If you feel the cute furry ears of your pet make them look endearing, you are not alone. Yes, those swoops can melt any pet lover’s heart. But these beautiful ears of your canine or feline friend need care to keep healthy. Your pet may develop an ear infection in the absence of adequate aural care measures, which adversely impacts their ear health. So, what to do for the ear health care of dogs and cats? Let’s find out. 

This blog includes information about ear infection in dogs and cats, its causes, symptoms & diagnosis, and ways to treat and prevent ear infections in them. Read on to learn more.

Cat & Dog Ear Infection Explained

An ear infection in dogs and cats is the inflammation or swelling of the pet’s ear canal, leading to overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria. There are three different types of ear infections based on the ear canal area that is affected, namely: external canal (Otitis externa), middle ear (Otitis media), and the inner ear or brain (Otitis interna). Of these, Otitis externa is the most common ear infection in pets.

Causes of Ear Infection in Pets

Dogs and cats develop ear infections due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Ear canal structure: The L-shaped (more vertical than humans) and hairy ear canal of dogs and cats traps moisture, wax and debris, providing the dark and warm environment parasites/bacteria/yeast need to survive and thrive. This anatomy of pets makes them prone to frequent ear infections.
  • Allergies: Ears are a part of the pet’s skin. A dog or cat allergic to environmental substances like pollen or dust, or food substances can develop both skin as well as ear infections when they come into contact with these allergens.
  • Ear mites, fleas or ticks: Pups & kittens can contract ear mites from their mother during the nursing stage. These mites burrow into the skin and can cause skin irritation & inflammation. Fleas and ticks, on the other hand, can carry and pass bacteria to pets, causing inflammation of the skin and ear canal blockage.
  • Lifestyle: A pet that socializes frequently with other pets is more vulnerable to an ear infection, as it has more chances of coming into contact with an infected animal. Similarly, an ardent swimmer may develop an ear infection easily if their ears are not cleaned thoroughly after every swimming session.

Symptoms of ear infections in pets

Pets suffering from ear infection usually show one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Physical:
    • Inflammation near the ear canal
    • Skin redness and irritation
    • Yellowish, brown or black discharge coming out of the ears
    • Unpleasant odor from the ears
    • Hair loss around the ear area
  • Behavioral:
    • Shaking the head as if trying to remove water from the ears
    • Walking in circles
    • Unusual darting eye movement
    • Rubbing the ears along the carpet or furniture
    • Being withdrawn or irritable
    • Balance & co-ordination problems

Diagnosing ear infections in pets

If you observe any symptoms of ear infection in your furry companion, take immediate steps to treat the infection and provide them relief. The first step to start with an ear infection treatment is getting the infection diagnosed. Once your veterinarian diagnoses the type of ear infection, you can get a tailored solution that suits your fur friend the best. The different ear infection diagnostic procedures include:

  • Otoscopy: An examination of the ear canal’s internal structure with the help of an otoscope to identify the presence of debris, inflammation, or parasites.
  • Cytology: A microscopic examination of ear debris to identify the presence of bacteria, yeast or parasites.
  • Culture of the affected ear(s): A collection of bacterial samples from the affected ear with a sterile swab to identify the strains of bacteria the pet is infected with.
  • Imaging (CT scan/Radiographs): To check middle or inner ear infections.

Treatment of ear infection in pets

Once the diagnosis is available, provide vet-recommended prompt treatment to your feline or canine friend to relieve them from the pain and irritation of ear infection and control further damage. There are various ear infection solutions for dogs and cats, of which Aristopet Ear Canker Drops and TROY Ear Canker Drops are some of the trusted options for the treatment of ear canker in dogs and cats. Aristopet drops also help treat ear mites in dogs and cats. Get a tailored treatment plan from your veterinarian and follow it thoroughly to get the best results for your pet.

Preventing ear infections in pets

No pet parent would want to see their fur baby in pain or facing discomfort. That’s why, preventing ear infections as far as possible is a better option than treating them. And, it is important to keep your pet’s ears clean to prevent the build-up of earwax and debris. Take the help of an ear cleaner to maintain your four-legged friend’s aural hygiene. Some of the most popular ear cleaning solutions for pets include:

  • Otosol Ear Drops: Ear drops for cleaning, disinfecting and caring for the ears of dogs and cats. These drops are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, disinfectant, and useful for external otitis.
  • Epi-Otic: Ear drops with anti-irritating and anti-adhesive properties designed for routine ear cleaning of dogs and cats. A good option for an at-home grooming routine.
  • Paw Gentle Ear Cleaner: Drops prepared to gently clean the ears of dogs and cats. This solution helps remove excess wax, dirt and debris without causing any irritation, and helps prevent ear infections.

For more information about pet ear cleaners, read Your Comprehensive List of the Best Ear Cleaners for Dogs.

In a nutshell

Ear infections in dogs and cats are common. If left untreated, ear infections can become severe and adversely impact your dog or cat’s health. Being vigilant about ear infection symptoms and getting them diagnosed on time are prerequisites to providing the required treatment to your furry family member. It is best to pay attention to your pet’s aural hygiene and clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections and keep them healthy and happy.