From Itchy Ears to Infections: The Vet’s Guide to Pet Ear Health

Just like an occasional scratch is normal for dogs and cats, it's also typical for them to shake their heads, or paw at their ears from time to time. However, when these behaviours become constant, it may signal a deeper ear issue that requires attention. Cats and dogs both have sensitive ears that are prone to problems like infections, wax buildup, and parasites—but with the right care, most ear conditions can be managed effectively.

Whether it’s your dog’s long, floppy ears or your cat’s more upright ear shape, each pet’s ear structure presents unique challenges. Factors like trapped moisture, debris, or underlying allergies can all contribute to discomfort. By staying on top of ear care, you can help prevent many of the common ear issues that our furry friends face.

Why Ear Health Matters

Your pet’s ears do much more than just provide sharp hearing—they also play a key role in balance and overall well-being. Healthy ears should be free from inflammation, parasites, and infection, which is why it’s important to be vigilant about their ear health. Left untreated, even minor ear issues can develop into painful infections that may cause long-term damage or hearing loss. Regular ear care and prompt attention to changes are essential for keeping your pet comfortable and happy.

In this article, we’ll explore ear health for both dogs and cats in separate sections, followed by the best prevention and treatment tactics for both.

Ear problems in dogs can take many forms, ranging from minor irritations to more serious infections. The most common issues include mites, allergies, wax buildup, and infections. Each of these conditions has distinct causes and symptoms, and proper identification and treatment are essential to managing your dog’s ear health. Below, we’ll explore these issues in more detail, including how to spot them and what to do if your dog is affected.

Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal, feeding on wax and oils. They are highly contagious and can cause significant irritation for your dog.

Symptoms: If your dog is constantly scratching its ears or shaking its head, mites could be the culprit. Another tell-tale sign is a dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds in your dog’s ear canal. You may also notice redness and swelling due to irritation from scratching.

Treatment: Treatment typically involves a medicated ear drop prescribed by your vet that kills the mites. It’s important to treat both ears, even if only one seems affected, and to clean your dog’s bedding and environment to prevent re-infestation.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, which can manifest in the ears. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mould, and certain foods. These allergies can lead to inflammation of the ear canal, causing discomfort and even infections.

Symptoms: Signs of ear allergies include excessive scratching, head shaking, and red, inflamed ears. In some cases, there may be a foul-smelling discharge or wax buildup. If the allergy is ongoing, you may also notice hair loss around the ears or other skin symptoms.

Treatment: Treatment depends on identifying the allergen. Your vet may recommend an elimination diet if food is suspected, or prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to relieve swelling and itching. Keeping your dog’s ears clean can also help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Swimmers Ear

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is a common issue in dogs that love water activities. If left untreated, it can cause significant discomfort, so understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments is key to keeping your dog healthy. Swimmer’s ear occurs when water accumulates in the ear canal after swimming or bathing. Breeds with floppy ears or narrow ear canals, like Retrievers, Spaniels, and Poodles, are more prone because their ears trap moisture. This damp environment encourages bacteria or yeast growth, leading to infection and inflammation. Regular cleaning with a gentle ear cleaner can help prevent infections.

Symptoms: Common signs include frequent head shaking, ear scratching, and sensitivity when the ears are touched. Your dog may also tilt its head, rub its ears on furniture, or show redness, swelling, or a foul-smelling discharge. Severe infections can cause pain or hearing loss.

Treatment: Visit your vet for a proper diagnosis, where they will likely clean your dog’s ears and prescribe medicated ear drops to reduce inflammation and treat the infection. In some cases, oral antibiotics or anti-fungals may be needed.

At home, dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing using a soft towel or cotton ball to absorb excess moisture. Regular use of a vet-recommended ear cleaner can help maintain ear health, and for frequent swimmers, preventative ear drops can reduce moisture buildup and prevent future infections.

Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common ear issues in dogs and can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Factors like moisture trapped in the ear canal, wax buildup, foreign objects, or underlying medical conditions such as allergies can all trigger infections.

Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include persistent head shaking, redness, swelling, and a foul-smelling discharge from the ear. Your dog may also show signs of pain when their ear is touched or may tilt their head to one side.

Treatment: Ear infections require prompt veterinary care. Your vet will likely prescribe ear drops or oral medications to clear the infection. They may also clean your dog’s ears and provide guidance on preventing future infections by keeping the ears dry and clean. If recurring yeast infections occur, I recommend using Otoflush as a regular ear cleaner to help maintain a healthy ear environment.

Certain dog breeds are more prone to specific ear problems due to their ear shape, genetics, or lifestyle. Understanding these tendencies can help you stay proactive about your dog’s ear health.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: This breed is particularly prone to a condition called Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM), also known as "glue ear." PSOM occurs when thick mucus builds up in the middle ear, leading to discomfort, pain, and sometimes hearing loss.

PSOM requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment, which may include anti-inflammatory medications or, in severe cases, surgery to alleviate the condition.

Floppy-eared Breeds (Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers): Breeds with long, floppy ears are more susceptible to ear infections because their ears trap moisture and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast growth.

Regular ear cleaning and thoroughly drying the ears after swimming or bathing can help prevent infections in these breeds.

Breeds with Narrow Ear Canals (Poodles, Schnauzers): Dogs with narrow ear canals, such as Poodles and Schnauzers, are at a higher risk of wax buildup and infection. This can block airflow, causing moisture to become trapped inside the ear canal.

Routine ear inspections and cleanings are crucial for preventing blockages and infections in these breeds, especially those prone to excessive wax production.

Cats, like dogs, can suffer from a variety of ear problems. While less prone to ear issues than dogs, certain conditions such as mites, allergies, wax buildup, injuries, cuts, and infections can still affect them. Understanding how to recognise and treat these problems is key to ensuring your cat’s comfort and overall health.

Mites

Ear mites are tiny, highly contagious parasites that can cause intense itching and irritation in cats. These pests thrive in the ear canal, feeding on the wax and oils produced by the skin.

Symptoms: Signs of ear mites in cats include frequent head shaking, excessive scratching at the ears, and a dark, crumbly discharge that resembles coffee grounds. You may also notice redness and inflammation in the ear canal.

Treatment: Treatment for ear mites usually involves cleaning the cat's ears and applying medicated ear drops prescribed by your vet. It’s important to treat both ears, and if you have multiple pets, check and treat them as well to prevent the mites from spreading.

Allergies

Cats can develop allergies to environmental factors like pollen, mould, and dust, as well as certain foods. These allergens can lead to inflammation in the ear canal, causing itching and discomfort.

Symptoms: Symptoms of ear allergies in cats include frequent scratching, head shaking, and red or swollen ears. In some cases, the ears may become hot to the touch, or there may be a noticeable waxy discharge.

Treatment: Treating ear allergies in cats starts with identifying and eliminating the allergen. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or antihistamines to reduce irritation and swelling. Keeping your cat’s ears clean and free from debris can also help manage symptoms.

Wax Buildup

Although cats are generally good at grooming themselves, some may experience excessive wax buildup. This can be caused by poor ear hygiene, underlying skin conditions, or even genetics, especially in certain breeds like Persians.

Symptoms: Excess wax can cause a brown or black discharge in the ears. You may notice your cat shaking its head or pawing at its ears if the buildup becomes uncomfortable. In some cases, the wax may have a strong odour, which could indicate an infection.

Treatment: Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution can prevent wax buildup. Gently clean the outer ear using a cotton ball (never a cotton swab) to avoid damaging the ear canal. If the buildup persists or causes distress, consult your vet for advice on further treatment.

Infections

Ear infections in cats can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. Cats with wax buildup, allergies, or a weakened immune system are more susceptible to infections, which often start as minor irritations but can become serious if left untreated.

Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a foul-smelling discharge. The ears may appear red, swollen, or warm to the touch. Your cat may also become more sensitive to having its ears handled.

Treatment: Treatment for ear infections in cats typically involves cleaning the ears and applying prescribed ear drops or antibiotics. Your vet may also recommend regular ear maintenance to prevent future infections. It’s essential to address infections early to avoid complications, such as damage to the ear canal or hearing loss.

Devon Rex: This breed is known for producing excess ear wax due to their unique ear shape, which can easily trap dirt and debris. As a result, Devon Rex cats may require regular ear cleaning to prevent buildup and infections. Use a gentle, vet-recommended cleaner to maintain ear health without irritating their sensitive skin.

Persians & Himalayans: Cats with flatter faces, like Persians and Himalayans, often have narrower ear canals, which can make them more prone to wax buildup and infections. Regular inspections and gentle cleaning can help keep their ears free from debris and infection.

Scottish Fold: Scottish Folds, with their distinctive folded ears, are more susceptible to ear infections due to reduced airflow in the ear canal. Regular ear checks and cleaning are essential to prevent moisture and debris from causing infections.

Preventing ear issues in your pets is much easier than treating recurring infections. By taking a proactive approach to ear care, you can help reduce the likelihood of ear infections, discomfort, and long-term damage. Here are some tips to keep your dog or cat's ears healthy:

1. Regular Ear Cleaning: Routine ear cleaning (when recommended by your vet) can help prevent the buildup of wax, moisture, and debris that can lead to infections. This is especially important for pets that swim frequently or have floppy ears. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner, like Otoflush, to maintain a healthy ear environment.

2. Manage Allergies: Many ear infections are allergy-related, so it’s important to manage underlying allergies in your pet. If food allergies are suspected, doing a proper diet trial can help rule out food-based causes. For environmental allergies, ask your vet about treatments that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of recurrent infections.

3. Keep Ears Dry: For dogs that love water, ensuring their ears are thoroughly dried after swimming or bathing is crucial. Use a soft towel or cotton ball to gently absorb moisture, and consider using preventative ear drops to reduce the chance of moisture buildup.

4. Identify the Cause of Ear Infections: It’s important to understand the cause of an ear infection to prevent future issues. Ear infections caused by mites can be treated and cured. However, infections with an underlying allergy will require ongoing management. Work with your vet to develop a lifelong plan if allergies are the root cause of your pet’s ear problems.

5. Routine Vet Checkups: Regular vet visits are key to catching ear issues early. Your vet can check for signs of infection, mites, or allergies and help you adjust your pet’s ear care routine as needed.

By incorporating these simple practices into your pet care routine, you can help ensure your dog or cat’s ears stay healthy and free from infection.

We all hate to see our pets uncomfortable, and ear health is key to their overall well-being. By recognising early signs of ear issues, following preventive steps, and knowing when to consult your vet, you can keep your dog or cat healthy and happy. Regular ear check-ups, proper cleaning, and prompt attention to changes will help prevent discomfort and keep their ears in great shape. Being proactive with ear care not only protects your pet from pain but also enhances their quality of life.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller