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Pet Infections

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Types of Pet Infections: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Infections can present in many ways — from subtle behavioral changes to visible symptoms like redness, swelling, or discharge. Common signs include excessive licking, scooting, inappropriate urination, strong odors, or persistent head shaking. To determine the cause and severity of the infection, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, radiographs (X-rays), urinalysis, or skin cytology.

Most infections require a course of antibiotics, and pain relief may be prescribed when needed to ensure your pet’s comfort during recovery.

Important: Never give your pet human medications. Over-the-counter drugs intended for people can be toxic — and sometimes fatal — for pets. Always consult a veterinarian before treating your pet.

Skin Infections: Redness, Hair Loss, or Odor

  • Symptoms: Red, irritated skin, hair loss, or a strong smell
  • Treatment: Our team will diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan to restore healthy skin and coat. This may include antibiotics, antifungal medications, or medicated baths.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

  • Symptoms: Straining to urinate, frequent urination, urinating in unusual places
  • Treatment: We conduct urinalysis and other diagnostics to confirm infection, then prescribe antibiotics and supportive care to prevent complications.

Upper Respiratory Infections

  • Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy
  • Treatment: Respiratory infections can be viral or bacterial. We provide prompt treatment, including antibiotics (if bacterial), supportive care, and monitoring.

Eye Infections

  • Symptoms: Swollen eyes, green or white discharge, excessive blinking or rubbing
  • Treatment: After examining your pet’s eyes, we provide eye drops, oral medications, or other treatments to relieve infection and discomfort.

Ear Infections

  • Symptoms: Foul odor, head shaking, scratching at ears, visible redness or discharge
  • Treatment: We perform a detailed ear examination and prescribe medicated ear drops, oral medication, or ear cleaning routines to eliminate infection and reduce inflammation.

Anal Gland Abscess

  • Symptoms: Scooting, swelling near the anus, excessive licking
  • Treatment: Our team treats abscesses through draining, flushing, and medication to eliminate infection and reduce pain.

Bite Wound Abscess

  • Symptoms: Swollen, painful lumps under the skin, discharge, lethargy
  • Treatment: Bite wounds are prone to infection. We clean and drain abscesses, provide antibiotics, and offer pain relief to promote safe healing.

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We proudly serve the pets of Sarasota, FL and beyond.

Our goal is to work alongside our clients to foster and protect the link between people and animals by offering urgent veterinary care that is kind, knowledgeable, and reasonably priced. We appreciate you trusting us with your pet care.