Ear infections are one of the most common conditions seen in both dogs and cats. The problem is that many pets don’t show obvious signs until the infection has become painful.
Knowing what to look for can help you seek treatment early and prevent more serious complications.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠
Occasional head shaking is normal, but frequent or persistent shaking may indicate irritation, an ear infection, ear mites or even a foreign object lodged in the ear canal.
- 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐬
If your pet is constantly scratching their ears or rubbing their head against furniture or the floor, it’s time to have their ears checked. Continued scratching can lead to sores and further inflammation.
- 𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞
Healthy ears should not have a strong odour or discharge. Brown, yellow or black debris, as well as an unpleasant smell, are common signs of infection and should never be ignored.
- 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝
Does your pet pull away, cry, growl or seem uncomfortable when you touch their ears? Ear infections can be very painful, and sensitivity is often one of the first signs that something isn’t right.
- 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
A head tilt, poor balance or walking in circles may indicate that an infection has spread deeper into the ear. This requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can affect your pet’s balance and hearing.
𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐄
Many ear problems start with mild irritation but can quickly develop into chronic infections if left untreated. The earlier an ear problem is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the more comfortable your pet will be.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, book an ear examination with your veterinarian.
📍 Fynbos Animal Hospital | Worcester
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦? 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲.