Your Guide to Treating and Preventing Ear Infections in Pets
03Feb
Pet Health News

Your Guide to Treating and Preventing Ear Infections in Pets

  • By Amy Haarstad

If your pet is constantly scratching their ears or shaking their head, they could be struggling with an ear infection—a common issue for many cats and dogs. While some infections may seem minor, they can cause significant discomfort and lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating ear infections in pets, providing comprehensive care tailored to your furry friend’s specific needs. This guide will cover the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of ear infections, as well as the advanced solutions offered by our expert team.

What Causes Ear Infections in Pets?

Ear infections in pets are typically categorized based on the part of the ear affected, (check out this cool ear model to get a closer look at the different parts of the ear): 

  • Otitis external: An infection of the outer ear canal.

  • Otitis media: An infection that spreads to the middle ear.

  • Otitis interna: A more severe infection that involves the inner ear.

Some common triggers to ear infection in cats and dogs include:

  1. Moisture: Swimming and bathing often trap water. This leads to the growth of yeast and bacteria.

  2. Allergies: Food sensitivities or environmental allergies are often the cause of recurring ear infections.

  3. Parasites and Foreign Bodies: Ear mites or debris lodged in the ear canal can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to infection.

  4. Breed Characteristics: Dogs with floppy ears (such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels) or those with narrow ear canals are more prone to ear infection.

Fact: A 2022 study in Veterinary Dermatology showed that 50% of dogs with allergic dermatitis also deal with chronic ear infections. Also, ear infections are one of the top five reasons pet owners visit veterinarians, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).


Recognizing the Symptoms of Ear Infections

Noticing the signs of infection early can make a big difference for your cat or dog’s comfort and recovery. Some of the common warning signs include:

  • Redness, swelling, or discharge in the ear canal.

  • Persistent scratching or pawing at the ears.

  • Head shaking or tilting.

  • Foul smell coming from the ears.

  • Sensitivity to touch around the ears.

Advanced Cases

Untreated ear infections can progress. They could potentially lead to balance issues, hearing loss, or more severe health problems. 

Tip: Avoid using over-the-counter or home remedies without talking with your primary vet or veterinary dermatologist. Some of these treatments can make the infection worse or cause more discomfort. 

How Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology Excels in Diagnosing Ear Diseases

At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we go beyond just a basic exam. We have specialized tools and years of experience to ensure accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause. Some methods we use are:

  1. Video Otoscopy: Advanced technology provides our veterinary dermatologists a clear view of the ear canal. This helps detect foreign bodies, growths, or severe blockages. It also allows for better visualization of the ear drum.

  2. Allergy Testing and Diagnostic Diet Trials: Since allergies are a major cause of chronic ear infections, we offer comprehensive testing to identify allergens and create a long-term management plan.

  3. Cytology Testing: By analyzing ear discharge under a microscope, our team can pinpoint bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections and recommend the best treatment for your pet.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Treating ear infections requires an approach that is based on the severity and underlying cause of your dog or cat’s ear infection. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology we offer a number of potential solutions:

Medical Management

  • Topical Medications: Prescription of ear drops to combat bacteria, yeast, and inflammation.

  • Systemic Therapies: Oral antibiotics or antifungal medications can be used for severe or recurring ear infections.

  • Professional Ear Cleaning: Deep cleaning by our team helps ensure safe and effective removal of any debris and infection.

Advanced Therapy Options

  • Laser Therapy: A non-invasive treatment promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and provides pain relief for infected or inflamed ear tissue. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we use a CO2 laser (VetScalpel) to ablate and remove growths on the outer ear and also in the canal. This type of treatment has been shown to speed recovery and improve outcomes for chronic cases in cats and dogs. 

  • Surgery: Chronic severe infections may require procedures like Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) to take care of persistent pain and prevent recurrence.

Long-Term Allergy Management


Managing allergies in pets can help prevent recurring ear infections. Our team can provide comprehensive allergy testing to create a customized plan to minimize flare-ups. 


The Role of Nutrition and Preventative Care

Preventative care is an important part of Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology’s approach to pet ear health. Our team can provide:

  1. Nutritional Guidance: In some cases, diet may play a role and we can recommend specific options that may help reduce allergens that can exacerbate ear infections.

  2. Routine Ear Cleaning: We are happy to help provide pet owners with safe cleaning techniques and recommend animal-safe, veterinarian-approved products.

  3. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ups with our team can help catch early signs of recurrence and address them quickly.


Preventative Measures for Pet Owners

Pet owners can play a significant role in maintaining ear health by adopting these practices:

  • Dry Ears After Water Exposure: Use a clean towel to remove excess moisture after swimming or bathing.

  • Regular Grooming: Keep the hair around the ears trimmed to promote airflow.

  • Check Ears Weekly: Look for redness, debris, discharge or unusual odor.

  • Clean Regularly: Using the products and routine recommended by your veterinary dermatologist or primary vet can help with prevention. 

  • Be Proactive: Schedule annual wellness visits to discuss preventative strategies, especially if your pet is a higher-risk breed.

Why Choose Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology?

Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology focuses on dermatological conditions like ear diseases. What sets our team apart? Here are just a few examples:

  • Expertise: Our team’s advanced training in veterinary dermatology ensures effective diagnosis and proper treatment.

  • Technology: Cutting-edge treatments, including laser therapy and video otoscopy allow us to provide precise, effective care.

  • Passion and Care: We provide care plans that we tailor to your pet’s needs, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog and cat receives personal attention and treatment.

Ear infections are not just a source of discomfort for pets—they can significantly impact their overall quality of life if ignored, but they are treatable and preventable with the right care. At Haarstad Veterinary Dermatology, we understand how challenging it can be to see your pet uncomfortable. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the best possible care for ear infections, from diagnosis to advanced treatment and preventative strategies. By identifying and addressing the root cause and offering personalized solutions, our goal is to improve your pet’s ear and overall health. Don’t let ear infections go untreated—take the first step to helping your pet feel better by scheduling a consultation with our compassionate team today.