Pet ear infection information

Otitis Externa
Otitis Externa is a common ear infection in dogs and cats that affects the outer ear canal, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and recurring problems if not managed correctly. Prompt care, good hygiene, and proper treatment are crucial for recovery and preventing chronic issues

‍

Causes‍

• Allergies, moisture (“swimmer’s ear”), excessive wax, ear mites, or foreign objects can all contribute.
• Underlying health issues, like endocrine diseases or autoimmune skin disorders, increase risk for chronic or recurrent infections.
• It is crucial that the cause is determined in order to correctly treat the condition and avoid recurrence.

‍

Prevention
Although some cases of otitis externa are not preventable, (such as ear canal deformities causing inflammation), most of the common causes of this condition can be identified and prevented.

You can check your pets ears regularly at home, looking for changes in temperature, skin color or condition, increased moisture and any discharge. Any marked changes require a prompt check-up with the vet!

If your pet loves to swim, be sure to dry the ears after to keep them free from excess moisture and well ventilated.
Cleaning the ears at home with a gentle ear cleanser is the best form of prevention.

Treatment:

• Cleaning: The vet will usually start by carefully cleaning the ear canal, sometimes under sedation, to remove debris and wax. Home ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution may be recommended.
• Topical Medications: Ear drops or ointments containing antibiotics, antifungals, and/or anti-inflammatory agents target the specific cause (bacteria or yeast) and reduce pain and swelling.
• Systemic Medications: In severe, chronic, or resistant cases, oral antibiotics, antifungals, or corticosteroids may be necessary.
• Pain Control: Short-term use of oral glucocorticoids (such as prednisone) may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Follow-up: Close monitoring and follow-up ear checks are essential. Chronic or recurrent otitis may require months of ongoing management and rechecks.
• Surgery: For severe or end-stage cases, surgical options like lateral wall resection or total ear canal ablation may be advised.

‍

Cleaning The Ears

• Gently lift the ear flap to visualize inside your pet’s ear.
• Insert the tip of the chosen ear cleaner into the ear, careful not to insert it too far, and gently squeeze the bottle to release the product.
• Gently massage the base of the ear in order to aid the cleaner to pass into the ear canal.
• Using cotton wool (not cotton bud tips), wipe the inside of the ear, collecting any wax or debris and excess cleaner. Repeat this process until the cotton balls are clean when removed from the ear.
• Repeat the entire process on the other ear.

Ask a member of our veterinary team to show you how to properly clean your pets ears at home!