735 Main Rd, Edgeworth,
NSW, 2285
At Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre, we see many pet cats and dogs suffering from painful and frustrating ear infections or chronic ear disease. Ear issues can creep up quickly; knowing the signs and early medical intervention will make all the difference in treating the issue and restoring your pet’s pain-free calm.
“Ear issues can creep up quickly; knowing the signs and early medical intervention will make all the difference.”
What to look out for
As vets, we trust pet owners’ instincts. They know their pets well and can generally tell if something is off or not right. We encourage pet owners to do the same. Trust your instincts. If you feel your pet is distressed, seek professional veterinary assistance. This applies to ear infections. If your pet displays any of the following behaviours, it is a sign that they may have an issue with their ears.
- Sustained head shaking or tilting
- Scratching or pawing at the ears
- Red or inflamed skin around the ear
- A bad or yeasty smell coming from the ear flap (pinnae)
- Brown, yellow, or black discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. The earlier your vet can diagnose and treat your pet, the less likely the issue will escalate into a more serious or chronic condition.
What are common ear problems in pets?
The most common ear issue is otitis externa, an outer ear infection. This presents as inflammation of the external ear canal and is usually caused by a bacterial or yeast infection. It is common in cats and dogs and is treatable. An acute case of otitis externa may take a few weeks to resolve, while chronic or recurring cases require long-term management and treatment.
Ear issues in pets are not generally an isolated incident. They usually signal underlying problems like skin allergies, compromised ear ventilation, or anatomical predispositions.
Ear infections can lead to additional problems such as narrowing of the canals, or a swelling of the ear flap with blood (aural haematoma.)
Preventing and managing ear issues
Identifying potential allergies is the key to preventing and managing ear infections and chronic ear issues. Vets will often use a multimodal approach, which may include the following:
- Allergy medications are administered either orally, by injection, or topically (directly onto the skin)
- Regular cleaning using vet-recommended products
- Preventative ear medications
In very severe cases, the patient may require a surgical procedure. The two typical surgical solutions include.
- Lateral ear canal resection. This involves opening the ear canal to improve airflow and drainage
- Total ear canal ablation, which involves removing the ear canal entirely, is reserved for extreme cases of chronic pain and infection.
In addition to these measures, Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre has the expertise to treat aural haematomas, a condition in which a pet bursts blood vessels in the ear due to excessive shaking. These typically require surgery.
Some pets are more prone than others
It is easy to get anxious or frustrated when your pet is ill. It is worse to blame yourself or feel you have done something wrong. The reality is that some pets are more genetically or anatomically predisposed to certain conditions, including ear problems. Floppy ear or hairy ear breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are two breeds that are high risk for ear infections. Additionally, waxy ear texture is the ideal environment for bacteria and yeast.
Lifestyle and location factors can also contribute to ear issues in pets. Humid and hot weather, dogs who love swimming, and frequently bathing your pet are common triggers for ear infections. Existing skin conditions can also be a factor. Seasonal allergies like pollen, environmental influences such as dust mites, and food-related allergies can each trigger an ear infection.
“Some pets are more genetically or anatomically predisposed to certain conditions, including ear problems.”
Cleaning your pet's ears at home
Our clients often ask us whether cleaning their pet’s ears at home is safe. The answer is yes; however, we strongly recommend that pet owners allow our vets to demonstrate the correct cleaning techniques to avoid damaging the ear. Ear cleaning at home must be done safely and with the most vet-recommended cleaning solution. Pet owners need to know a suitable cleaning method and frequency to ensure they are not doing more harm than good. Proper and regular ear cleaning is essential for pets with chronic ear conditions.
Always committed and always diligent
The team at Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre advocates for your pet. We always put the animal’s needs first. We are committed and diligent in our care, and we promote education and prevention as vital tools for pet health. Part of our approach to ear conditions is to educate pet owners on recognising the early signs of ear inflammation. We show you how to clean your pet’s ear appropriately and what products suit your circumstances. We offer preventative medication advice and strategies to help reduce future vet visits and collaborate with pet owners to fine-tune care plans.
Untreated ear conditions can become serious, and if your pet is showing signs of discomfort, booking an appointment with our team as soon as possible is essential. The earlier we treat your pet, the better the opportunity for successful recovery.
“We are committed and diligent in our care, and we promote education and prevention as vital tools for pet health.”
Veterinary Services
Trusted veterinary care across every life stage, from vaccinations and surgery to diagnostics, dental, and exotic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs my pet might have an ear infection?
Watch for head shaking, ear scratching, a yeasty smell, ear discharge, or redness around the ears. These are key indicators of ear problems.
What is the most common ear issue in cats and dogs?
Otitis externa, an outer ear infection caused by bacteria or yeast, is the most common and treatable condition.
Why do ear infections recur in some pets?
Recurrence is often due to underlying causes like skin allergies, anatomical issues, such as floppy ears, or environmental triggers
Can I clean my pet’s ears at home?
Yes, but it’s vital to use vet-approved solutions and learn the proper technique from your vet to prevent damage.
Are there pets more prone to ear issues?
Yes, breeds with floppy or hairy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, or those exposed to humid weather and frequent swimming, are at higher risk .A moist or waxy ear canal provides an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to grow in.
Contact Info
After-Hours Emergencies
Contact AREC(Animal Referral & Emergency Centre)
1300 838 669