Here at Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island, we understand how vital pet ear care is for the overall health and well-being of your pet.
Signs of Ear Problems
Some ear problems show no outward signs, but many times your pet will tilt his head and scratch his ear often. You may also notice a discharge or odor, especially in pet ear infections. The ear may be red, swollen, or painful to the touch for your pet as well.
Common Causes of Ear Problems
Pet ear infections are common, but they aren't the only cause of ear problems for your pet. This is one reason it's important to take your pet to the vet if you suspect they have an issue. Different problems require different treatments, and a proper diagnosis can only be done by a veterinarian.
Causes of ear problems:
- Foreign bodies
- Parasites (chiggers, ear mites)
- Excess hair
- Food allergies
- Bacteria or yeast
- Tumors
Prevention
Loving owners want to protect their pets’ health, including protecting them from ear infections. There are a few simple things you can do to help keep your pets healthy. First, don't let anything get into their ears. This includes water. Soap can irritate the ear, and water can get stuck in the ear and breed bacteria.
Food allergies are a common cause as well. Monitor your pets’ diet, and don't feed them human food. You can avoid chiggers and ear mites by keeping your pets away from infested areas and checking their ears regularly. You should avoid foxtails as well. This plant can easily get into your pets’ ears and cause irritation which can lead to other problems.
Regular cleaning of your pets’ ears can help as well. You can purchase pet appropriate cleaning kits. It's recommended to use these after your pets have been exposed to water and periodically to avoid build-up in their ears.
Treatment
Pet ear problems need to be addressed as soon as possible. This can prevent complications and potential damage to your pets’ ears, and it will leave your pets feeling better, faster. If you see any signs of ear problems in your pets, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Treatment will vary based on what is causing the problem. If something is in the ear or it is clogged, removing the object and flushing the ear may provide relief. It is recommended that you have a veterinarian flush the ears if your pet is already experiencing problems, however.
In the case of infection, ear drops are normally prescribed. You will need to put the drops into the affected ear as instructed. Missing doses can prolong the infection or cause it to recur.
Contact Us
If you believe your pet has an ear problem, contact Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island today. We will help you keep your pet happy and healthy.