A dog pawing frantically at one ear or a cat tilting its head and shaking constantly is rarely doing so for no reason. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pet parents reach out — and they can escalate quickly if left unaddressed.
Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy built Vetzi around her own clinical experience treating pets in real exam rooms before bringing that same hands-on expertise online. Ear infections are exactly the kind of concern where a quick video consultation can point an owner in the right direction before discomfort worsens.
✓ Same-day video visits ✓ Florida-licensed vets ✓ Prescription ear treatments available
Most ear infections start with inflammation of the outer ear canal, a condition veterinarians call otitis externa. Allergies, trapped moisture, ear mites, and foreign debris can all disrupt the ear’s normal balance and allow yeast or bacteria to take hold. Dogs with long or floppy ears, such as retrievers and hounds, tend to be more prone to it because airflow to the canal is restricted.
Cats can develop ear infections too, though somewhat less often than dogs. Ear mites and underlying allergies are frequent culprits in cats, and because cats mask discomfort well, symptoms are sometimes noticed later than they would be in a dog.
Usually the first sign an owner notices, often paired with scratching or pawing at the affected ear.
A strong, unpleasant odor is a common indicator of yeast or bacterial overgrowth in the ear canal.
Visible discharge that may look brown, yellow, or waxy. The skin around the canal can appear red, swollen, or scaly.
Can indicate the infection has spread to the middle ear — associated with balance problems and facial nerve involvement.
Some pets tilt their head to one side or seem generally more irritable when an infection is present. Left untreated, an infection in the outer ear can spread deeper into the middle ear, which is associated with more serious complications, including balance problems and facial nerve involvement.
A video visit with one of our veterinarians is a strong first step when an owner notices head shaking, odor, or discharge but the pet is otherwise eating, drinking, and behaving normally. Through video, our veterinarian can observe how the pet is holding its head, how intensely it is scratching, and how it reacts when the ear is touched, which helps determine whether the case looks like a straightforward outer ear irritation or something that needs an in-person exam.
To make the most of the appointment, owners should have a few close-up photos or a short video of the ear ready, along with notes on how long the symptoms have lasted and whether the pet has a history of ear infections or allergies. From there, our veterinarian can offer cleaning guidance, discuss whether an in-person visit is warranted, and help the owner understand next steps with clarity instead of guesswork.
While many mild ear irritations can be assessed and guided through telehealth, certain signs point to a need for an in-person veterinary exam. A sudden head tilt, loss of balance, circling, or drooping on one side of the face can indicate the infection has progressed to the middle or inner ear, and these cases need hands-on evaluation. Bleeding, a foul-smelling discharge with visible swelling, or a pet that seems to be in significant pain when the ear is touched also warrants prompt in-person attention rather than waiting.
According to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, otitis externa is frequently tied to yeast overgrowth in the ear canal, which is one reason accurate diagnosis matters before starting treatment. The FDA has approved treatments specifically for yeast-related ear infections in dogs, underscoring how identifying the cause, rather than guessing, leads to more effective care. One of our veterinarians can help determine whether a virtual visit is enough or an in-person exam is the safer route.
Getting a pet in front of a veterinarian quickly matters, especially when the regular vet’s office is closed or fully booked. Telehealth gives pet parents a way to get informed guidance without the stress of an unnecessary emergency visit, particularly helpful for cats, senior pets, or anxious dogs who find clinic visits overwhelming.
Ear infections often overlap with allergies, and the same underlying sensitivities behind persistent dog itching and skin irritation can just as easily show up as ear inflammation, so a telehealth check-in can help an owner catch a flare-up in either area early. Unusual behaviors that seem unrelated at first, like a dog eating grass more than normal, sometimes point to the same allergic or digestive root cause worth mentioning during a video visit. Cats in particular tend to internalize stress at the vet, which is part of why a calmer, at-home video format can make it easier to get an accurate picture of what is bothering them.
Ear infections are uncomfortable for pets and worrying for the people who love them — but a fast, informed response makes a real difference. A telehealth consultation helps sort through the uncertainty quickly, whether the situation calls for guidance or a clear recommendation to be seen in person.
✓ Same-day video appointments ✓ Ear treatments prescribed online ✓ Cats, dogs & more
The sooner you catch it, the simpler it is to treat.
