If you’ve ever had an ache in your ear, you’ll know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. With their long ear canal, your pet is at even greater risk of ear infection than you are. It’s good to understand the signs so you can get them treated, pronto.

Ear infections (also known as otitis externa) are common in our pets. They’re really uncomfortable and can cause other health problems if they’re not treated. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of pet ear infections and how to treat them.

Your dog’s or cat’s ear canals are shaped like a long ‘L’. Although this shape is great for hearing, especially when you’re opening a packet 2 floors away, it’s not so great at preventing ear infections. That’s because this long shape is the perfect way to collect dirt, debris and moisture - all things that can lead to ear infections.

Dog breeds that have particularly large, floppy or hairy ears (think Cocker Spaniels, Poodles and Golden Retrievers) can be more prone to ear infections, but they can happen in any dog or cat.

The most common causes of pet ear infections are:

• Allergies.
• Heat, like warm weather.
• Trapped moisture.
• Too much earwax.
• Ear mites.
• Foreign objects, like grass seed.
• Unknown growth.

If you are concerned about your pet's ear health, chat to your vet to make sure your pet is in tip-top shape.

Although your pet might be smart enough to nail their latest trick, they probably can’t tell you they’ve got an ear infection. Pets may try to act as if nothing is wrong, especially cats who are likely to hide their soreness. So it's important to look for signs as well as regular ear grooming.

A healthy pet ear is normally pink and clean with no noticeable smell. An ear that’s infected might:

• Be red or inflamed.
• Have a black / brown or yellowish discharge.
• Have a strong smell.
• Be swollen.

Other signs of an ear infection include your pet constantly scratching their ear, shaking their head, or whimpering because they’re in pain. More serious signs of an ear infection include:

• Loss of balance.
• Hearing loss.
• Unusual ear movements.
• Walking in circles or head tilting.

If you notice any of these signs, take your pet to the vet ASAP. They can be signs of a more serious health problem so it’s best to get them checked out.

If you think your pet has an ear infection, make an appointment with your vet - they can prescribe medication to help. Your vet will examine your pet’s ear to see if the eardrum is still intact and to check if there are any foreign objects in their ear canal. If your pet is in lots of pain and can’t bear to have their ears touched, they might need to be sedated or anesthetised.

Treatment options include ear drops, plus the removal of foreign objects or excess discharge. Sometimes, there’s more than one reason for your pet’s ear infection. In that case, multiple medications might be prescribed.

After your vet has diagnosed your pet and prescribed medications to help, it’s important to:

• Only use the medications prescribed by them.
• Follow the medication directions exactly and to the end of the course, even if your pet seems fine.
• Avoid getting your pet’s ears wet, so hold off on swimming or baths for a while.
• Regularly check your pet’s ears for signs that the infection is coming back.
• Use a gentle ear cleaner to keep your pet’s ears clear of dirt and debris.

Hopefully this guide helps next time you think your pet is suffering from an ear infection and if you are concerned, consult your vet. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.