Pet Ear Infections

Ear infections can occur when your pet has been exposed to foreign bodies such as yeast, bacteria, or ear mites. Ear infections can be treated, but early diagnosis is important to avoid putting your pet's hearing at risk. Our veterinarian at Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ can diagnose the infection and work with you to stay on top of the treatment. Continue reading to learn more about pet eat infections and how our experienced veterinary team can help treat them.

Ear Infection Symptoms

By being alert to symptoms, pet owners can know when to seek veterinary care for a potential ear infection. Your pet may exhibit one or more of these symptoms:

• Odor coming from the ears, especially a yeasty smell
• Red and swollen ear
• Scratching the ear and shaking the head more than usual
• Waxy buildup
• Crusty scabs on one or both ears
• Unusual eye movements
• Dark discharge
• Head tilt

Diagnosis and Treatment

When your pet has these symptoms, our vet will use an otoscope to examine the ear canal to diagnose the cause and extent of the infection. Some of the discharge may be removed for laboratory study. We will provide you with medication to treat the infection, which, depending upon the type of infection, may be administered orally or in the ear. We will also work with you on ways to prevent ear infections in your pet in the future. These preventive measures might include treatment for allergies, more regular ear cleanings, or regular grooming that removes hair from the ears.

Call Valley Animal Hospital Today!

Ear infections are treatable, but failure to treat them promptly can lead to partial or total hearing loss. Our veterinary team can help you maintain ear health, as well as total body health, for your pet. Give Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton, NJ a call at (973) 509-5225 or use our online scheduler (non-emergency only) to schedule an appointment today.