Ear Infections in Pets: What You Should Know
Noticed your pet shaking their head a bit too much lately? Or maybe their ear smells kind of funky? It could be more than just a weird quirk—it might be an ear infection. In fact, an ear infection in pets is one of the most common reasons for a vet visit, especially for dogs. While they’re uncomfortable (and sometimes downright painful), the good news is they’re usually treatable once caught early.
Whether it’s a dog ear infection from too many beach swims or a cat ear infection brought on by pesky mites, knowing what to look out for can save your pet a lot of discomfort—and you, a big vet bill.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no complicated vet-speak here), so you can help keep your pet happy, healthy, and ear drama-free.
What causes ear infections in pets?
A few different culprits can be behind an ear infection—and sometimes it’s more than one thing. Here are the usual suspects:
- Bacteria and yeast – These naturally live in your pet’s ears, but when the balance is off, they can cause an infection.
- Ear mites – More common in cats but can affect dogs too. Super itchy and super annoying.
- Allergies – Pets with food or environmental allergies often have ear inflammation, which sets the stage for infections.
- Moisture build-up – Water left behind after swimming or a bath creates a cosy spot for germs to thrive.
- Foreign objects – Think grass seeds or bits of debris that sneak into the ear canal.
- Hair or wax build-up – Especially in breeds with hairy inner ears or narrow canals.
How to tell if your pet has an ear infection
Pets can’t exactly say, “Hey, my ear hurts,” but they’ll show signs in other ways. Look out for:
- Head shaking or constant ear scratching
- Redness or swelling inside the ear
- Brown, yellow, or black discharge
- A strong, musty smell
- Tilting their head or acting off-balance
- Sensitivity when you touch around the ear
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms, it’s worth chatting to your vet sooner rather than later.
Treating ear infections: what works
If you think your pet has an ear infection, your vet will usually take a look inside the ear (yep, with that little light thing) and possibly swab the area to check what’s causing the trouble.
Treating ear infections typically involves:
- Ear drops – Often a mix of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or antifungal meds.
- Cleaning solutions – To flush out any gunk or debris.
- Oral medication – For more serious or stubborn infections, or if allergies are playing a role.
- Ongoing maintenance – If your pet is prone to infections, your vet might recommend a regular ear cleaning routine to help keep things under control.
Be prepared: giving ear drops can be a two-person job (and possibly require some bribery with treats).
Preventing ear infections in pets
You can’t prevent every single infection, but there’s plenty you can do to reduce the risk—especially if your pet has had ear issues before.
- Dry ears properly after swimming or baths—especially for floppy-eared breeds
- Regular cleaning using a vet-approved solution
- Keep ears trimmed if they’re super hairy (ask your groomer or vet for help)
- Treat underlying causes like allergies or parasites
- Use parasite preventatives to avoid ear mites, particularly in cats
You can browse our full range of pet ear care products for dogs or check out our flea and tick prevention for dogs options to help support healthier ears overall.
Summary
Ear infections aren’t just uncomfortable—they can seriously affect your pet’s quality of life if ignored. The earlier you spot the signs, the easier they are to treat. Whether it’s a dog ear infection from too much swimming or a cat ear infection caused by mites, knowing what to look for is half the battle.
So next time your pet starts shaking their head like they’re trying to dance, take a closer look. Keeping ears clean, dry, and parasite-free can go a long way in preventing future issues. And if something seems off, don’t stress—your vet will know what to do.
