Ear infections are common in dogs and cats, but they can be especially worrying for pet parents. You probably have many questions if your furry friend is dealing with an ear infection. Here are some FAQs from us at Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital of Fredericksburg, VA, about ear infections to help you better understand what's happening with your pet.
What are some common causes of pet ear infections?
They are often caused by yeast, mites, or bacteria. Many of these infections will clear up on their own in a few days or weeks, depending on the cause. Contact a veterinarian on our team if your dog’s ear infection is not getting better or worse.
What are some symptoms of ear infections in my pet?
There are many different symptoms that your pet may exhibit if they have an ear infection. Some symptoms may include:
- Shaking their head or scratching at their ears
- Holding their head tilted to one side
- Discharge from their ears that is brown, yellow, or bloody
- Bad odor coming from their ears
What happens if an ear infection goes untreated?
Ear infections can be painful for dogs and cats. They are often caused by bacteria that have entered the ear canal. While antibiotics can help heal the ear, they may only be able to do so temporarily. Frequent ear infections can lead to permanent damage and sometimes even deafness.
How are pet ear infections treated?
Your vet can diagnose your pet's ear infection by looking at the discharge, feeling the area with a tool, and performing a series of tests on the ear. Depending on the results of these tests, they may need to treat your pet with medication.
If you are concerned about your pet's health, take them to a vet on our veterinary team. We will likely need to examine your pet closely to determine the cause of the infection. If your pet is not improving, it may need special treatment to drain the infection.
How do I prevent my pet from getting ear infections?
You can do a few things to help prevent your pet from getting ear infections.
It is essential to keep your dog's ears clean and dry to avoid infection. Ensure their vaccinations are up to date and avoid letting them scratch their ears or getting them wet or dirty.
Visit Us for More Information from a Veterinarian on Our Team
If you are in the Fredericksburg, VA, area and are looking for animal care, look no further than Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital. Our staff is here to help provide the best possible care for your pet. Whether your pet needs a routine check-up or emergency surgery, we are here to help. Give us a call at (540) 373-6100 to schedule an appointment. A veterinarian on our team is here to provide pet care.
