Veterinarians in North Charleston, SC Providing Compassionate Pet Care

Dogs can have swollen ears for many reasons. You might never have to deal with this problem, but if your dog has a swollen ear in North Charleston, SC, it is helpful to know what to do to take care of the problem. Dogs with swollen ears can end up with lots of secondary problems like infections. This is why it’s so important to get your dog to the vet right away if its ear is puffy or inflamed. Swollen ears can be caused by ear mites, infections, and things like excessive grooming. Hot spots can also be a factor if your dog has ended up with skin irritation. Making sure that your dog is not going to end up needing surgery or extra treatment for their swollen ears is key. The sooner that your pet gets treatment, the better when it comes to swollen ears. Causes Listed below are the 6 main causes: 1. Ear Mites Ear mites are the most common reason that dogs get swollen ears. Ear mites cause a lot of inflammation in the tissues of the ear, and they are quite itchy and bothersome. This means that dogs are prone to scratch at their ears to try and make them feel better. Ear mites themselves cause inner ear irritation, but the scratching of the dog is what causes the most damage to the ear related to mites. Ear hematomas and other problems like ear infections can be secondary problems related to ear mites that also cause added swelling and pressure in the ear. 2. Ear Hematoma When your dog has been scratching at their ears or even shaking them hard, they can break blood vessels in their ears. This can lead to the ear filling up with blood like a pillow. This issue usually requires a simple procedure to tie off the blood vessels that are causing the bleeding, and it might require that your dog has a drain tube placed in the ear as well. Ear hematomas can take a few weeks to heal, and you will need to doctor the ear on a daily basis to ensure that it does not get infected and to make sure your dog does not pick at the healing ear. This is more common in dogs with long and floppy ears, but it can happen to any dog that has been rubbing or scratching at their ears. 3. Ear Infection If your dog gets an ear infection, their ear might hurt or itch. This can lead to your dog picking at their ears, flapping them hard as they shake their head, or even rubbing them along the ground over and over. This is a common culprit for swollen ears, and you will usually be able to tell that the ear is quite painful to the touch as well. Make sure that you get your dog looked at by a veterinarian if you suspect an ear infection. Untreated ear infections can actually make dogs lose their hearing. 4. Wax Build-Up Some dogs are more prone to waxy discharge in their ears than others. This wax can build up inside the ear and lead to soreness or even infections if not attended to. Your vet might have to take care of the original, thorough cleaning to get rid of wax build-up, but then you should be able to handle routine cleaning at home to help keep your dog’s ears from building up too much waxy discharge and getting another inflamed ear. Waxy build-up can easily be removed by pet owners through the use of proper ear-cleaning techniques. Your vet can show you how to take care of your dog’s ears to make sure that they do not end up with this problem again. 5. Foreign Bodies If your dog gets something in their ear, whether it’s plant debris, dirt, or some other kind of object, this might lead to a swollen ear. Foreign bodies can put a lot of pressure on the eardrum, or they might inflame the skin, leading to your dog picking at their ears and shaking them. Foreign bodies are more common in dogs with long ears that are floppy, but any dog can get debris inside their ear just from things like rolling in the yard. While it might not seem like your dog could ever get something stuck in their ear, you might be surprised at the things that dogs can manage when they are playing or running through tall grass. 6. Ticks If you live in an area where ticks are common and your dog has a swollen ear, you should make sure that you check your dog out for ticks. Ticks don’t always cause this kind of reaction in dogs, but if the tick is making the ear itchy or it has gotten access to the deeper part of the ear, it could cause a lot of inflammation and swelling. Make sure that you let your vet handle the removal of a tick from your dog’s ear. This is a process that can be a bit delicate, and your dog might even need to be sedated for the tick to be removed correctly. Swollen Ears in Dogs Can be Caused by Many Things There are many reasons that your dog might have swollen ears. You should always be sure to take your dog to the vet if they have started to show signs of this problem. Neglecting problems with a dog’s ears can lead to the need for surgery. You will also be sparing your dog a lot of pain by taking them to the vet to be looked at since many ear problems are actually quite painful. Keeping your dog’s ears clean with the right cleaning techniques is key, and being sure that you do not allow your dog to get ear mites is also a good tip to avoid swollen years. If you like to take your dog out hiking or playing in tall grass, make sure that you are

It’s no secret that dogs love peanut butter, but is it really okay for your pet to have crunchy peanut butter specifically? Crunchy peanut butter has small pieces of peanuts throughout, which some pet owners worry can cause problems for their pets. In the article below, you’ll find out more information about whether or not it’s okay to give your dog crunchy peanut butter and what it can do for your pet as well. Read through this guide to get a better idea of which type of peanut butter, if any, is best for your furry friend. Creamy vs. Crunchy Creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter are both equally safe for dogs. They both contain the same ingredients and nutrients, which means they do the same things for your dog regardless of style. As long as your dog is old enough to eat kibble, she should be perfectly safe eating crunchy peanut butter without the risk of choking on a peanut. Very small dogs, however, may be more at risk of choking than larger dogs, so keep this in mind when choosing for your pet. Organic vs. Non-Organic There is no real difference between organic and non-organic peanut butters when it comes to feeding your dog. Both types of peanut butter are equally safe and healthy for your dog as long as they are made only from simple ingredients including peanuts, oil, and real sugar. There are some ingredients that are dangerous for dogs which we will discuss more in-depth in a later section. Of course, if you have a preference when it comes to purchasing organic or non-organic peanut butter, it’s fine to stick to one or the other. Just make sure to carefully read the label before giving it to your dog, no matter which one you choose. Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs Peanut butter contains many healthy nutrients that are good for dogs (and humans too). When fed in moderation, it can provide an additional boost of protein as well as vitamins B and E. It is also a healthy source of fat that is a great addition to your dog’s diet as a supplement. For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why peanut butter is recommended as a healthy snack for dogs now and then, as long as you don’t overdo it by feeding it too often. Peanut butter also has the benefit of working well as a treat even for dogs who are not usually food motivated. Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter and will follow commands and behave better when they know they’re getting some peanut butter out of the deal. You can also fill a Kong or other similar toy with some peanut butter and freeze it for your dog to enjoy when she has to be left alone for a while. The frozen peanut butter entices her to lick it, but it remains solid for a long time, so the treat lasts a long while too. Dangerous Additives to Look For Peanut butter that is made from just peanuts, oil, and real sugar is perfectly safe for dogs in moderation. You should, of course, not give your dog too much of this treat, as overindulgence in sweet food and oils can contribute to a risk of diabetes in your pet. But a little peanut butter made with simple ingredients every now and then is perfectly safe for your pet to enjoy, as long as you’re careful to read the label before giving it to her. Every now and then, peanut butter may contain an ingredient called Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely harmful to dogs. It may be labeled as Xylitol specifically, or it might go by another name that begins with the letters “xyl.” Any of these ingredients can be potentially fatal to your pet if ingested. Xylitol toxicity causes rapid breathing and heart rate as well as difficulty standing or walking. It can lead to dehydration and pale gums, especially if your dog is unable to get to the water dish because of the weakness and paralysis it can cause. In more severe causes Xylitol toxicity may cause seizures and death. Dogs Can Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter As you can see, dogs can eat crunchy peanut butter. There’s no real difference between giving your dog crunchy or creamy peanut butter. Instead, the ingredients in the peanut butter are what make a bigger difference, so make sure you’re carefully reading the labels of any peanut butter you consider giving your dog. If you are worried about giving your dog crunchy peanut butter for any reason, remember that you don’t have to. For more information, contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic by calling . We will always be here for you and your pet!

Many of us have experienced the misery of dealing with allergies! The runny, stuffy nose, and itchy puffy eyes make you want to climb in bed with a box of tissues and a bottle of decongestant. Unfortunately, your pup also experiences these symptoms and more! Your sweet pup can’t just run to the local drug store and pick up some allergy medication for themselves, so they rely on you to feel their best! If you want to learn about dog allergies and the symptoms to look out for in North Charleston, SC, keep reading! How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Allergies? Some dogs are genetically predisposed to produce excess histamines in response to allergens. These dogs frequently have autoimmune issues that make them more susceptible to developing allergies. If you notice that your pup has red or inflamed skin, is sneezing a lot, has itchy ears, keeps getting chronic ear infections, or is dealing with gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s time to sit down with your trusted veterinarian. It would be best to discuss your dog’s symptoms and start the process of figuring out what your pet is allergic to so that you can learn what changes need to be made to keep your furry friend comfortable moving forward! Allergy Symptoms  If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below, it’s worth a consultation with your vet so that your best friend can get back to feeling their best! Acute Allergic Reactions Acute allergic reactions in dogs are the most severe and require emergency veterinary attention!  If you notice that your dog is developing any adverse symptoms after administering a vaccination or medication, or if they have been bitten or stung, call your vet immediately! Anaphylactic Shock If not treated quickly, your dog may go into anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. When your dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system will produce antihistamines. The excess of histamines in the body cause the itching, swelling, and irritation commonly experienced with allergy symptoms.  If the histamines stay localized in the skin, the allergic reaction usually presents as itching, redness, and swelling in the skin. If you notice these symptoms, contact a vet or emergency vet right away. Hives, and Facial Swelling Another acute allergic reaction includes hives or the swelling of the face, throat, eyelids and ears. These symptoms are critical and will likely require veterinary care to quickly control, but they are not likely to be fatal. Your vet will most likely treat your pet with an antihistamine to reduce the body’s response to the allergen. Acute allergic reactions can be caused by a number of environmental, food, or flea allergies, so it is important to work with your veterinarian in order to determine exactly what your pet is allergic to. Common Types of Dog Allergies Listed below are the 2 main types of allergies that dogs get: Skin Allergies Skin allergies, or allergic dermatitis, is one of the most common allergic responses in dogs. Your dog’s reaction to the itching and irritation will likely cause them to lick, scratch, or rub the skin at the affected site. If the skin is scratched open or damaged, it becomes highly vulnerable for infections to develop and cause further systemic problems. Fleas, food, and environmental allergens all cause reactions that affect the skin. Flea saliva triggers an allergic reaction in canine dermis in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and crusty around the base of the tail. Itchy, swollen, or infected legs, ears, and feet are generally telltale symptoms of environmental or food allergies. If the itching is combined with vomiting and or diarrhea, it is likely your dog is suffering from a food allergy. If your dog has an itchy face and legs, but no gastrointestinal symptoms, your vet will likely start by testing for sensitivities to environmental allergens. Dogs can be allergic to a long list of environmental allergens including dust, pollen, mold, grasses, perfumes, cleaning products, shampoos, different types of fabrics, smoke, rubber, or even plastic! Finding the root source of your dog’s allergies is key to helping them find relief! Food Allergies Food allergies in dogs are generally not as common as we are led to believe, as they are frequently incorrectly confused with food sensitivities. A food allergy is triggered by an immune response usually to the protein or complex carbohydrate in the food which leads to dermatitis, hives, and swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, or throat. If you are unsure whether or not your dog is suffering from a food allergy, it’s always a good idea to take your dog in for a consultation at the vet. They will help determine whether your dog has a food allergy or food sensitivity, and will make sure your pup’s digestive and immune health is on track! Seek Veterinary Care for Dog Allergies If your dog is having an allergic reaction, its best to get them to the vet and comfortable as soon as possible! Even though allergies usually aren’t life threatening, addressing them right away will help keep your pup healthier and happier. The key to treating dog allergies is to determine the allergen and removing it from the dog’s diet or environment. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, it’s worth a consultation with your vet so that your best friend can get back to feeling their best again! You and your vet will work together to assess any recent changes in your dog’s diet or lifestyle that may have contributed to your dog’s most recent allergic reaction in order to try to isolate the allergen. Contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic by calling or schedule an appointment online. Our team in North Charleston, SC is dedicated to providing the best care for your pet!