Watch Your Pets for Ear Problems

Ear problems are one of the most common ailments afflicting dogs and cats. Ear mites, bacterial infections, and yeast infections are all common causes for ear scratching and head shaking, and at one time or another it is likely that your cat or dog will develop one or all of these common problems.

Recognizing Ear Mites

Ear mites are easily spread through casual contact between animals, and you can tell if this is the root of your pet's problems by checking your pet ears for small black specs that look a little like coffee grounds. Their presence in your pet's ears will help you make a diagnosis of ear mites. It's always a good idea to have any diagnosis confirmed and treated by a veterinarian.

Home Treatment for Ear Mites

Although treatment by a veterinarian is always preferred, you can treat less serious infestations of ear mites with mineral oil. Apply two drops of oil to the affected ear with a clean medicine dropper, and then massaged the ear gently from the outside. There are also over-the-counter ear mite medications available to your local pet supply, or online. When treating cats, be careful to avoid medications containing permethrin, which is toxic to them.

Recognizing Bacterial Infections of the Ear

Moisture loving, and often difficult to clear up, bacterial infections flourish where there is a build-up of earwax. They can also be caused or encouraged by your pet's allergies, broken skin inside the ear, food sensitivities, or a compromised immune system.

Infections are painful, and your pet will react to the discomfort when his ear is touched or rubbed. The bad news is that your pet will need professional help. A thorough ear cleaning and treatment with antibiotics is in order. The good news is that ear infections are easy to treat when you follow the vet's course of treatment carefully.

Yeast Infections of the Ear

Yeast blooms in the ear can also be harmful and require veterinary intervention. Yeast is always present in the ear, but increased moisture in the ear (as can occur when there is a buildup of earwax), cuts or scrapes, and lowered resistance can cause yeast to become a painful problem. It can also be easy cure with medical treatment.

Depending on the source, pet owners are either encouraged to periodically clean their pets ears or never attempt to clean their pets ears. A good solution to the delimma of maintaining your pets health – including the health of his ears, is to seek your veterinarian's advice. My vet has given me instructions on how to swab my cat's ears, for example, and asks during each visit if I've been keeping up the practice. Follow your vets advice, and pay attention to his instructions for your cats medications and his recommendations for preventive maintenance.

Caring for Your Pets Ears

One general rule you should follow religiously is to check your pet's ears for signs of trouble every few weeks. Look in his ears, using a small penlight if you have to, and place your nose close to his ear and take a sniff; any dark or oozing discharge should be reported to your vet immediately, as should any foul odor.

Special Note:

When bathing your pet, avoid getting water in his ears. This is an invitation to ear problems.