Ear infections in dogs and cats can have many different causes.

Ear infections are one of the most common problems seen in both dogs and cats. Also known as otitis, ear infections can make pets extremely uncomfortable, though they are not usually life-threatening.

Symptoms of ear infections in dogs and cats

Symptoms seen in pets with ear infections include:

• shaking the head excessively
• scratching at the ears, head and/or neck area
• hair loss and/or scabs around the ears, head or neck
• odor from the ears
• discharge from the ears
• tilting the head

Causes of ear infections in dogs and cats

Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to developing ear infections, such as Cocker Spaniels.

There are numerous causes of ear infections in dogs and cats and accurately diagnosing the cause of a pet's ear infection may require veterinary help. Potential causes include:

• parasitic infections, such as ear mites
• bacterial infections
• yeast infections
• allergies, which may actually cause secondary bacterial or yeast infections within the ear
• excess cerumen production
• foreign objects

Properly diagnosing the cause of an ear infection will involve examination of the ear itself and may also require microscopic examination of samples of debris collected from within the infected ear canal. This microscopic examination (known as ear cytology) helps identify parasites, yeast and bacteria which may be infecting the ear and can be helpful in directing the course of treatment.

Under certain conditions, such as allergic conditions, ear infections may recur frequently and may even become chronic if the cause of the infection is not correctly identified and rectified.

Treatment of ear infections in pets

The treatment of an ear infection will vary depending on the cause of the infection. Often, cleaning the ear is advised along with ear ointments, ear drops or other medications geared to control the primary cause of the infection.

Ear infections are a commonly diagnosed disease in both dogs and cats. Ear infections can involve one ear or both ears and may also be accompanied in some cases by skin problems as well. Properly diagnosing an ear infection along with the cause of the infection is the first step in treating the infection correctly. In some cases, ear infections can be recurrent and/or chronic conditions.