A little head shake or ear scratch here and there is normal for pets, but when your dog can’t stop pawing at their ears or your cat cries out when you touch them, something more serious may be going on. Ear infections in pets require urgent veterinary attention, as they can cause significant pain or damage if left untreated. Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield has treated many cats and dogs suffering from ear infections, helping them find relief fast.

Why Do Pets Get Ear Infections?

Your pet’s ear canal is longer and more curved than a human’s, which makes it easy for moisture, debris, and bacteria to get trapped. This warm, dark environment is the perfect breeding ground for infection. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to chronic pain, hearing loss, and even deeper complications affecting balance.

Ear infections can result from several different problems, including:

• Allergies that cause chronic inflammation
• Parasites such as ear mites
• Foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal
• Excessive moisture after swimming or bathing
• Bacterial or fungal overgrowth
• Certain medical conditions

Some breeds, particularly those with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to recurring infections because their ear shape reduces airflow.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Pets?

An ear infection is often easy for pet owners to spot because of the dramatic symptoms. Your pet may:

• Shake their head constantly or tilt it to one side
• Scratch or rub their ears excessively
• Show sensitivity or pain when the ear is touched
• Have redness, swelling, or discharge in the ear canal
• Produce a foul odor from the ear
• Act irritable, restless, or less playful than usual

In severe cases, pets may even stumble or have trouble walking straight, clear signs the infection has moved deeper into the ear.

Getting Urgent Veterinary Treatment for Ear Infections

While mild infections should prompt a scheduled vet visit, there are times when ear problems should be treated as an emergency. If your pet is in visible pain or showing signs of loss of balance, they need immediate attention.  When you bring your pet in for an urgent vet visit, the veterinarian will perform an exam to check deep inside the ear canal. Depending on the severity, they may recommend cytology (examining a sample under the microscope) to determine whether bacteria, yeast, or parasites are present. 

Ear infection treatment in pets varies by cause. Treatments can include a professional ear cleaning, prescription ear drops, and/or an oral medication to clear up the infection. The veterinarian may discuss more about the underlying cause if it is chronic, such as allergies, to reduce the risk of future infections. Regardless of the cause, follow-up instructions will be given about preventing recurrence.

Tips for Preventing Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats

• Dry your pet’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Keep ear hair trimmed to improve airflow
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other items into the ear canal
• Use an ear cleaner regularly (if approved by your veterinarian)
• Monitor for signs of allergies or recurring infections

Urgent Care for Pet Ear Infections in Westfield, IN

Ear infections can be incredibly painful for your pet and, in some cases, dangerous if left untreated. Small Animal Emergency Hospital of Westfield provides ear infection treatment for pets in Westfield and from nearby areas like Carmel and Noblesville. If your pet is showing signs of an ear infection, contact us for an urgent veterinary appointment.