When is it Time to see the Vet? – Part 2

When to see a vet for itchy skin, paws or ears
If home treatment does not alleviate or at least reduce your companion’s itch in three weeks, a visit or consult with a holistic veterinarian is advised. (We do not recommend visiting traditional or conventionally trained veterinarians when allergies are suspected as treatment with steroids or antibiotics will only prolong and exacerbate the problem). See American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website for a list of holistic vets in your area. Our consulting veterinarian, Dr. Steve Sanderlin is also available for phone consultations.

Hot Spots can be secondary infections from an animal scratching or licking an area excessively or they may appear on their own–possibly a result of a mild abrasion, bug bite or moisture on the skin. They can hide under the hair, so you will need to clip the area thoroughly to treat them properly. Hot spots need to be kept clean and dry and you will need to prevent the animal from licking or scratching the area as much as possible. Apply an antibiotic spray or ointment frequently. Our favorites are Liquid Hot Spot Remedy for dogs and Doc Ackerman’s Instant Hot Spot Relief Spray for dogs and cats.

When to see a vet for hot spots
If the hot spot does not look better within a few days and clear within a week or so then it’s time to see the veterinarian for further treatment.

Ear Infections are quite uncomfortable and your dog or cat will alert you by shaking their head, tilting it to one side andor scratching at the affected ear persistently or rubbing it along the floor or furniture. Chronic ear infections are very frequently a sign of allergies. Dogs with “floppy” ears such as hounds and cocker spaniels are more prone to ear problems as are dogs that love to swim. These animals may just need more frequent rinses with a good ear cleanser such as Halo’s Herbal Ear Wash or Ark Naturals Ears All Right.

The best treatment for most mild, chronic ear infections is to keep the ears clean and follow the steps outlined above for treating allergies. Use a topical ear wash to help control symptoms and control bacteria or yeast while you are helping your companion’s system heal from the inside, try the Animals’ Apawthecary Herbal Ear Rinse which contains goldenseal and olive leaf to help control bacteria, or Only Natural Pet Ear Care with Tea Tree Oil which contains Echinacea and Tea Tree Oil to disinfect and clean the ear canal. Tea tree oil is anti-fungal and can be helpful in controlling yeast as well. View all ear washes and treatments.

Ear mites can cause the same symptoms as an ear infection. Ear mites are more common in cats–especially younger cats or outdoor cats. Ear mites are spread by contact from animal to animal. If you suspect ear mites the only way to confirm the diagnosis is by having your veterinarian examine the ear discharge under a microscope to look for mites. The discharge from an ear with a yeast infection can look very much like that of an animal with mites, so examination without a microscope may have you treating the wrong thing. For ear mite infestations try PetAlive Ear Dr. Consistent applications and persistence are important when treating for mites.

When to see a vet for ear troubles

• If symptoms do not improve (or if symptoms worsen) with home treatment.

• The animal appears in significant pain.

• If you suspect a foreign object such as foxtail in the ear.

• If the animal is shaking their head so vigorously the ear swells–this may be a hematoma and should be checked.

ALWAYS see a vet for the following conditions

• Lumps and bumps Though older dogs often develop benign fatty tumors under the skin, it is always best to have new lumps checked. Lumps that feel solid and do not move around under the skin should be checked as soon as possible.

• Shortness of breath This can be a sign of heart trouble.

• Straining to urinate with no urine production This is an immediate emergency. A blocked urinary tract can be life threatening.

• Sudden change in appetite Can be an indication of serious illness such as kidney failure or hyperthyroidism.

• Sudden weight loss or gain Can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction or other serious disease.

• Change in water consumption Can be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease.

• Sudden change in temperament.

• Lethargic or reclusive behavior lasting more than a day.

• Limping or chronic lameness (not attributed to minor injury) Can be arthritis.

• Vision problems, cloudy or hazy eyes, or abnormal eye discharge Eye issues do not lend themselves to home treatment. Veterinary evaluation is important.

• Persistent bad breath Can be a sign of digestive disorder or more serious dental disease.

Please remember this is only a partial list.

When in doubt–call your veterinarian’s office or local emergency clinic