Commonly Diagnosed Pet Ear Problems

Persistent scratching of the ears is one of the most commonly observed symptoms of pet ear problems. From seasonal allergies to the increased presence of parasites, springtime seems to inspire itching. Unfortunately, ear problems can inflict more serious damage if left untreated.

3 Common Causes of Pet Ear Problems

Although ear infections require a veterinary exam and treatment, the infection itself often masks one of these three health conditions:

1. Ear mites – There are several types of mites that can affect felines and canines (and ferrets). These tiny spider-like pests live on the skin where they continue to multiply. Barely visible to the naked eye, symptoms of a mite infestation include: scratching ears and shaking head, black or brown waxy build-up, coffee ground like debris in the ear, inflammation or redness, hair loss.

Treatment includes prescription medications that contain insecticides. Because mites are so contagious, if one pet becomes infected, it’s likely that all pets will be affected in a household.

1. Allergies – Seasonal allergies can often manifest as dermatitis and itchiness around the ears, nose, and mouth. Allergies can also be caused by fleas, food, and other substances that come into contact with your pet, such as certain detergents.

Diagnosing allergies in pets is a complex process. We recommend a consultation to discuss changes to limit the impact or exposure your pet has to allergen(s).

1. Foreign objects – As most owners can attest, playful pets have a way of coming into contact with a number of foreign objects. If something finds its way into the ear canal, it can lead to an infection and quite a bit of discomfort. A veterinarian will have to carefully remove the object from the ear.

In each of these situations, veterinary medical attention is required. The goal is to not only relieve pet ear problems, but to also prevent damage to the ear canal or the development of a hematoma (a result of head shaking).

To get to the root of your pet’s itchy ears, please contact Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital for an appointment.

Tips for Healthy Pet Ears

Along with maintaining annual wellness exams, which include an assessment of the ears, you can also practice these healthy tips at home:

• Regularly check your pet’s ears and make note of any changes, such as unusual discharge, inflammation, odor, etc.
• Clean your pet’s ears weekly using a gentle cat- or dog-formulated cleanser (one that dissolves wax buildup) and a cotton ball. Do not use Q-tips or swabs since these can damage the ear.
• Keep your pet well-groomed and the fur around the ears trimmed.
• Follow up with veterinary care if you notice any signs of an ear infection, mites, or other problems.

For more instructions on pet ear care, please give us a call or ask for assistance during your fur friend’s wellness exam.