Many pet owners can easily detect skin rashes and other obvious symptoms of allergies, but sometimes ear problems may go undetected. The team at Veterinary Dermatology Services in Cincinnati, OH, sees a wide range of allergy problems in pets and can help you identify any issues with your animal.

To help ensure that your dog or cat is free of ear problems, the caring professionals from Veterinary Dermatology Services have compiled a list of indicators that you can look for.

Typical Signs of Ear Problems

1. Odor

If you suddenly detect a new, unfamiliar smell coming from your pet, check its ears. In both dogs and cats, ear discharge can omit a pungent odor. If you find that there’s a visible discharge accompanying the smell, it could be indicative of an allergy or ear mites.

2. Hearing Loss

Sometimes, an issue in your pet’s ears can prevent them from hearing properly. If your pet isn’t reacting to your commands as usual, make an appointment with the vet to find out if ear problems are to blame.

3. Loss of Balance

If your pup or kitty suddenly seems off-balance, it could also be indicative of ear problems. Sometimes, ear issues can cause an imbalance in your pet’s equilibrium, causing them to walk in circles repeatedly or become disoriented. Observe any strange behaviors with your animal’s mobility, and bring it to a pet dermatology expert if these issues are coupled with any of the other symptoms listed here.

4. Discharge

In cats, discharge can be black or yellowish. If it resembles coffee grounds, it could be a sign that your cat has ear mites. For dogs, discharge can be brown, yellow, or reddish in color.

5. Shaking/Rubbing

If your dog or cat repeatedly shakes its head or is rubbing at its ears, check for any of the additional signs of ear problems described above.

Ear problems in pets can be difficult to diagnose. Be sure to enlist the help of a vet who excels in dermatology for animals if you find that your dog or cat is exhibiting the symptoms listed above.

If you’re in Ohio, northern Kentucky, or southern Indiana, Veterinary Dermatology Services is here to serve you. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 489-4644, or visit their website to learn more.