Itching And Scratching In Pet Rabbits

Pet rabbits must not be scratching themselves too much.  Should your pet seem to scratch and itch excessively, there may be an underlying problem that requires attention.  Allergies, mites, or other different issues may cause pet rabbits to scratch and itch, and fortunately, most of these can be treated.

Pruritus is the term for scratching and itching.  In rabbits, it could be because of an infection, allergies, dry skin, or parasites.  Whatever the cause, it is vital to address it as soon as possible for your pet rabbit’s wellbeing and health.

Fur Mites

●Microscopic mites called Cheyletiella parasitivorax live on your rabbit’s fur.  These parasitic mites suck the blood by biting your rabbit when feeding, causing your pet to scratch and itch.

Lice

●Perhaps lice may not be as common when compared to other parasites, but they can and do infect rabbits.  Lice are species-specific, therefore, the lice in pet rabbits cannot be transmitted to non-rabbit pets and humans.

Fleas

●Most people seem to think that pet rabbits cannot get fleas.  However, any furry pet can harbor fleas.  Like the above-mentioned fur mites, fleas are parasites that suck the host’s blood, their bite causing your rabbit to scratch and itch.

Talk to your vet Bourne, MA about the best way to protect your pet from fleas and other parasites.

Common Ear Problems In Cats

 

When cats shake or scratch their heads, it could be a symptom of an ear issue.  Problems like these can be brought about by different issues.  Determining the root cause is essential so that necessary treatments can be administered.  Below are several common feline ear problems:

●Ear mites

Ear mites are very small parasites that pass between cats very easily.  Kittens tend to have an infestation of ear mites because of an immature immune system.  A cat that is affected will seem to have a material that looks like coffee grounds in her ears.

●Otitis externa

Otitis externa refers to outer ear infections that are caused by fungi and bacteria.  Infections like these can bring about pain and make the ear appear swollen and red, with a smelly ear discharge as well.

●Otitis media as well as otitis interna

If the outer ear infections spread into the middle and inner ear, they are now known as otitis media (middle) and otitis interna (inner).  These infections can also be brought about by bacteria reaching the ears through the eustachian canal or by blood circulation.

If you see your cat pawing and scratching at her ears very persistently, then it may be best to take her to your vet Bourne, MA for a more thorough examination.

Hotspots In Dogs

 

Pyotraumatic dermatitis, more colloquially known as ‘hot spots’ are lesions on a dog’s skin that sooner or later become infected, because the dog will scratch, lick, or bite at them.  These spots can happen anywhere in the dog’s body, most commonly on the hip, on the head, or the chest.  'Moist dermatitis' is another name for this condition.  The primary symptom of a dog having hot spots is having an oozing reddish area, itchy and painful.  Hair could be absent from the spot.  Or, there could be matted hair, hiding the severity and the size of the lesion.  The lesions can quickly grow in size and number in as short as a few hours as the dog incessantly licks, chews, and scratches the spot.  You might observe the spot in the morning to be an inch or so, then at night, be as big as your palm.  Since the dog might be in pain right on and around the area, he might not let anyone, including the owner, touch him there, and may snap or growl if there is an attempt by anyone.

Take your dog to the veterinary clinic if you see any hot spots.  The sooner a vet Bourne, MA sees your pet, the better.

Handling Your Hedgehog

You need to handle your hedgehog to remove him from his enclosure while you clean it plus during socialization, and during daily socialization and exercise time. The spines can be threatening and pokey. Only handle your hedgehog when he is calm to reduce injury from the spines. Make sure he is okay with you handling him. Talk or sing to him softly while sitting close to the enclosure. Drape your hand in the enclosure for exploration and try feeding him. Act efficiently by scooping him up from underneath with one hand. Use the other hand over the spines to keep him from failing. If you keep your pet calm and the spines evenly distributed on your hand, there shouldn’t be any damage. You might need to cover the spines at first to prevent getting poked. Be prepared to set him on a safe surface to keep him from falling. For more information, contact your vet clinic Bourne, MA.