If you’ve ever had to care for a child with an ear infection, you know it’s seriously no fun for anyone. And if you’ve ever had to care for a dog or cat with an ear infection, you know what it’s like to care for a really fast child with claws.
Ear infections are actually one of the most common feline and canine health issues we treat at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals, partially because they are so difficult to treat. Owners often want the fastest, cheapest way to deal with animal ear infections, but don’t take the time to understand the root cause of the issue, which means infections return. These tips dispel common myths about infections and offer insight into avoiding them from now on.
Clear ears regularly—and correctly.
Ears collect gunk and junk when they are infected, and cleaning this out is a dirty job that falls to you (congratulations!). If the ear becomes too dirty, a veterinarian may have to do the cleaning all the way down to the ear drum while the animal is sedated. At home, fill the ear canal with prescribed solution from your veterinarian until it overflows. Then fold the ear flap (pinna) over the canal and gently massage; you’ll hear a squishy sound. Now give your pet some space and let the dog or cat shake their head (hint: you may want to do this in the shower since solution drops could go flying). The shaking will bring dirt and gunk to the surface, where you can carefully wipe it away. Don’t dig into the ear with a swab or Q-Tip, since this will only push debris further into the ear. Plus, you might accidentally rupture the ear drum!
Take your pet to the vet sooner than later.
Ear infections get worse if left untreated, so if your dog or cat is having problems, you’ll save them lots of agony by scheduling an animal clinic checkup. Procrastinating not only makes infections harder to get rid of, it means any future infections will be more severe and difficult to treat. If your pet shakes their head, scratches the ears, or you notice a discharge or smelly odor around the ears, make an appointment to see your animal surgeon.
Be watchful for returning infections.
Once your animal is treated, keep a close eye on any signs of symptoms returning. Most healthy adult animals don’t get ear infections, so while it’s possible that an infection is a random event, it’s also possible that there could be another underlying issue your vet may have to investigate further. If Fido or Fluffy starts to show signs of another infection, it’s time to have a longer conversation with your veterinarian. The most likely cause is a bacterial or yeast infection (or ear mites in young kittens), but it could also be an allergy to pollen, mold, dust mites, or even food. From anatomical abnormalities to hormonal imbalances, your vet will be able to make a more precise call when he or she sees your animal in person.
