Thursday, March 27, 2014

Itching Issues

Is your dog or cat itching and scratching all the time and driving you nuts? If it is driving you crazy, imagine how your pet feels! Lots of pets have issues with itchy skin and there is a cure... In fact, there are lots of them.  The challenge is figuring out which one will help your pet. First you have to determine what is causing the problem.

The root of the problem could either be environmental, nutritional, parasitic, allergic, neurogenic, or infectious in nature. Finding out the underlying cause will probably require a trip to the vet. Sometimes the cure is as simple as changing their food (they might need something more nutritious or they could be allergic to one of the ingredients) or mixing in a little olive oil with their meals. (It is good for the skin and coat.) Also, wiping off your dog's paws when he comes inside can help. They can have an allergic reaction to the chemicals that get sprayed on the yard. 

Sometimes they do it to themselves just because they are bored or they have separation anxiety (see our blog on boredom and separation anxiety here). However, itching can be a sign of something more serious, so you should get it checked out early. A lot of the time they need medications for allergies, parasites, and infections. Work with your vet to determine the cause of your pet's discomfort and start treatment.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Ear Infections in Cats

Ear infections are actually quite common in cats, and they can be caused by a number of factors. These might include bacteria, fungi, mites, some medications, and even diabetes.  They symptoms are pretty obvious, usually, and they can include a discharge from the ear, head shaking, swollen ear flaps, ears that have a foul odor, and extra sensitivity to the ears being touched. 

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it's certainly a good idea to have him checked out by your veterinarian.  Once the vet has determined the cause of the infection, a treatment plan will be prescribed that may include regular ear cleaning, eardrops, oral medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Some breeds are also more susceptible to ear infections than others, so keep an eye on your cat for signs of infection.  Most ear infections respond well to treatment, but only a veterinarian can properly diagnose and treat them.  So have your kitty checked if it's showing symptoms such as those listed above.


About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!