Ear Infections in Dogs & Cats

Ear Infections in Dogs & Cats

Ear problems are a common reason pets visit the veterinarian, particularly dogs prone to allergies, floppy ears or recurrent skin irritation.

Many ear infections improve with early veterinary treatment, but recurrent or untreated ear disease can become painful and difficult to manage.

At Central Pets, we help pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments following veterinary assessment, with convenient prescription upload, pharmacist-reviewed dispensing and Australia-wide delivery options.

Common signs of ear infections in pets

Dogs and cats experiencing ear problems may show symptoms such as:

  • Head shaking

  • Scratching at the ears

  • Redness or swelling inside the ear

  • Bad odour from the ears

  • Ear discharge or wax build-up

  • Pain when ears are touched

  • Tilting the head

  • Changes in balance in severe cases

Some pets develop recurrent ear infections, particularly where allergies or skin disease are involved.

If symptoms are persistent, painful or recurring, veterinary assessment is recommended.

What causes ear infections in pets?

Ear infections can occur for many reasons, including:

  • Allergies or skin disease

  • Moisture build-up (particularly in dogs that swim)

  • Yeast or bacterial overgrowth

  • Ear mites (more common in some animals)

  • Foreign material in the ear canal

  • Underlying hormonal or immune conditions

Because ear disease may have multiple causes, veterinary assessment is important to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Veterinary treatment and management

Management depends on the cause, severity and type of ear condition.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Ear examination and cleaning

  • Veterinary-prescribed ear treatment where appropriate

  • Treatment for underlying allergies or skin disease

  • Ongoing management for recurrent ear conditions

  • Follow-up assessment to ensure resolution

Some pets with chronic ear disease benefit from longer-term veterinary management.

Medicines your veterinarian may prescribe

Veterinarians may prescribe ear preparations or other treatments depending on the diagnosis and underlying cause.

Some pets with recurrent ear disease may also require treatment for allergy-related skin disease or inflammation.

Treatment decisions vary depending on veterinary assessment and examination findings.

What if my pet struggles with ear medication?

Administering ear medication can sometimes be challenging.

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the treating veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed in specific situations requiring tailored administration approaches.

Why pet owners choose Central Pets

  • Easy online veterinary prescription upload

  • Pharmacist-reviewed supply before dispensing

  • Australia-wide delivery options

  • Support for repeat prescriptions where valid repeats remain

  • Local Perth pharmacy support with national shipping

  • Compounding capability where clinically appropriate and veterinarian authorised

Do I need a prescription?

Many veterinary treatments used to manage ear infections require a valid veterinary prescription before supply.

Your veterinarian can send prescriptions directly to Central Pets, or you can upload your prescription online during checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Recurring ear infections can sometimes be linked to allergies, skin disease, moisture, ear anatomy or underlying health conditions.

Are ear infections painful for pets?

Some ear infections can become painful and uncomfortable, particularly if left untreated.

What if my pet won’t tolerate ear drops?

Speak with your veterinarian. In some situations, alternative treatment approaches may be discussed.

Can ear infections come back?

Yes. Some pets are prone to recurring ear disease and may benefit from ongoing veterinary management.

Support for pets with ear problems

Central Pets helps pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments for ear conditions following veterinary assessment and pharmacist review.

Upload your veterinary prescription online for convenient pharmacist-reviewed supply.