Our pets might not be able to give us verbal cues as to what’s going on inside their bodies, but they can give us plenty of physical ones. Dog and cat ear infections are painful and could turn dangerous without the proper treatment. When it comes to your pet’s ears, Berkeley Veterinary Center wants to help you make sure they’re in top shape by sharing the signs your dog or cat has an ear infection:
Dog Ear Infection
Because of the shape of their ear canals, dogs are more prone to get ear infections than their feline companions. Often dogs with infected ears will display the following:
- Frequent head shakes
- Repeated scratching at or around ears
- Whining
- Dark discharge coming from the ears
- Distinctive odor near the head
- Red or swollen ears
- Crusts or scabs on the ears
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule a wellness exam so your veterinarian can determine if an issue like an ear infection is causing your dog’s discomfort. Excessive moisture near the ears, endocrine disorders, allergies in pets, and even over-cleaning can all cause canine ear infections. With proper treatment, most infections will clear up in a few weeks without issue. If you do not get veterinary assistance, however, an ear infection can linger for months and become much more severe.
Ear Infections in Cats
Our feline friends are less likely to deal with ear infections than dogs or humans, but they can still get them. Similar to dogs, cats with ear infections might show the following symptoms:
- Scratching
- Foul odor coming from ears
- Noticeable discharge (often looks like coffee grounds)
- Tilting of the head
- Ear swelling or redness
- Difficulty hearing
- Trouble balancing
- Disorientation
Since ear infections in cats are not very common, it is important to make a veterinary appointment if you notice any of these symptoms. Serious issues like an autoimmune disease, FIV, foreign bodies, and even polyps or tumors could be responsible for the infection. With the help of your veterinarian, you can find the cause of the ear infection and start a treatment plan to clean it up and return your cat to his normal self.
Whether you think your pet has an ear infection or it’s time for a general wellness checkup, Berkeley Veterinary Center is here for you. We make it easy to get premium veterinary care in Bayville. Call (732) 269-3600 to learn more.
Tags: Allergies In Pets, cat ear infection, dermatitis in dogs, dog ear infection, ear mites