together when irritation around the ear causes repeated scratching and inflammation. In some pets, an ear infection and a separate skin condition may develop at the same time.
What causes a dog ear infection and itchy skin?
A dog ear infection and itchy skin may be linked to allergies, fleas, ticks, mites, dry weather, contact dermatitis, or a reaction to grooming products. A veterinary examination can help identify the specific cause.
Why is my dog’s skin dry and itchy?
Dog dry itchy skin may result from environmental allergies, parasites, dry weather, skin irritation, or excessive licking caused by stress. Dry itchy skin on dogs should be evaluated if it continues or causes visible discomfort.
What can cause dry, itchy skin in cats?
Cat dry itchy skin can be caused by fleas, ticks, mites, allergies, dry weather, contact irritants, or new grooming products. Frequent scratching or licking may worsen the irritation and lead to additional skin problems.
How are itchy skin and ear infections treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A veterinarian may recommend flea control, topical skin medication, support for excessive licking, or prescription ear drops for an infection. Summit Dog & Cat Hospital provides diagnosis and treatment for pets in Summit, NJ.