Managing Skin and Ear Conditions in the Tweed Valley

Living in the beautiful Tweed Valley comes with its unique challenges for our pets’ skin and ears. It is very common for dogs and cats in this region to suffer from persistent ear and skin infections. The warm, humid climate, coupled with a high presence of environmental allergens (pollen, grasses, dust mites, etc.), creates a perfect storm for allergic skin disease, also known as Atopy.

Finding the precise cause of your pet’s allergies can be a complex and often lengthy process. This is rarely a quick fix; instead, it is a journey we undertake with you, the owner, focusing on long-term management rather than a cure.

Our goal is simple: to ensure your pet has a great quality of life, free from constant itching and discomfort. We achieve this by developing a holistic management plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. This approach often involves a combination of strategies, including:

  • Targeted Nutrition: Adjusting the diet to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Western Medicine: Utilizing the latest advancements, such as monthly injections, antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-itch medications.
  • Herbal Therapy: Incorporating safe and effective herbal medicines to support the immune system and soothe the skin from within.

We take the time to look closely at your pet’s complete history, diet, and environment to identify triggers and find a sustainable way to make your beloved companion happy and comfortable.me!

Common Northern NSW Plants Causing Allergic Reactions in Dogs and Cats

Plant NameToxic PartsSeverityCommon Symptoms (Allergic)
Wattle (Acacia species)PollenMILD to MODERATEItchy skin (pruritus), paw chewing, red ears, sneezing, runny eyes, head shaking.
Rye Grass (Lolium species)PollenMILD to MODERATESkin irritation (contact dermatitis), excessive licking/chewing of paws, inflamed skin, seasonal itching.
Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)Blades/Seed HeadsMILD (Contact Irritant)Contact dermatitis, itchy belly/paws, red bumps, hair loss in affected areas.
Lantana (Lantana camara)Leaves, stems, flowers (ingestion is toxic, but contact causes irritation)MILD (Contact)Skin irritation, redness, rash (primarily due to physical contact with irritating hairs/sap).
Privet (Ligustrum species)PollenMILD to MODERATESeasonal rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose/eyes), itchy skin, head rubbing.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis)Leaves, stemsMILD (Dermal Irritant)Severe skin irritation, itchy rash, especially on the abdomen and groin (this is often a contact allergy/dermatitis).

What our clients are saying about us

  • We have entrusted Mr Parker with the wonderful staff for puppy training, routine checks and his fair share of clinical issues

    My daughter and I moved to Murwillumbah in late 2013.  The day we arrived in our new home was the day we met our beautiful new puppy Mr Parker.  A gift from my sister.
    We have taken Mr Parker to King Street Veterinary Hospital since then.
    We have entrusted Mr Parker with the wonderful staff for puppy training, routine checks and his fair share of clinical issues.  
    Last year Mr Parker was diagnosed with a terminal condition but lives a vibrant and otherwise healthy life because of the love and care he gets from Sam and all of the KSVH team.
    Ward Roberts
    Thank you KSVH ❤️

  • Kings Street Veterinary Hospital is my go to practice of choice.

    As a breeder of pedigree cats I have been taking my animals to King Street Veterinary Hospital for over 15 years now. I have always found the Staff to be helpful, friendly, polite and caring, the Vets kind, knowledgeable and experienced when caring for my babies. In times of worry / loss of an animal, the level of sympathy and empathy has been most comforting.
    Over the years I have seen the practice evolve and improve into the modern well run facility it is today.
    Kings Street Veterinary Hospital is my go to practice of choice.
    Elaine Vincent
    Breeder of pedigree cats