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603 results for “ear scratching”
Stopping Your Cat from Scratching Furniture
A new cat owner's nightmare is shredded sofa, but scratching is instinct you can't stop—only redirect. Cats scratch to sharpen claws (shedding old keratin) and to leave scent from paw glands for security, and sometimes to demand attention. Correct by teaching 'don't' with instant, firm interruption, supplying scratching posts near the furniture, and protecting pieces with anti-scratch film or deterrent spray. Education comes first; barriers are backup.
Ear Mites in Dogs: Why the Smell Means Trouble
Ear mites (Otodectes) are ear-canal parasites that feed on lymph and fluid; females are 0.35–0.45 mm, males 0.275–0.36 mm—barely visible white dots. Left untreated they cause inflammation and crusting within about two weeks and can progress to middle or inner ear infection, even hearing loss and loss of balance. Signs: foul-smelling dark ear discharge, head-shaking and scratching, and sometimes worsened tear stains (the ear and facial nerves connect). Treat by isolating the dog and disinfecting its space, cleaning the canal, and applying a miticide as directed until gone; prevent with routine ear care. If it won't clear, see a vet. (Mites rarely infect people.)
My dog has a black film over the white of its eye, can’t open it, and is tearing
An abnormal eyeball, inability to open the eye, and tearing may indicate eye infection or corneal injury. See a vet promptly; delaying can worsen the cornea and cause ulcers. Use an Elizabethan collar to stop scratching.
Does a Scratching Cat Always Have Parasites?
A scratching cat doesn't automatically have worms. Itching can come from parasites, but also from skin disease, allergies, dry skin, or even stress. Anxious cats may over-groom until they damage their own skin, creating a vicious itch cycle. If scratching continues after a dewormer, or comes with hair loss, redness, bumps, ulcers, or heavy scaling, it's time for a veterinary check rather than more flea treatment.
Why Did My Rabbit’s Ears Suddenly Flop?
A rabbit suddenly developing 'airplane ears' can come from mixed breeding, disease, or injury. If the ears just flop with no discharge, odor, or trauma, it is likely genetics, since a non-pure upright bloodline droops over time; this is harmless. But if flopping comes with more ear wax, a foul smell, or head shaking, ear mites are likely; isolate the rabbit, disinfect the space, and treat. Rough handling that pulls the ears can also cause it, so learn to hold a rabbit correctly to avoid injury.
Canine and Feline External Ear Canal Tumors
Tumors of the external ear canal arise from the canal's lining or glands and can congest and block the passage, causing discomfort and discharge. Surgical removal of the affected canal usually gives a good outcome.
Canine and Feline Ear Laceration
An ear laceration is a torn wound of the ear flap, usually from fighting, rough play, or prolonged squeezing and friction. Treatment depends on depth — from simple skin closure to separate repair of cartilage and skin — and an Elizabethan collar protects the healing wound.
Ear Mite Infestation in Dogs and Cats (Otodectic Mange): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are highly contagious parasites that infect the outer ear canal of dogs and cats, causing intense itching, head shaking, and dark waxy debris. Treatment combines ear cleaning with parasiticides and control of secondary infection.
Why does my puppy keep scratching, especially its face and biting at its thighs?
Scratching means the dog is itchy and uncomfortable. Causes range from parasite bites and allergies to skin disease. Check the coat for parasites and apply external deworming if found; if the cause is unclear, see a vet for a targeted treatment plan.
Why does my puppy keep scratching — especially its face — and biting at its thighs?
Scratching means your dog is itchy or uncomfortable. The causes of itchy skin are many — parasite bites, allergies, skin disease and more. Check the coat and skin for abnormalities, apply a topical parasite treatment if you find parasites, and see a vet if the cause is unclear.