ear care for cats and dogs

What to know about ear mites and ear infections and how to help them get better.

Pet ears are a rich breeding ground for mites and irritating, smelly infections. Is your dog pawing at their ears or shaking their head? Are you seeing brown gunk in your cat’s ear canal? These are just a few signs it’s time for a veterinary exam.

All about cat and dog ear issues

Does your dog have ear mites?

What "coffee grounds" in ears might mean. Ear mites in dogs

How to treat a dog ear infection

What works to treat ears, plus what can hurt your pet. What vets recommend

Why is my dog scratching their ear?

Sometimes a scratch is more than a little tickle. Decode ear scratching

Treating dog ear infections without a vet

What to know about popular home remedies. Help ear infections

Does your cat have ear mites?

What to know about ear mites in cats and kittens. More about ear mites

A cat getting their ears cleaned by the vet

How to clean cat ears

A step-by-step guide to help you and your cat. Get our tips

Does your cat have an ear infection?

Know the symptoms of ear issues in cats. Help for ear infections

Commonly asked questions about pet ear care

Q:

How can I tell if my pet has an ear infection?

A:Many pets will hide their symptoms, even if their ear infection is actually quite painful. If your furry friend’s ears are itchy, stinky, or have any kind of discharge, or if they react negatively when you touch them, bring them in to see the vet.

Q:

How often should I clean my pet’s ears?

A:Liquid ear cleaners should only be used at the direction of your veterinary team — too often can inflame ears, dry them out, and lead to increased wax production, all of which can then lead to ear infections.

You can wipe your pet’s ear and the entry to their ear canal with a soft tissue or cotton ball as often as once a week. But never use a cotton swab inside the ear! It’s just too easy to damage those delicate ear structures.

Q:

I got water in my pet’s ears — should I be worried?

A:Are they acting normally? You’re probably okay. Are they prone to ear infections? Keep a special eye out for symptoms of ear infections, like discharge, bad ear smells, and pain. If you see anything worrisome, check with your veterinarian about your concerns.

Q:

Is this thing on my pet’s ear a wart, a tumor, or a tick?!

A:Unfortunately, many bumps on pet ears can look alike, especially if your pet is too wiggly to give you a good look. Your best bet is to consult your veterinarian for next steps and help to put your mind at ease.

Q:

Can Banfield help me with my dog or cat’s ear problems?

Our vets can help you find out what’s causing your pet’s ear issues, work with you on a treatment plan, and prescribe safe and effective medications to help treat your pet. We can even work with you to help prevent future problems! Make an appointment

Q:

What is the best way to clean my pet's ears?

For a step-by-step play on how to clean (and medicate, if prescribed by a vet) pet ears, check out the following pages. Clean dog ears Clean cat ears

Q:

Can pet allergies cause ear infections?

A:If your dog or cat has food allergies, it can increase their chances of getting ear infections. Check with your vet to see if they suspect a connection and how it can be managed.

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