Can Dogs Give Cats Ear Infections?

Causes of Ear Infection in Cats

Ear infections can develop

when the skin lining in the ear canal becomes irritated, leading to inflammation

. Inflammation can lead to excess wax production which in turn creates an environment where the naturally occurring bacteria and yeast grow out of control.

Will a cat’s ear infection go away on its own?

Outdoor cats and kittens are more prone to ear infections but even older, indoor felines may develop this pesky condition. Ear infections are painful and

won’t go away on their own

, so it’s important to be familiar with the signs that indicate there’s a problem.

What are the symptoms of ear infection in cats?

• Black or yellowish discharge.
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal.
• Waxy buildup on or near the ear canal.
• Discharge from the ear that resembles coffee grounds (a symptom of ear mites)
• Strong odor.
• Hearing loss.
• Loss of balance or disorientation.

Are dog ear infections an emergency?

An ear infection is an emergency

when your pet is in pain, you cannot touch or look in your dog’s ear, the ear is red and swollen, and/or your dog has a head tilt. All ear infections should be examined and treated by a veterinarian.

What is the black gunk in my cat’s ears?

Some cats are more bothered by

ear mites

than others. Mites also stimulate the wax producing glands inside the ear canal. The result is a black, crusty build-up in the ears that resembles coffee grounds. This discharge is made of blood, wax, debris, and mites themselves.

Can you treat a dogs ear infection at home?

Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itch and discomfort of an ear infection

. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part filtered or spring water. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Make sure you get the liquid into the ear canal by holding your dog’s ear still.

Is there a home remedy for dog ear infection?

Dab a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and add drops of coconut oil for your dog’s ears

; it is an effective cleanser. Apple cider vinegar and equal parts water can be used to clean the ears against infection, but do not use this if the ear tissue is raw.

How long does it take for a cat ear infection to go away?

That said, most cats with otitis interna respond well to medical management. Expect a two- to four-month course of oral antibiotics to prevent a relapse. The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna typically improves within

two to six weeks

.

Are cat ear infections serious?

Although ear infections are less common in cats than in dogs when they do occur

they can be an indication of a serious underlying health condition

. Today our Cordova vets explain some of the causes, symptoms and treatments for outer, middle and inner ear infections in cats.

Why is my cat scratching his ear and shaking his head?

Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears

attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal

. The ears often become red and inflamed and may develop an offensive odor. A black or yellow discharge is commonly observed.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide in a cat’s ear?

Never use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean your cat’s ears

— these substances just aren’t safe for your kitty. Also, never use cotton-tipped swabs, like Q-tips, in a cat’s ear at home. It’s just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal.

Do cat ear infections smell?

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and

may develop an offensive odor

. A black or yellow discharge is commonly observed.

What is the brown stuff in my cat’s ears?

As with humans, it’s completely normal for a small amount of earwax to form in your cat’s ears. However, excessive wax buildup can occur if your kitty has allergies, a bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, ear mites, or a yeast infection.

A cat’s brown earwax often resembles dirt or dried blood inside the ears

.

Why does my cats ear smell like poop?

Ear infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria, or ear mites in the ears

. Beside scratching and head-shaking, you may notice that your cat’s ears smell horrible. 4 Have a look inside to see if there is debris present as this is often a sign of an ear infection.

What can you do for a cat with an ear infection?

Treatment for feline ear infections isn’t usually complicated. To start, your vet may need to clip the fur around the cat’s ear canal to help keep it clean and dry. If the infection has reached the middle ear but the eardrum is untouched,

oral or injectable antibiotics may clear up the infection

.

What cures dog ear infections?

How are Dog Ear Infections Treated?

Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser

. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

What does a dog ear infection smell like?

These types of ear infections usually involve more than one type of bacteria. These bacteria can cause ears to smell

sweet like grapes or caramel or rancid like rotten chicken or bad breath

. Dogs with bacterial infections in their ears may rub their ears on the ground or on furniture to relieve itchiness.

Why is my cat holding one ear down?

If your cat holds down one ear partially instead of having both ears perked as they normally are, it usually indicates a problem. If you notice these signs,

your cat may have an ear infection or parasite infestation

, which is very uncomfortable and sometimes even painful.

Can humans catch ear mites from cats?

Many people worry if ear mites can be passed to humans. However, this is not the case.

Ear mites can only be transferred between cats, dogs and ferrets

. They also do not live long without a host.

How do you clean a cat’s ears with Q tips?

What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?

A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an

ear infection

, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.

How do I know if my dogs ears are infected?

1. Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
2. Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
3. Odor in the ear.
4. Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
5. Hair loss around the ear.
6. Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
7. Head shaking or head tilt.

Can a dog licking other dog’s ear cause an ear infection?

When two dogs are on friendly terms as part of the same family, they become very comfortable grooming each other. Licking each other’s ears is just one way to show that. What’s more, it can ward off ear mites, but

too much licking can cause irritation and possibly an ear infection

.

How can I soothe my dog’s itchy ears?

1. Calendula lotion.
2. Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
3. Hydrocortisone ointment.
4. Mullein oil.
5. Antihistamines.

Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my dog’s ear?

We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears

. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection.