Understanding Ear Infections in Pets: Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Ear infections are one of the most common (and frustrating) issues we see at Great Western Animal Hospital. They’re painful for pets, messy for owners, and—without proper treatment—often keep coming back.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Early detection is key. Watch for:

• Red or inflamed ears
• Brown, yellow, or green discharge
• A strong or unpleasant odour
• Head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ears
• Swelling or pain around the ear
• Whimpering or signs of discomfort

More advanced infections can cause:

• Loss of balance or coordination
• Hearing loss
• Unusual eye movements

• Head tilting or walking in circles

If you notice any of these, it’s time to visit your vet.

How Ear Infections Are Diagnosed

At Great Western Animal Hospital, our vets use several key diagnostic tools to identify the cause and severity of an ear infection.

1. Visual Examination with an Otoscope

An otoscope is a specialised instrument that allows our vets to look deep inside your pet’s ear canal. This helps us:

• Check for inflammation, wax build-up, or foreign material (like grass seeds)
• Identify whether the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is intact or ruptured
• Determine how far the infection extends into the canal

Using the otoscope ensures we’re not just treating surface symptoms — we’re examining the entire ear structure to catch any deeper or hidden issues that could affect your pet’s hearing or balance.

2. Cytology (Microscopic Examination)

A small swab of discharge from the ear is placed on a slide and stained for microscopic evaluation. This test, called cytology, reveals whether the infection is caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites.
Knowing exactly what organisms are present means we can prescribe the right medication and avoid ineffective or unnecessary treatments.

In some cases, we may also recommend ear cultures or allergy testing if the infections are persistent or severe.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity:

• Ear drops or medicated cleaners to control infection and inflammation
• Oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for more severe cases
• Ear flushing or cleaning under sedation if debris or wax is blocking the canal
• Allergy management or diet changes for pets with recurring infections

It’s essential to complete the full course of medication—even if the ear looks better—to avoid recurrence.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

Once the infection clears, prevention focuses on maintaining clean, dry, healthy ears:

• Regular ear cleaning with vet-approved products
• Keeping ears dry after swimming or baths
• Managing underlying allergies or skin conditions
• Routine check-ups, especially for breeds with floppy or hairy ears

Our team can recommend a tailored cleaning routine for your pet.

When to See a Vet

If your dog or cat lives in Greystanes, Pemulwuy, Prospect, Merrylands or surrounding areas and you suspect an ear infection, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early treatment prevents pain and long-term damage.

Book an appointment with Great Western Animal Hospital today - we’re your trusted local vets providing exceptional care for Western Sydney’s pets.