Ear infections are a common problem in pets, who can suffer from recurring, painful, chronic infections. Learn everything you need to know to help reduce your pet’s chances of ear infections and to lessen infection severity, from our Stanton Pet Hospital team’s answers to frequently asked questions about ear infections in pets.

Question: What causes ear infections in pets?

Answer: Your pet’s ears naturally have small populations of bacteria and yeast but, when they develop a moist, inflamed environment, these populations can explode and cause an infection.

Your pet’s ears can become moist or inflamed for many reasons, but the most common ear infection causes include:

  • Food allergies
  • Environmental allergies
  • Foreign bodies (e.g., grass awns, foxtails)
  • Excessive moisture from bathing or swimming
  • Ear mites
  • Ear polyps
  • Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., pemphigus, lupus, vasculitis)
  • Trauma to the ear
  • Certain cancer types

Q: Are some pets more likely to get ear infections than others?

A: While any pet can develop an ear infection at any age, certain breeds (e.g., breeds with large, floppy, or hairy ears) are most at risk. Therefore, keep a close eye on your pet’s ears if you have a cocker spaniel, poodle, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, or a hound.

Pets who are bathed excessively or swim frequently are also more likely to develop ear infections.

Q: What signs will I see if my pet has an ear infection?

A: Ear infections, which are often incredibly painful, can develop in one or both ears. If your pet has an ear infection, you may notice:

  • Scratching or rubbing at the ear
  • Head shaking
  • Black, brown, or yellow ear discharge
  • Scabs or crusting in the ear
  • Red, swollen ear canal
  • Odor to the ear
  • Sensitivity when handling the ear
  • Unusual ear posture
  • Head tilt

Q: Are ear infections in pets contagious?

A: Most ear infections are not contagious between pets or people. However, pets can share an ear mite infection, especially among those who sleep together or groom one another. If one of your household pets has ear mites, all your pets need treatment to prevent an infection.

Q: How are ear infections in pets diagnosed?

A: Diagnosing a simple, uncomplicated ear infection requires a sample of the debris in your pet’s ear. By examining the sample under the microscope, we can identify yeast, bacteria, or mites, and provide the appropriate treatment. We’ll also examine your pet’s ear with an otoscope to visualize and ensure the tympanic membrane is intact.

If your pet has chronic ear infections or no treatment is effective, additional diagnostic testing is needed to determine if allergies, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, or other causes are to blame. 

Q: How are ear infections in pets treated?

A: Ear infections caused by yeast, bacteria, or mites require appropriate ear drops or ointments. Oftentimes, we can apply a long-acting ointment to your pet’s ear during their veterinary appointment, so you will not need to clean their ears or administer medication at home. 

Treating the underlying cause, such as allergies or hypothyroidism, is also key to avoiding chronic ear infections. If a foreign object or polyp is the cause, anesthesia is required to remove the offending object or mass.

Q: Can I treat my pet’s ear infection at home?

A: No. Many online sources claim hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar are effective ear infection treatments for pets, but those products do more harm than good, because peroxide destroys healthy cells and vinegar adds moisture to the ear’s environment. Also, any product—prescribed or not—can harm your pet if the tympanic membrane is not intact.

Q: Why can’t I use the same medication for my pet’s chronic ear infections?

A: Although your pet may have had a previous ear infection and has prescription medication, you should not administer any treatment without determining the infection cause. When you keep giving the same medication, your pet can build up a resistance, or if a different fungal or bacterial strain is present, the medication will no longer be effective. 

Q: Is a recheck really necessary for my pet’s ear infection?

A: Recheck appointments are essential for monitoring the progress of your pet’s ear infection. At a follow-up visit, we can ensure the treatment is working and determine if deeper ear structures are involved once pain and swelling has resolved. If the treatment is not working properly, we will dig deeper for the cause. 

Follow-up appointments are also crucial for ensuring your pet’s ear infection has resolved completely and has not only partially cleared up, which can lead to chronic, resistant infections.

Q: How can I keep my pet from getting ear infections?

A: Ear infections are generally a sign of an underlying health condition and will be an ongoing issue for affected pets. However, management of the triggering cause and proper ear cleaning techniques can help reduce ear infection frequency and severity. 

If you suspect your pet has an ear infection, avoid using home remedies that can irritate the ear and worsen the problem. Set up an appointment with our Stanton Pet Hospital team for appropriate, effective treatment.