It is vital to notice the signs of pet ear infections, such as your pet shaking his head. It is easy to overlook the signs and delay treatment. That is why we would like to take a moment to educate you about the signs and what our veterinarians at Animal Wellness Center can do to help your furry friend.

Signs of a Pet Ear Infection

Sometimes, your pet will have no signs of an ear infection. However, you may notice an increase in discharge or wax coming from your pet’s ear. In pets that have symptoms, you may notice that they frequently shake their head. They may scratch the affected ear repeatedly. You may even notice an odor. The pet might also have dark discharge, swelling, pain, or crusting.

Possible Complications

Your pet may develop a certain level of hearing loss or have complete deafness without the proper treatment of the ear infection. Without treatment, your pet may suffer for longer than necessary. Since the pain can interfere with our pet's appetite, your pet could lose weight. Not to mention, the pain might keep your pet awake.

Causes of Ear Infections

If your pet is repeatedly getting bathed or going swimming, your pet may acquire moisture in his ears. This moisture creates a prime breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Other predisposing conditions include skin and food allergies. An autoimmune disorder or an endocrine disorder could also lead to ear infections. If your pet ends up with a foreign object in his ear, it could lead to an infection.

Diagnosing a Pet Ear Infection

During the diagnostic process, the veterinarian will look at your pet's ear for swelling or redness as well as discharge. Our vet will look inside your pet's ear with an otoscope. The veterinarian may also take a culture and examine the infection. If your pet is having recurring ear infections, we may conduct further testing to look for an autoimmune or thyroid disorder. Further testing could include a biopsy.

Treatment for Pet Ear Infections

In less severe cases, the veterinarian team may just clean out your pet's ear thoroughly. Our veterinary team will then send you home with a topical medication and an ear cleanser. In more serious cases, we may prescribe oral antibiotics. Treatment for any chronic condition causing the infection may be necessary.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Bellevue, WA

At Animal Wellness Center, we can treat pet ear infections and any other health issues affecting your furry friends. Even if your pet is having recurring infections, we can help. Call our team today at (425)455-8900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.