When your pet is scratching their ears or shaking their head, it’s common for many pet owners to believe ear mites have taken refuge in their pets’ ears.  However, while ear mites are common in some pets, most cases have proven to be bacteria or yeast infections. Ear mites are most commonly found in kittens, and less often in adults.  These eight-legged parasites feed on the wax and oils in a kitten’s ear canal, and have a three-week life cycle.  If left untreated, ear mites can cause an infection that produces a dark, coffee ground-like discharge.  Ear mites are most often passed from pet toRead More →

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Ear Infections Reprinted with permission of Dr. Wendy Brooks and the Veterinary Information Network Abridged by Simon Yen VMD As demonstrated by the picture below, the dog’s ear canal has a vertical and a horizontal component.  This structure predisposes dogs to ear infections as debris must work its way upward rather than straight out. Ear disease usually stems from over-production of wax, which occurs in response to irritation.  Allergic skin disease affecting the ears is one possible cause, especially in recurring cases; other causes of ear infections include ear mites; foreign bodies such as grass awns or foxtails; or hair growth deep in the canal,Read More →

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