MY DOG HAS EAR MITES ! Maybe not ?

From the Desk of Dr. Erin.Sanders Smith Veterinary Hospital

Ear infectionsin dogs and cats can be caused by numerous agents: Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, foreign bodies (foxtails), and/or allergies. Many people tend to see an ear infection and treat for ear mites. Here is some information on ear mites and treatments.

Ear mite infections are more common in cats than in dogs. Dogs can develop ear mites, but more likely they have an ear infection due to bacteria or yeast.

Ear mites are microscopic arthropods resembling ticks. Diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of the discharge from the ear. Infections usually produced a dry black ear discharge commonly said to resemble coffee grounds. The discharge is composed of ear wax, blood, and the ear mites themselves.

The life cycle of a mite lasts 3 weeks from hatching from an egg to reproductive age.

Ear mites are passed from one animal to another through direct contact. If one cat in the household is diagnosed with mites, all cats need to be treated to prevent re-infestation. Outdoor cats are the most susceptible to infestation, followed by cats in multiple cat households. Ear mites are highly contagious from pet to pet, but not to humans.

Signs of ear mites in cats are dark, gritty debris in the ear, itchy ears, wounds from scratching at the ears, constant scratching at the ears. However, these are some of the same signs seen in dogs with bacterial, allergy, or yeast ear infections.

If you think your cat (or dog) has ear mites, please bring them in to be examined by a veterinarian. Misdiagnosis at home can lead to ear infections which are harder to treat and often over the counter medications for mite treatments are being used for infections caused by bacteria or yeast.

Attention Pet Owners ! Summer Hazards

Take a look at these summer hazards for your pets. Being aware is being prepared.

Give Karen and Cassie a call today 661.948.5065 and let us help your pet be prepared for the summer.

Attention Pet Owners! Summer Hazards

Take a look at these summer hazards for your pets. Being aware is being prepared.

Give Karen and Cassie a call today 661.948.5065 and let us help your pet be prepared for the summer. 

Armed Forces Day Antelope Valley

**Saturday May 21 is Armed Forces Day **

Four-Legged Forces Fight Terrorism – information provided by – Defense department.

USAIC Public Affairs Office – Military working dogs have been used by the U.S. armed forces since World War I.

In World War II, 436 scout dogs walked combat patrols overseas, often detecting the enemy at a 1,000 yards, long before men became aware of them.

Dogs continued to serve with distinction in other conflicts. In Korea, the Army used about 1,500 dogs, primarily for guard duty.

During the Vietnam War, nearly 4,000 dogs were employed and, officially, 281 were killed in action.

Dog Days of Summer

Is it too hot to leave your dog in the car?

http://www.mydogiscool.com/b_spread.php

 Check out this great web resource and help us spread the word.

This dog Safety Tip brought to you by Smith Veterinary in Lancaster, CA

 661.948.5065 @ Smith Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to taking care of your pets and animal friends. Our veterinarians are some of the finest in the area.

Looking for Love….

Hi Everyone, Are you looking for a new friend?

This guy would love to go home with you.

Male (neutered) 1-2 years of age

Call the office and set up a time to come adopt this cutie.

http://www.avveterinary.com 661.948.5065

No Fee !

We just want him to have a great home.

The Spring Photo Contest is in Full Swing.. Check out all the details

http://smithveterinaryhospital.net/web_specials.htm

I LOVE YOU!

@avveterinary An important message from the CDC http://www.petsandparasites.org/maps/index.html

 

 

Have you hugged your pet today?

Stop by the office and pick up a free car magnet ..Show the world how much you love your pet!

http://www.avveterinary.com

330 West Avenue I Lancaster, CA 93534

661.948.5065 @ Smith Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to taking care of your pets and animal friends. Our veterinarians are some of the finest in the area.