Eye & Ear Disorders in Pets and How UrgentPaws Can Help

While most eye and ear issues occur in dogs and cats, other small animals—such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and birds—can also develop infections or irritations. Symptoms may include discharge, swelling, head shaking, or pawing at the eyes or ears. Though less common, these conditions still require prompt veterinary evaluation to prevent pain or complications.

At UrgentPaws, we provide care for a variety of small animals alongside dogs and cats, ensuring every pet receives timely attention.

No matter the type of pet, eye and ear problems should never be ignored. Early evaluation can prevent pain and complications, helping your small animal or furry friend feel comfortable again. If your pet is showing signs of irritation, bring them in for prompt care.

Pets’ eyes can be sensitive and may react to infections, injuries, or allergies. Common reasons for eye problems include:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Corneal scratches or ulcers

Bacterial or viral infections

Allergies (pollen, dust, chemicals)

Tear duct blockages or excessive tearing

Glaucoma or cataracts (more common in older pets)

Foreign objects in the eye

Untreated eye issues can progress quickly, so prompt attention is key to preventing pain and preserving vision.

Even minor eye irritation can become serious if left untreated. Early care ensures your pet avoids discomfort, and timely evaluation allows for the right treatment plan to restore their eye health. Don’t wait—get your pet checked if you notice redness or discharge.

Ear problems can be painful and disruptive. Dogs and cats may shake their heads, scratch, or show discharge. Common causes include:

Ear infections (bacterial or yeast)

Ear mites (especially in cats)

Foreign objects lodged in the ear canal

Allergies causing inflammation

Excessive wax buildup

Tumors or polyps (less common)

Left untreated, ear issues can lead to lasting discomfort or hearing damage.

Regular attention to ear health can prevent pain and more serious complications. If your pet is scratching excessively, shaking their head, or showing discharge, urgent evaluation can restore comfort and prevent long-term damage.

Not every discharge, redness, or head shake is an emergency—but certain signs require prompt veterinary attention:

Persistent redness, swelling, or discharge

Excessive pawing, scratching, or head shaking

Squinting, cloudy eyes, or sudden vision changes

Foul odor from the ears

Blood in the eyes or ears

History of chronic eye or ear issues

Recognizing the warning signs is the first step in protecting your pet’s health. Prompt veterinary evaluation ensures timely treatment, reduces pain, and prevents long-term complications. If you notice these symptoms, bring your pet in for care today.

Some eye and ear infections are contagious:

Dogs: Certain bacterial infections can spread through direct contact.

Cats: Viral conjunctivitis spreads easily, especially among kittens or multi-cat homes.

Ear mites: Can be transmitted between cats and occasionally dogs sharing bedding.

Maintaining clean environments and reducing stress can help prevent spread and recurrence.

Contagious infections can affect multiple pets in your home. Early veterinary care and good hygiene practices protect your pets and keep your household healthy. If one pet shows symptoms, it’s best to have all at-risk pets checked.

While veterinary care is essential, you can help ease your pet’s discomfort at home:

Keep eyes and ears clean with vet-approved solutions

Avoid using cotton swabs deep in the ear canal

Reduce exposure to dust, pollen, or irritants

Ensure proper nutrition and hydration

Monitor for worsening symptoms

Simple home care can support recovery and comfort, but it is never a replacement for professional treatment. Combining home support with veterinary care ensures your pet heals faster and stays healthier.

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of exams and testing, including:

Visual inspection of eyes and ears

Ophthalmic exams and staining for corneal injuries

Ear cytology to identify infections or mites

Blood tests to rule out systemic illness

Imaging if deeper problems or tumors are suspected

Thorough evaluation ensures the right treatment plan and a faster recovery.

Accurate diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. Bringing your pet in for a comprehensive exam allows our team to identify the root cause and develop a plan that ensures relief and long-term health.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but always focuses on pain relief, infection control, and restoring normal function:

Topical or oral antibiotics/antifungals

Anti-inflammatory or allergy medications

Ear cleaning and mite treatment

Surgery for foreign bodies, ulcers, or tumors

Lubricating drops or ointments for dry or irritated eyes

With prompt care, most eye and ear disorders are fully treatable. Early intervention reduces discomfort and prevents complications. Don’t wait—timely treatment ensures your pet regains comfort quickly.

Pets may show increased irritation at night due to rubbing or worsening congestion.

Aggressive rubbing or pawing, discharge spreading to the other eye, or sudden worsening symptoms should be treated urgently.

Wherever you are in the San Gabriel Valley, UrgentPaws is here to provide convenient, compassionate care for your pet’s eye and ear needs.