Causes of Dog and Cat Ear Infections Treated by Our Veterinarian in Winston-Salem
Both dogs and cats can and do get ear infections, just like people. Cats are lucky in that feline ear infections are seen much less commonly by vets Winston-Salem than canine ear infections. As your veterinarian Winston-Salem, Forsyth Veterinary Hospital is an animal hospital with the experience to manage all kinds of ear infections in pets.
Why Do Cats Get Ear Infections?
Cats typically get ear infections for one of four reasons:
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Scratches or bites
- Growth in the ear canal
Just like people, cats can be allergic to just about anything, and allergic inflammation and immune suppression can set the stage for infections. Ear mites, a common and contagious parasite, can also cause inflammation and conditions in the ear canal conducive to the growth of bacteria.
Cats sometimes have scratches or bites near the ear that get infected. Scratches may be self-inflicted, especially if the cat's ears are itchy because of allergies or mites. Bites usually come from fighting with another cat. Occasionally, a cat may have a growth in the ear canal that is making them susceptible to infection.
Why Do Dogs Get Ear Infections?
There are more commonly seen causes of ear infections in dogs than cats. Some of them are:
- Floppy ears
- Long hair in or on the ears
- Growths in the ear canal
- Abnormally shaped ear canal due to breed
- Mites
- Allergies
- Bites and scratches
Besides the reasons that dogs share with cats for ear infections, there are some that are species specific. Dogs with long hair and floppy ears are notorious for coming down with ear infections. Floppy, long-haired ears mean that there is lots of moisture trapped inside, and the hair restricts airflow within the ear canal. If bacteria or yeast do get in, they find the environment very welcoming.
Some breeds of dogs also have abnormally shaped ear canals because of the shape of their heads. Breeding for specific traits has led to a wide variety of shapes of dogs' heads, some of which are quite unnatural. This can lead to oddly-shaped or narrow ear canals that are prone to infection.
Professional Treatment for Ear Infections from Our Local Winston-Salem Veterinarian
If you are concerned that your dog or cat might have an ear infection, get them to an animal hospital right away. Ear infections can be painful and need immediate treatment from your veterinarian Winston-Salem. Forsyth Veterinary Hospital will provide the best of vets Winston-Salem for your furry friend; contact us at 336-765-1225 today. We have a new client special of $10 off any service on your first visit!