Ear Infection Treatment for Dogs & Cats in Lenexa, KS
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian, and they can be both painful and frustrating when they keep coming back. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, we identify the organisms involved, relieve your pet’s discomfort and look for the underlying cause so we can help stop the cycle of recurring ear infections.
Why Pets Get Ear Infections
A dog’s ear canal is long and L-shaped, which traps moisture, wax and debris. When the canal becomes inflamed, bacteria and yeast that normally live on the skin overgrow and cause infection, called otitis externa. Common underlying causes include:
- Environmental or food allergies, the most frequent cause of recurring infections
- Moisture from swimming or bathing
- Ear mites, especially in kittens and outdoor cats
- Foreign material such as grass awns
- Excess hair or narrow ear canals in certain breeds
- Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism
- Polyps or growths inside the ear canal
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching or rubbing the ears
- Redness, swelling or heat in the ear flap or canal
- Brown, yellow or black discharge
- An unpleasant odor
- Pain or sensitivity when the head is touched
- Loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements if the middle or inner ear is involved
Diagnosing Ear Problems
During the exam, our veterinarians look deep into the ear canal with an otoscope to check the eardrum and look for foreign objects or growths. We then perform ear cytology, examining a swab under the microscope to identify the specific bacteria or yeast involved. For stubborn infections, we may recommend a culture and sensitivity test so we can choose the most effective medication. Because ear infections are so often linked to allergies, we also review your pet’s skin, diet and history.
Treating Ear Infections
Treatment usually includes a thorough cleaning and medicated ear drops, with oral medication for severe or deeper infections. Very painful ears may require sedation for a deep flush. To address the root cause and reduce recurrence, our integrative plans may also include:
- Allergy control through diet, nutritional counseling and whole food supplements
- The Allergy Elimination Technique for pets with chronic allergic ear disease
- Laser therapy, which can quickly ease pain and inflammation from chronic ear infections
- Herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
- Surgery in rare cases of severe, end-stage ear disease or polyps
Preventing Recurring Ear Infections
Clean your pet’s ears only as directed, since over-cleaning can irritate the canal. Dry the ears thoroughly after swimming and bathing, keep allergies under control and schedule a recheck before stopping medication so we can confirm the infection has fully cleared. Routine wellness exams give us a chance to spot early ear changes before they become painful.
Pet Ear Infection FAQs
Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?
Recurring ear infections are most often caused by underlying allergies. Moisture, ear shape, excess hair and hormonal conditions can also contribute. Treating the root cause is key to preventing repeat infections.
Can I treat my pet’s ear infection at home?
We do not recommend it. Different infections need different medications, and some drops are dangerous if the eardrum is damaged. An exam and ear cytology ensure the right treatment.
Are ear infections painful for pets?
Yes. Ear infections can be very painful, especially when the canal is swollen. Many pets resist having their heads touched until the infection improves.
How long does it take to clear an ear infection?
Many uncomplicated infections improve within one to two weeks of treatment. Chronic or deep infections may take several weeks and require recheck visits.
Do cats get ear infections?
Cats get ear infections less often than dogs, but ear mites, allergies and polyps can all cause ear problems in cats.
Can laser therapy help ear infections?
Laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation from chronic ear infections and is often used alongside medicated treatment.
Stop the Cycle of Ear Infections
If your pet is shaking their head or scratching at their ears, call (913) 825-3330 to schedule a visit with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.