As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s also transforming the way we care for our pets. From fitness trackers to health monitoring devices, pet health technology is advancing at lightning speed. 

The good news is, these tools can help pet owners monitor their animals’ health closely. Here’s a quick dive into this fascinating subject, brought to you by the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

Understanding Wearable Devices for Pets

Wearable devices for pets are small, tech-driven gadgets that pets can wear on collars or harnesses. They function a lot like fitness trackers for humans and record similar types of data: activity levels, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. 

Some pet wearables for tracking health go beyond basic activity monitoring. They can provide things like GPS tracking to help you locate your pet in real-time if they wander off. 

These devices are especially helpful for pet owners with Houdini-level escape artists on their hands—or chronically ill pets. They can give the practical info and animal health monitoring you need for peace of mind as a pet parent. 

Benefits of Animal Health Monitoring

One of the key benefits of using these devices to monitor your pet’s health is that you can more easily spot changes in your pet’s behavior. So if a dog that’s usually very active starts becoming more sedentary, this could point to a health issue like arthritis or diabetes. 

Pet wearables for tracking health can also show you unusual patterns, like increased scratching or disrupted sleep, which could point to an underlying health problem. 

In short, these trackers make early detection of potential health issues easier for your veterinary team. This, in turn, often means better outcomes for your pet!

Pet-Friendly Tech Gadgets for Your Furry Family Member

Here are some of our favorite wearables for pets:

• The Pawfit 3: This GPS and activity tracker is 100% waterproof, and can track your pet’s location and daily steps. It also allows you to “talk” to your dog from afar and set up 10 invisible fences for Fido or Kitty.
• Tabcat Cat Tracker V2: Designed especially for kitties, this tracker is light and small at just 0.2 ounces in weight. The tracker keeps tabs on your cat’s location, and can show you exactly where she’s wandered off to, with accuracy within an inch of her actual location.
• Whistle Health 2.0 Smart Device: See how often your pet licks, scratches, and gets active with this health-focused wearable device. The Smart Device also helps you track your pet’s weight, makes it easy to spot skin conditions, and connects you with a veterinarian via its Ask a Vet chat.

Not sure which wearable is best for your pet? Our veterinary team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help! Let us get to know your pet and we’ll point out the pros and cons of each. We can also help you interpret the data on your pet’s tracker to keep tabs on their health. Call (818) 614-9929 to schedule a mobile veterinary appointment for your pawsome pal.

The post High-Tech Pets: How Wearable Gadgets Are Revolutionizing Animal Healthcare appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it’s not just humans who can feel the effects of seasonal shifts. Pet allergies in the fall are a common issue that can make your furry, feathered, or scaly friends uncomfortable. 

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you navigate these autumn ailments with ease, providing veterinary advice for managing fall pet allergies right at your doorstep.

Understanding Pet Allergies in the Fall

Fall allergens can affect pets just as much as they do people. The most common culprits include:

• Ragweed: A significant allergen that releases pollen during the fall.
• Mold: Decaying leaves and damp environments can increase mold spores.
• Dust mites: More time spent indoors can expose pets to dust mites.

Recognizing the symptoms of pet allergies is the first step in ensuring your pet’s comfort and health during the autumn season.

Symptoms of Fall Pet Allergies

Keep an eye out for these signs indicating your pet may be suffering from allergies:

• Itching and Scratching: Persistent scratching, biting, or licking, especially around the face, ears, and paws.
• Red, Irritated Skin: Look for redness, rashes, or sores on your pet’s skin.
• Ear Infections: Recurrent ear infections can be a sign of allergies.
• Sneezing and Coughing: Respiratory issues can be triggered by airborne allergens.
• Watery Eyes and Runny Nose: Similar to human allergies, pets can experience watery eyes and nasal discharge.

Veterinary Advice for Managing Fall Pet Allergies

Managing your pet’s allergies involves a combination of preventive measures and treatments. Here are some tips to help:

• Regular Grooming: Bathing your pet with hypoallergenic shampoos can remove allergens from their coat.
• Clean Environment: Clean your home regularly to reduce dust and mold. Use air purifiers to help keep indoor air clean.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Limit your pet’s time outside on high pollen days. Wipe their paws and fur when they come back indoors.
• Diet and Supplements: Consider an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids to boost your pet’s immune system.
• Medications: Consult with your veterinarian for allergy medications or treatments that can provide relief.

Animal Health During the Autumn Season

Maintaining overall health is important during the fall to prevent and manage allergies. Here’s how you can ensure your pet stays healthy:

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule a wellness visit with Shiloh Veterinary Hospital to catch and address any health issues early.
• Hydration: Make sure your pet stays hydrated, as dry air can exacerbate skin and respiratory issues.
• Balanced Diet: Feed your pet a balanced diet to support their immune system and overall health.

Autumn can be challenging for pets with allergies, but with the proper care and attention, you can ensure your furry, feathered, or scaly friend stays comfortable and healthy. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care right at your doorstep.

Schedule a Visit

If your pet is showing signs of allergies, don’t hesitate to schedule a wellness visit with us. Contact Shiloh Veterinary Hospital today to book an appointment online or call our office. Let us help you and your pet enjoy a happy and healthy autumn season!

The post Autumn Ailments: Navigating Pet Allergies in the Fall Season appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

It’s summertime here in Los Angeles, and the California sun means business. While you might be sipping plenty of things to keep you well hydrated, it is easy to forget about your pets. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital wants to help ensure that you stay on top of your feline hydration game so you and your pet can enjoy the season. 

Dehydration in Cats

Hydration is the amount of water we have in our bodies at any given time. Keeping the body well hydrated is very important to make sure many physiological processes occur optimally. Adequate hydration is essential in order to:

• Digest food 
• Regulate body temperature
• Keep electrolyte levels balanced
• Lubricate the joints
• Deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
• Create essential bodily fluids like sweat, urine, bile, feces, and saliva

If dehydration in cats or any other animal occurs, many problems can ensue. Decreased circulation can affect the major organs and create potentially life-threatening changes. 

When a cat becomes dehydrated, you may notice increased lethargy or weakness, a poor appetite, tacky mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. 

Certainly outdoor temperature and conditions can lead to and contribute to feline hydration status, but systemic health issues like chronic kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes can also lead to dehydration in cats.

Optimizing Feline Hydration

Keeping hydrated is so important, but how can you help your cat stay quenched?

On average, cats need to drink about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight daily. This translates to a 10 pound cat drinking about a cup of water per day. Keep in mind that consuming canned food, which contains up to 80% water, contributes to this number. 

Keep your kitty cool this summer by encouraging water intake with some of our favorite tips:

• Provide flowing water in the form of a faucet or fountain as cats tend to prefer moving water
• Keep water offerings fresh, clean, and cool
• Place water sources in easy access areas
• Add a little wet food into the mix
• Flavor water with a small amount of tuna juice or low sodium chicken broth (offer a plain alternative as well)

Of course, if you suspect that your cat might already be dehydrated, it is best to contact us. Depending on how severe things are, medical treatment may be in order. There may also be underlying causes of the dehydration that need to be addressed. 

Keeping your cat well hydrated this summer (and every season) is a great way to support their overall health. Wellness and preventive care are important for all animals, and our feline friends are no different.  

The post Keeping Your Cat Hydrated in Summer  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Shiloh Veterinary Care is proud to be able to bring high-quality, full-service veterinary care right to the doorsteps of our pet patients. Mobile vet care benefits include convenience for the pet owner, but it also can help to reduce pet stress at the vet. Learn why we think that mobile vet care is an important model for veterinary medicine.

How Mobile Vet Care Works

For those unfamiliar with having a mobile veterinarian, it can seem a little unbelievable that your pet can get good care without going into a veterinary clinic or hospital. It’s true, though!

When you schedule an appointment with us, our mobile unit comes directly to you and your pet. We are stocked up with all the equipment, supplies, and wonderful staff that you are used to getting at a stationary clinic, just on wheels!

Our mobile veterinary unit allows us to be able to:

• Perform thorough examinations of dogs, cats, and exotic pets
• Obtain samples for diagnostic testing
• Conduct traditional and dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Obtain CT scans
• Perform many surgeries
• Do dental procedures
• Recommend and prescribe medications
• Provide end-of-life services

Of course, there are times when it is hard to know when to use a mobile vet versus a brick and mortar hospital. In many emergency-type situations, it may be best to contact a local emergency hospital to receive the most prompt care. 

Mobile Vet Care Benefits

There are so many benefits to mobile vet care! Consider that:

• It is often more convenient to have us come to you versus trying to bring your pet in
• Some pets, especially exotic species, do not do well in the car
• It may be easier to have multiple pets cared for in a home-based setting
• Home care may be a more comfortable option for you and your pet as they near end of life
• Pet owners who do not have access to transportation have increased access to care
• Animals have less exposure to other potentially ill animals
• Pets are often less stressed at home

Mobile care can decrease stress at the vet in multiple ways. Most pets tend to feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. They also are dealing with less strange smells, noises, and people than they would in a veterinary clinic. There is also generally no to minimal wait time since we are there just for you. 

Mobile vet care has multiple benefits. We love that we can share these with you and your pets. Please let us know if you have questions about how our services can help your pets. 

The post How Mobile Vet Care Helps Reduce Pet Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The holidays bring coziness, cheer, joy…and potential hazards for any kitties who live in your home. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help you prepare—whether you’re a first-time cat parent or a long-timer in need of a refresher. Our tips for how to decorate for Christmas with cats will show you which holiday decorates to steer clear of. 

5 Holiday Decorations to Avoid When You Have Cats at Home

1. Toxic Plants for Cats

Even though the holidays hit in the dead of winter, plants are popular during this time. You might be tempted to pick up a pretty poinsettia from the grocery store while you’re doing some holiday shopping. Or a festive amaryllis. 

Don’t do it. These plants can be toxic to cats—especially amaryllis. 

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of toxic holiday plants for cats: 

• Poinsettia: Contains sap (and usually pesticides) that can irritate your cat’s esophagus and make her sick.
• Amaryllis: Contains lycorine, a toxin that can make your kitty very sick.
• Lilies: If a plant has “lily” in the name or comes from the Lilium or Hemerocallis genera, give it to a cat-free friend, as lilies are toxic to cats. 
• Holly and mistletoe: The leaves and berries alike can be deadly to cats. 
• Fir, spruce, and pine trees: AKA, Christmas trees! That’s right. Cats and Christmas trees don’t necessarily mix. These trees have needles that can be mildly toxic to cats.

Your best bet is to set up a fake Christmas tree and fake plants that look real. Or, stick to non-toxic plants for cats…like catnip. 

2. Essential Oils Toxic to Cats 

Some of the most seasonal-smelling essential oils are toxic to cats and should not be used in a kitty’s home. These include: 

• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Pine
• Wintergreen
• Tea Tree
• Birch 

Remember that many potpourri mixes contain these oils, too, so keep those away from your furry friends as well. 

3. Ribbons and Tinsel 

You might not use tinsel or ribbons to decorate your home during the holidays, but are they on the gifts Santa brought under the tree? Or wrapped around the bottle of wine your coworker gave you?

Keep a close eye on any tinsel, ribbon, or stringlike decorations or gift-wrapping accessories in your home. These objects are harmful because they look like toys—but they’re not. If eaten, the ribbon or tinsel can bunch up in your kitty’s intestines and cause a life-threatening blockage. It can even slice through vital organs, causing irreparable damage. 

So keep this holiday hazard far, far away from your beloved feline friend!

4. Salt-Dough Ornaments

Maybe your kids or grandkids brought salt dough ornaments home from school. These precious ornaments last forever, giving you fond memories for years to come. But they also contain, well, a ton of salt. 

And to your kitty’s nose, they smell just like treats. 

That’s why these ornaments are so hazardous to pets. Even small bites can cause salt poisoning, which can make your cat extremely sick—or worse. 

So hang those salt dough ornaments somewhere your kitty can’t reach. Or better yet, put them in a secure memory box where you can take them out to admire when Kitty isn’t around. 

5. Snow Globes

If you have cats, dogs, or toddlers, don’t put snow globes out as holiday decor. 

You know that mysterious liquid inside the globe? The one that allows the fake snow to gently drift down onto a holiday scene? 

That liquid can contain ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze. 

This is especially true for glass snow globes. So if you have an heirloom snow globe or any type of newer globe that’s made from glass, refrain from setting it out. Keep it locked away in a place your kitty can’t reach. Even a tiny amount of antifreeze can be too much for your kitty’s body. It’s not worth the risk. 

Reach out to the team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital to learn more about how to safely decorate for Christmas with cats.

The post Top 5 Most Hazardous Holiday Decorations for Cats appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Of the 80 or so monitor lizards found around the globe (including the Komodo dragon), only a few are common pets. Among these, Ackies dwarf monitors or Savannah monitors are very interesting lizards to care for, but their highly specific needs may go beyond the expectations or abilities of a beginner. For those up to the task, careful planning, extensive research, and patience are required. It is crucial to understand their health needs and recognize the common ailments in monitor lizards. 

A Look at Normal Appearance

Establishing a baseline is key to responsible pet ownership, regardless of species. It is vital to know what’s normal, and perhaps more importantly, what isn’t. As for monitor lizard pets, a healthy appearance and normal behaviors will include:

• Clear, bright, alert eyes
• Muscle tone
• Spinal straightness
• Closed mouth respiration
• Active, moves without restriction
• Strong appetite
• Plump tail

Best Intentions

Even when a monitor lizard is properly housed and adequately fed, health problems can occur. Waiting to see if symptoms will clear up or worsen is not the best strategy for the delicate health of these animals. Please seek the help of an exotic veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms. Keep track of daily habits or patterns in a notebook by their enclosure. 

Common Ailments in Monitor Lizards

The nutritional needs of monitor lizards are highly specific, and sometimes the balance is difficult to maintain. Consequently, going overboard on calcium and/or vitamin D supplements to ensure they’re getting enough can lead to health disasters. Hypercalcemia can be deadly, and can be prevented by providing just a pinch of supplement a few times a week. 

Without these supplements, monitors can develop metabolic bone disease. Characterized by weight loss, sluggish behavior, constipation, or swelling, this can be prevented by adequate UVB lighting and diet. 

Infections

Sanitation is so important to the health of monitors. Without thorough cleaning of their habitat on a regular basis, monitors can become sick. A loss of appetite could be the first sign, followed by swelling, discoloration, and visible abscess. 

Respiratory infections can stem from fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels inside the habitat. You may see changes to breathing patterns, sneezing, and lethargy. Parasites, such as roundworms, can also play a part in respiratory distress by decreasing the immune system’s defenses. 

Other Things to Look For

Please call us if you know or suspect the following might be affecting your monitor lizard:

• Burns 
• Constipation
• Obvious injury, like a cut or broken bones
• Shedding problems
• Egg binding
• Bladder stones
• Organ failure
• Mouth rot
• Dry gangrene
• Blister disease
• Tail injury
• Broken or injured toes or claws

These common ailments in monitor lizards are generally connected to their habitat conditions and/or diet. We can help you get your lizard’s health back on track. 

Exotic Animal Medicine and Support

We love exotic pets and are proud to provide comprehensive exotic animal medicine and support. Please call us at (818) 614-9929 with any questions or concerns about caring for your monitor lizard. 

The post Common Ailments in Monitor Lizards: Spotting Signs of Illness and When to Seek Veterinary Care appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Routine wellness exams provide incredible opportunities to catch all sorts of potential problems. When it comes to a pet’s eye health and vision, we can take stock of various problems and intervene before they progress. Often, common eye problems in dogs and cats can be effectively treated and corrected. Whether a pet needs diagnostics, medication, or surgery, our team can help soothe and support.

Here’s Lookin’ At You

Some eye problems can creep up on a pet owner, developing so gradually that changes aren’t readily noticeable. By the time symptoms are obvious to the naked eye, certain issues may not be reversible. 

The eyes age just like the rest of the body’s organs, and degeneration can come with the territory. However, other common eye problems in cats and dogs, including scratches, ulcers, or infection are immediately concerning. Any changes to the appearance of the eyes should be quickly noted and examined. 

Know What’s Normal

Many common eye problems in dogs and cats are related to an injury, but sometimes an illness is responsible for affecting the functions of one or both eyes. Eye issues can also be breed-specific, and we can help you understand genetic predispositions for ocular issues.

Don’t Wait

The eyes are not only vitally important to a pet’s overall health, they are highly sensitive. Please call us immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Squinting
• Discharge
• Repeated attempts to scratch or paw at the eye
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive tearing
• Cloudiness
• Changes to the size or appearance of the eyes

Pain typically accompanies common eye problems in pets, and should be addressed quickly. Left alone, vision can become temporarily or permanently compromised.

Common Eye Problems in Dogs and Cats

The most commonly diagnosed issues that affect the eyes include:

• Conjunctivitis, viral or bacterial, can lead to inflammation of the cornea. Infections can be related to feline herpesvirus, allergies, or even trauma. 
• Glaucoma, a painful condition caused by a buildup of fluid in and around the eyes. Bulging, pain to the touch, and fluid are characteristic of the disease.
• Cataracts appear cloudy or white in the eyes, and inhibit light from reaching the retina.
• Dry eye disease impairs the production of protective film on the eye surface and the inside the eyelids. Dry eye problems may occur more in certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels. 
• Cherry eye concerns the third eyelid. Look for swelling. 
• Corneal ulcers can result from glaucoma, dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, or traumatic injury. They can affect brachycephalic breeds more often. 

These issues can become even more problematic without medical treatment. Left alone, eye problems can lead to other health conditions, pain, decreased activity levels, and social withdrawal. While prevention is important to the health of the eyes, it is equally important to seek help when symptoms appear. 

We’re Here For Your Pet

Whether a pet is experiencing an acute or chronic eye problem, it is crucial to get them the help they need. Since pain can negatively impact a pet’s quality of life, we can quickly address their sensitivity, diagnose the problem, and help them heal. 

In cases of vision impairment, we are able to provide environmental recommendations that keep a pet safe, secure, and comfortable. Please give us a call at (818) 614-9929. Our team is always here for your pet. 

The post Shedding Light on Common Eye Problems in Dogs and Cats appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Is your dog suddenly blinking a whole lot more than usual or experiencing discharge from her eyes? She may have conjunctivitis—more commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis in dogs can affect one or both eyes. If your dog is struggling with symptoms of pink eye or an eye infection, the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is just a phone call away. 

What Causes Conjunctivitis in Dogs? 

Conjunctivitis simply means that your dog’s conjunctiva—the film of tissue that protects your pup’s eyelids and eyes—is inflamed. And there’s a whole host of reasons why dogs get pink eye. They include: 

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Allergies
• Smoke
• Foreign bodies like dust or dirt
• Eyeworm disease
• Eyelid or eyelash defects
• Eye or eyelid tumors
• Dry eye
• Trauma to the eye
• High eye pressure (glaucoma) or low eye pressure (uveitis)

A dog with an eye infection or pink eye can feel miserable. Many of the conditions that cause conjunctivitis can be serious. That’s why it’s important to reach out to us as soon as you notice symptoms of pink eye such as inflammation, eye redness, discharge, and excessive blinking. 

Diagnosing Canine Conjunctivitis 

When we arrive at your doorstep to treat your pet, we’ll bring our suite of diagnostic tools with us to figure out what’s causing your pup’s pink eye. Depending on what we find during a physical examination of your dog’s eye, we might: 

• Test your pup’s tear production
• Measure your dog’s eye pressure
• Do a stain test to check for damage to the cornea
• Flush your pup’s eyes
• Take a bacterial culture
• Test for allergies
• Study the eye tissues with cytology
• Conduct a biopsy

Once we know what’s driving your dog’s eye discomfort, we can put together a custom treatment plan. 

Treating a Dog with Pink Eye

Your dog’s pink eye treatment will depend on what’s causing the inflammation. For many cases, we prescribe special eye drops to target the underlying cause. The eye drops might contain antibiotics, steroids, or antivirals. If your dog has chronic dry eye, they’ll need to take eye drops that stimulate tear production. 

With our in-house and online pharmacy, we can provide whatever medication your pup needs. If the pink eye is caused by a defect in your dog’s eye or the surrounding structures, corrective surgery may be needed.  

Call us today at (818) 614-9929 to schedule a visit or talk to us about your dog’s eye symptoms.

The post Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Any animal lover’s heart will ache when they see an animal in need of some help. This can be especially true when you notice an outdoor cat in your community, and wonder if they are being cared for. While some cats are family pets with outdoor access, others might be in need of a little extra help if they don’t belong to anyone. 

It’s always important to approach any unfamiliar cat with caution, as you never know how they might react. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is passionate about helping all animals, and has put together these tips to help stray or feral cats in the Southern California community. 

Stray Cat or a Feral Cat? How to Tell 

Stray cats are felines that are socialized to humans, and can be adopted into a loving home. Or, they may belong to a family already. Feral cats, however, are not friendly or socialized to humans, and may prefer living outdoors. You can usually tell if a cat is a stray cat by how friendly they are, and if they let you approach them. Even if they are skittish and don’t let you come close, they will usually eat any food you put down immediately. You can help a stray cat by trying the following: 

• Offering food to see how they respond with you present 
• Contact the owner if the cat has visible identification on a collar or tag
• Contact nearby animal shelters and rescue groups, to see if anyone has reported a lost cat matching the description 
• Create a “found pet” in your local Facebook groups, shelters, and anyplace else in the community 
• Post signs around the neighborhood
• Ask your neighbors or local post office employee to see if they are familiar with the cat 

Feral Cats: How to Help 

Most feral cats prefer living outside, and are not friendly when approached. They might be extremely hungry, and might be dangerous to handle directly. So how can you help? Try these steps:

Offer Food and Water: Feral cats may not eat or drink in front of you, but that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate the offering. Leave some food (dry or wet) and a water bowl outside for them to access when they are comfortable. Try placing the food or water dishes under a covered patio to protect it from the elements. 

Provide Shelter: You can provide a space for feral cats to enjoy some shade or protection from rain and other weather elements. Try building your own shelter with a plastic storage container, by cutting a hole in the side and lining it with straw or towels for them to cozy up in. 

Contact Your Local Trap-Neuter-Return Rescues: There are several nonprofit organizations whose main mission is to help feral cats through the Trap-Neuter-Return method, or TNR. This helps prevent overpopulation of feral cats by spaying and neutering them, and returning them to the outdoors. A cat who has been spayed or neutered already may have a notched or tipped ear. Cats who are brought in for spay or neuter may also be vaccinated before they are released again. You can contact local groups to see if you can get involved to help directly, or they may come out to you. 

Don’t Get Overwhelmed 

If you see a stray or feral cat (or several!) and feel overwhelmed, you can always contact the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital for advice. If you happen to adopt a stray cat into your family, we are also here to help with a new pet exam and wellness care throughout their life. We take the stress out of the vet visit by coming to you, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your kitty in a carrier. Contact us at (818) 614-9929 to learn more about our compassionate veterinary services. 

The post How to Help a Feral Cat appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The occasional itchy ear is one thing, but when your pet is digging and scratching incessantly it is a different story. Excessive scratching in dogs and cats can be caused by a few things. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital has the information you need to find out if your pet might have an ear infection or you need to be looking for signs of ear mites instead.

Excessive Scratching in Cats and Dogs

Animals cannot just reach up and scratch an itch when their ear is bothering them. Itchy ears may look like they are scratching the ear with their back feet, rubbing the ear on the ground, or holding the ear at an awkward angle. If you rub or touch the itchy ear, you might also get some groans, moans, or a paw ready to help your efforts.

Itchy ears in dogs or cats can be caused by:

• An external ear infection (otitis externa)
• Irritation or allergic reaction
• Ear mites
• A foreign object in the ear
• Tumors or polyps in the ear canal

In order to know exactly what the cause of excessive scratching in dogs or cats may be, it is often best to contact us so that we can examine your pet and determine the cause. This way treatment is most likely to be effective.

Signs of Ear Mites 

Perhaps the yuckiest cause of ear irritation in pets is ear mites. Ear mites are very tiny parasites, barely visible without a microscope. While there are several species of this ectoparasite, in cats and dogs we are most often dealing with Otodectes cyanotis.

Ear mites live in the ear canals and feed themselves by indulging on ear wax. This results in a dark brown crumby waste that they deposit in the ear. They also cause inflammation and itching.

Otodectes like spending most of their time in the ear canal itself, but at times they will crawl out onto the skin outside the ear. It is during this time they can spread from animal to animal, so close contact is required for a pet to become infected.

Signs that ear mites might be an issue for your pet include:

• Shaking their head
• Scratching or rubbing the ears
• Dark, coffee-ground like debris in the ears
• History of recent close contact with other animals

Most often pets with ear mites have come from being strays or have been in a shelter-type environment. It would be extremely unlikely that a dog or cat that has been well-cared for in a home to contract ear mites. 

Thankfully, once ear mites are diagnosed, they are very easy to treat!

Don’t hesitate to ask us for help if you think your pet’s ears may be bothering them. Ear problems in pets can be very irritating and painful, and we are happy to provide relief for our patients in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.

The post Ear Mites: Small Pest But Big Problem for Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.