Pet Health, Interesting Facts, and Trivia
Pet Ear Problems

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are very commmon in dogs; especially those with floppy ears such as cockers and retrievers. A lack of oxygen to the ear canal smothers the aerobic bacteria that is beneficial to the ear and allows the yeast to grow.

Normal wax in the ear is usually light tan in color. A dark brown, odorous discharge is typical of a yeast infection. Many veterinarians recommend over-the-counter Lotrimin for jock itch to treat yeast infections.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can be caused by a variety of conditions.

Normal wax in the ear is usually light tan in color. A yellowish discharge is common in bacterial infections. Unfortunately, most treatments for bacterial infections require a prescription from your veterinarian.

Ear Mites in Dogs and Cats

Ear Mites, which look like tiny ticks (too small to see) and live in the ear canal, are a particulary difficult but common problem of dogs and cats.

Although people don't seem to get them, mites are contageous from one animal to another, laying their eggs on the fur coat and traveling from one pet to another during play, sleep or other contact.

Symptoms include intense itching, odor, and tar-colored, waxy build-up inside and even sometimes outside the ear.

There are many treatments for mites. Read the labels carefully and always use the treatment (preceded by a thorough cleaning of the ear each time) as frequently and as long as the manufacturer recommends.

Additionally, we recommend that you treat the ears of all of your pets (whether they look like they need it or not) if any one pet has the mites, and that you bathe the pets in a good quality flea shampoo and/or dip the pets to stop the spread of the mites on the hair.

Under no circumstances should information presented here be construed as veterinary in nature. Always consult your veterinarian if problems persist.