Ear-resistible Troubles: What You Need to Know About Pet Ear Infections

Author: Maria Van Swol, CVT, VTS (ECC)

Do you think your pet may have an ear infection? If so, this article may give you some answers prior to your trip to the vet. 

Ear infections are common in both cats and dogs and can be caused by a variety of factors. If left untreated, they can lead to pain, discomfort, and even more serious health issues. 

So, how can you spot an ear infection in your furry friend, and what should you do about it?

What Are Ear Infections?

An ear infection occurs when the skin of the ear canal becomes inflamed or infected. Pets have different ear canal structures compared to humans, which can make them more prone to these infections. Their ears can trap moisture, debris, and bacteria, which can lead to irritation and infection.

Ear infections are often classified into three categories:

- Otitis Externa: Affecting the outer ear canal. This is the most common type of ear infection and may cause significant discomfort and irritation.

- Otitis Media: Involves the middle ear and can lead to more serious symptoms.

- Otitis interna: Affects the inner ear structures. This is a more rare form of an ear infection and may cause significant neurological symptoms, as it can affect balance and hearing.

Signs of Ear Infections in Cats and Dogs:

Both cats and dogs exhibit similar symptoms when suffering from an ear infection, though they may act differently depending on the severity of the condition.

Common Symptoms:

-Head shaking or tilting

- Scratching or pawing at the ear

- Redness or swelling of the ear canal or ear structures

- Foul odor

- Discharge (thick, yellow, brown, or black discharge from the ear) 

- Loss of balance

- Sensitivity (when touching ears)

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Common Causes of Ear Infections in Pets:

Several factors can lead to ear infections in cats and dogs. Understanding the cause can help prevent future infections and guide treatment.

Allergies

Allergies—whether environmental, food-related, or flea allergies—can cause inflammation in your pet’s ears. This inflammation makes the ear canal more vulnerable to infections. Dogs with food allergies or seasonal allergies are particularly prone to developing ear infections.

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that can invade the ears, especially in kittens. They are highly contagious and often cause intense itching and irritation. They are more common in cats but can affect dogs too.

Bacteria and Yeast

The warm, moist environment of your pet's ear canal is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Yeast infections often produce a strong, musty odor.

Foreign Objects

Pets, especially dogs, love to explore, and sometimes they end up getting debris like dirt, sand, or even plant matter stuck in their ears. This can block the ear canal and lead to an infection.

Excessive Moisture

Frequent bathing or swimming can lead to excess moisture in the ears. If the moisture isn’t cleared out, it can create the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast to grow.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can make your pet more susceptible to ear infections. These conditions can cause changes in the skin and immune system, increasing the risk of bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

Breed Predisposition

Certain dog breeds are more prone to ear infections. Breeds with long, floppy ears—such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Poodles—tend to have more issues with airflow and moisture in the ear canal. Cats, on the other hand, are generally less susceptible to ear infections but can still develop them, especially if they have allergies or ear mites.

Treatment for Ear Infections

If you suspect your pet has an ear infection, the first step is to visit your veterinarian. If your primary veterinarian is closed then you may choose to have your pet seen at an urgent care, like Island Pet Urgent Care. 

At Island Pet Urgent Care the veterinarian will examine your pet’s ears. We may take samples of any discharge to determine the cause of the infection.

Common Treatment Options:

Ear cleaning: Cleaning the ears with a special ear cleaning solution may be done in the clinic prior to going home. This helps remove debris and excess wax that can contribute to infection. We may also send you home with a safe ear cleaner to use at home. 

Medications: Depending on your pet’s history and exam findings, we may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops or oral medications to treat the infection. We have a variety of in-house ear medications that can be started immediately to provide fast relief. Some more serious ear infections may require the addition of steroids to help reduce irritation and inflammation. 

Pain relief: In more severe cases, your vet might recommend pain relief medication to ease your pet’s discomfort. This may be in the form of medications to give at home or injectable medications during your pet’s visit.

Topical treatments: If the infection is localized, your vet might apply ointments directly to the ear canal.

Surgery: In extreme cases, especially with chronic infections or infections that have affected the middle or inner ear, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or correct structural issues in the ear canal. In this case, we would make your pet feel as comfortable as possible while facilitating a referral to a board certified dermatologist or surgeon.

Preventing Ear Infections in Pets

While some causes of ear infections can’t be avoided, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of your pet developing an ear infection:

Regular ear cleaning: Clean your pet’s ears regularly, especially if they are prone to infections. Use a pet-safe ear cleaner and follow your vet’s recommendations for how often to clean your pet’s ears.

Dry ears after baths or swimming: Make sure your pet’s ears are completely dry after bathing or swimming. You can use a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe their ears.

Check ears often: Inspect your pet’s ears regularly for any signs of irritation, odor, or discharge. Early detection can prevent more serious issues.

Treat allergies: If your pet has allergies, work with your vet to manage them. Treating allergies early can help prevent ear infections from developing.

Avoid foreign objects: Be mindful of your pet’s environment and try to prevent them from getting debris, dirt, or other foreign objects in their ears.

Conclusion

Ear infections in cats and dogs are common, but they are usually treatable if caught early. If your pet shows any signs of ear discomfort, don’t hesitate to stop by Island Pet Urgent Care for a visit. With the right medication and proper care, you can help your pet recover and prevent future ear infections.