Ear infections are a common problem for dogs and cats.

They can be caused by an ear canal infection produced by common bacteria or yeast, or be the result of wax build up in the ear, mite infestations or impaired drainage.

What causes ear infections?

• The number most common causes of ear infections are underlying inhaled allergy (atopy) and food allergy. Secondary to the allergic skin disease, bacteria and yeast overgrowth results and the inflammation in the ear canal escalates.
• Ear infection can also be as a result of wax build up, thick or matted hair in the canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear, mite infestations or secondary to another bodily infection.
• Ear infection commonly is located in the external ear canal and the inside of the ear flap. This condition is called otitis externa.
• If the the ear drum, which normally separates the external ear canal from the the middle ear cavity, ruptures due to bacterial infection or from improper cleaning cleaning techniques, the middle ear cavity may become infected. This condition is called otitis media and can be more serious than otitis externa.

Warning Signs

• The discomfort your dog or cat experiences from an ear infection is often displayed in shaking his/her head or scratching of the ears.
  
• Often the infection causes red and inflamed ears with an offensive odor and perhaps some yellow/black discharge.
  
• If discomfort is observed and the dog/cat often tilts his/her head this may be a sign of an infection of the middle ear.

Prevention

• As a pet owner, you can help your pets avoid ear infections by practicing preventative care at home. A weekly ear cleaning with a veterinarian recommended ear-cleansing solution could minimize or prevent infection.
  
• Routine ear cleanings allow you to really see the ear on a routine basis which helps in noticing early warning signs of infection. Your pet will also get used to having its ears handled, making exams and medication administration easier when necessary.
  
• Additionally, if your pet (particularly a dog) has a lot of hair inside the earflap, grooming is also a form of prevention. It is recommended by veterinarians that pet owners with pets that experience chronic ear problems should take preventative action to ensure their pet's good health.