Whether they are from swimming in the lake, playing in the mud after a rainstorm, or just plain old seasonal allergies, ear infections in our pets are one of the most common ailments we see in the summertime. As common as they are, however, ear infections can be extremely painful for our furry friends and dangerous for other parts of their body if left untreated. So what specifically causes ear infections?
Ear infections in our pets can be caused by an array of conditions, mainly due to the anatomy of their ear canals. A pet’s ear canal has more angles than a human’s, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. The most common causes for ear infections in pets are:
Moisture/Wax Build-up
Allergies
Endocrine and/or Autoimmune Disorders
Ear Canal Injury
Foreign object in the ear (such as a bug, bead, or other small item)
Over-cleaning of the ear
While ear infections can range in severity, it is important to have your pet seen as soon as symptoms arise. If left untreated, ear infections can spread into the inner ear and cause permanent vestibular damage like deafness and even facial paralysis. To avoid this, knowing the most common warning signs of an ear infection is key. Some of these may be:
Head Shaking
Scratching/Itching at ear(s)
Redness/Swelling inside the affected ear
Dark, smelly discharge
Pain (often accompanied by whimpering when itching the affected ear)
Crusting/Scabbing
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend bringing them to be seen by a veterinarian who can prescribe them the correct medication to both treat the current infection as well as prevent its spread to other areas of the body. At this visit, our staff will typically first perform an exam as well as a cytology test (ear swab) to identify what kind of infection your pet is suffering from. In most scenarios, we will also clean your pet’s ears with a medicated cleanser and show you how to clean their ears at home if you don’t already know how. For pets experiencing ear infections on a regular basis, their veterinarian may also prescribe medicated ear drops, cleanser, or powder to help keep their ears clean and dry at all times. With proper treatment, a mild ear infection can be resolved in a week or 2. More severe cases may take up to a few weeks or months.
“So how can I prevent my pet from getting an ear infection?” Our first tip is to keep your pet’s ears clean and dry! Since most ear infections are a result of excess moisture in the ear, cleaning your pet’s ears regularly using a drying ear cleanser like EpiOtic will help maintain a dry environment to prevent yeast and bacteria from over-growing. If your pet has chronic ear infections due to an underlying condition like allergies, continuing treatment and management of that condition will help to prevent future infection as well.
While ear infections can be a persistent and painful problem in pets, we are here to help keep your fur baby’s ears healthy. If you see your pet showing signs of an ear infection, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at any of our locations to have them seen and get their ears back to clear and comfortable:
Newberry: (352) 472-7035
39th Ave & Wellness: (352) 332-2292
Main Street: (352) 372-5391
Springhill: (352) 373-7208
Comments