Ear exams are an important part of the annual wellness exam performed by your veterinarian. The veterinarian can ensure that the eardrum is healthy and rule out any potential infections. In between annual exams, it’s important to take note of signs of possible ear infections, such as your pet scratching at his ears, shaking his head, discharge, or abnormal smells coming from the ears. All are signs of an ear infection, and early testing and treatment are necessary to prevent the infection from worsening.
Which Breeds Are Most Susceptible
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from ear infections.
- Dogs with floppy ears, such as Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, and Basset Hounds
- Dogs with a lot of hair in their ears, like poodles
- Dogs with small ears and ear canals like Shar-Peis
- Dogs with a history of skin infections or allergies
While some pets are more susceptible, such as breeds with floppy ears, any pet can suffer from an ear infection. Taking steps to keep your pet’s ears clean and routinely checking them should be part of your pet care routine.
How Ear Infections Happen
Causes of ear infections in dogs include bacteria, yeast, fungus, and ear mites. Infections may also be caused by trauma, foreign objects stuck in the ear, and more serious causes, such as a tumor.
The risk of bringing home ear mites increases with pets going to dog parks, daycare, and boarding. Does your dog love water? Water in the ears can also lead to infections.
Why Early Detection Matters
The sooner an ear infection is diagnosed and treated, the sooner the discomfort your pet experiences can be resolved—but alleviating the pain and itch of an ear infection isn’t the only reason early detection is essential.
Ear infections can cause troubling symptoms, such as balance and coordination issues, severe pain, and in rare cases, paralysis of the face.
Should You Make a Vet Appointment?
It’s a dilemma many pet parents face: Should you take time off work and put your pet through the stress of an in-person visit (especially if your pet is anxious about seeing the vet) when you’re not sure there is a problem? MySimplePetLab at-home dog ear infection test kits and cat ear infection tests let you test at home and get the results delivered right to your inbox.
If the test is negative, you didn’t waste an entire afternoon and possibly a personal day from work. If it’s positive, THEN you can make an appointment with your vet to get the medications you need to treat the infection.
MySimplePetLab tests are great tools to keep on hand, and five test options are available on our website, including:
- Dog Ear Infection Test
- Cat Ear Infection Test
- Dog Skin & Itch Test
- Cat Stool Test
- Dog Stool Test
Keeping MySimplePetLab at-home test kits on hand is one way to help keep your pet healthy and happy by testing at the first sign of a potential problem.
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