Ear infections are relatively common and painful conditions that affect cats and dogs of all ages. If left untreated, an ear infection can lead to intense pain, causing your pet to scratch or shake their head persistently. Understanding ear infection causes, signs, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and catching infections early. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group explains pet ear infections and how you can help prevent your pet from developing them. 

Understanding pet ear anatomy

Before being able to understand ear infections, you need to grasp basic pet ear anatomy. Dogs and cats have similar ear structures, consisting of an outer ear, also known as the pinna, a middle ear, which includes the eardrum, and an inner ear, containing the vestibular system responsible for balance. The three ear infection types in dogs and cats are:

  • Otitis externa — An inflammation of the cells that line the outer ear 
  • Otitis media — Middle ear infection  
  • Otitis interna — Ear canal infection 

The outer ear is where most infections begin and where infection signs can be seen. Without prompt treatment, the outer ear’s initial inflammation can spread into the middle and inner ear and ear canal, leading to deafness and other complications.  

Ear infection signs in pets

Some pets show no or minimal ear infection signs until pain or ear discharge develops. Common ear infection signs include:

  • Head shaking and tilting — Pets with ear infections often shake their heads vigorously or tilt them to one side to alleviate discomfort.
  • Scratching or rubbing — Excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears and surrounding area may indicate irritation or pain.
  • Foul odor or discharge — Healthy ears should be odor-free. A foul odor emanating from your pet’s ears, accompanied by a yellow, brown, or black discharge, signals infection.
  • Redness or swelling — Inflamed or swollen ear canals, coupled with redness or heat, indicate an underlying problem.

Causes of ear infections in pets

The physiology of your cat’s or dog’s ears is different from that of your ears in that a pet’s ear canal is L-shaped or curved, increasing the chances of trapping moisture or debris. Along with pets’ ear anatomy, factors that increase their ear infection risk include:

  • Bacterial or yeast overgrowth — Moisture, debris, or foreign objects in the ear can create an ideal environment for bacteria or yeast to thrive, leading to infection.
  • Allergies — Pets can develop allergies to food, pollen, or environmental substances, leading to inflammation and increased ear infection susceptibility.
  • Physical traits — Breeds with floppy ears or excessive ear canal hair are prone to ear infections because of poor air circulation and trapped moisture.
  • Ear mites — Most common in puppies, untreated ear mites can lead to ear infections.
  • Underlying health issues — Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism or autoimmune disorders, can predispose pets to ear infections.

Diagnosing ear infections in pets

If your pet shows ear infection signs, promptly schedule their appointment with our Santa Monica Veterinary Group. Our veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet’s ears, possibly including an otoscopic evaluation to assess the ear canal’s internal structures. Additionally, we may collect an ear discharge sample and examine it under a microscope to identify the specific microorganisms causing the infection.

Treating ear infections in pets

Once our veterinarian diagnoses that your pet has an ear infection, we will thoroughly clean your pet’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Depending on the infection type, we may also prescribe some of the following treatments:

  • Medication — Our team may prescribe topical, liquid drops, or oral medications, such as antibiotics, to combat bacterial or yeast overgrowth and reduce inflammation.
  • Parasite prevention — If your pet’s ear infection is related to a flea allergy, our team will prescribe monthly preventives to combat flea and tick infestations.
  • Lifestyle changes — For pets prone to ear infections caused by allergies, we often recommend dietary changes or environmental modifications.
  • Secondary condition management — Any underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, should be managed by our team to prevent recurrent ear infections.
  • Regular ear cleaning — Regularly clean your pet’s ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner to help remove debris and ear wax and prevent future infections.

By staying vigilant for ear infection signs and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help keep your furry friend pain-free and their ears healthy. If your pet exhibits ear infection signs, call our Santa Monica Veterinary Group for immediate treatment.