Ear infections (also known as Otitis) are a common reason for pet owners to visit the vet. While they’re more common in dogs, cats can get them too. These infections can be really uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic pain. Let’s dive into what causes them, how to spot the symptoms, and what you can do to treat and prevent ear infections in your furry friends.
What causes ear infections?
Ear infections in pets can be triggered by a number of things, including:
Bacteria and yeast
The most frequent culprits are bacteria or yeast overgrowth in the ear canal. This usually happens when the natural balance of microorganisms in the ear is thrown off.
Allergies
Pets with allergies to food or things in their environment like pollen, dust mites, or mould are more likely to get ear infections. Allergies can cause inflammation and extra wax production, making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Ear infections are often the first symptom of an underlying skin condition.
Foreign bodies
Things like grass seeds or dirt can get stuck in the ear canal, leading to irritation and infection.
Moisture
Extra moisture from swimming or bathing can create an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Vet tip: When bathing your pet, put a ball of cotton wool just inside their ear to prevent water from getting in.
Ear mites
These tiny parasites can invade the ear canal, causing irritation and infection and often cause a dark brown discharge from the ears. While more common in cats, dogs can get them too.
Breed
Certain breeds, especially those with floppy ears or narrow ear canals like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Poodles, are more prone to ear infections due to poor air circulation.
What are the signs of an ear infection?
Watch out for these common signs:
- Ear scratching: Excessive scratching of the ears.
- Head shaking: Frequent shaking of the head.
- Odor: An unpleasant smell coming from the ears.
- Discharge: Yellow, brown or bloody discharge from the ears.
- Sensitivity: Soreness or pain, making your pet reluctant to let you touch their ears or head.
- Redness or swelling: Red or swollen skin around the ear or on the “pinna” (the ear flap), which is normally a healthy pink colour.
- Head tilt: Tilting the head to one side, indicating a possible inner ear infection.
Treating and preventing ear infections
If you think your pet has an ear infection, book an appointment to see your local vet. Your vet will thoroughly examine your pet, paying special attention to the ear canal. They’ll use an otoscope to look inside the ear canal and take swabs to identify the type of infection. If the ear canal is too painful or blocked with discharge, your vet may suggest a mild sedation so they can clean the ear and examine the ear drum properly.
Your vet will then prescribe the appropriate medication to treat the infection and reduce inflammation. This could include antibiotics, antifungal or anti-inflammatory medication.
To prevent reoccurring ear infections, your vet may recommend the following:
- Ear Cleaning: Regular ear cleaning with a vet-recommended solution to help keep the ears free from debris and excess wax. Your vet team can show you how to properly clean your pet’s ears.
- Dietary Changes: If your pet has food allergies, switching to a hypoallergenic diet might prevent recurring ear infections.
- Allergy Management: Managing environmental allergies with medications or reducing exposure to allergens can help.
- Moisture Control: Drying your pet’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing can prevent moisture buildup.
Vet tip: Don’t use cotton buds in your pet’s ears as this could cause further damage to the ears.
Ear infections are painful for pets, but with the right treatment and preventive steps, you can help them recover quickly and avoid future issues. Regular vet check-ups, good ear hygiene, and addressing any underlying health problems are key. If you think your pet might have an ear infection, don’t hesitate to visit your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
