Pet Eye and Pet Ear Disorders
If your dog or cat is squinting, scratching at their ears, or showing unusual discharge, it’s natural to be concerned. Are these minor irritations, or could they signal something more serious? Pet parents often struggle to know when a problem requires urgent attention. This guide will help you recognize common eye and ear issues, understand potential causes, and know when it’s time to bring your pet to UrgentPaws.
We’re here after-hours in Duarte, CA, offering compassionate care for non-life-threatening emergencies. With our “Save Your Spot” feature, you can secure your place online or simply walk in—no appointment needed.
Why Is My Pet’s Eye Red or Irritated?
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.
Why Is My Pet Scratching or Shaking Their Ears?
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.
When Should I Worry About Eye or Ear Problems in my Pet?
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.
Can Eye or Ear Conditions Spread Between Pets?
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.
What Can I Do at Home to Help My Pet with their Eye and Ear Symptoms?
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.
How Do Vets Diagnose Eye and Ear Problems?
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.
What Treatments Are Available for Pet Eye and Ear Issues?
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.
What If Pet Ear and Eye Symptoms Get Worse at Night?
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.
Areas We Serve for Pet Eye and Ear Disorders:
UrgentPaws provides trusted urgent care across the San Gabriel Valley, including:
West Covina
Monrovia & Arcadia
El Monte & Baldwin Park
Azusa & Glendora
Temple City, Sierra Madre, & Bradbury
Pasadena
Wherever you are in the San Gabriel Valley, UrgentPaws is here to provide convenient, compassionate care for your pet’s eye and ear needs.
How UrgentPaws Can Help with Pet Eye and Ear Disorders
At UrgentPaws, we provide after-hours urgent care in Duarte, CA, specializing in non-life-threatening emergencies like eye and ear disorders, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and more:
+ Convenient after-hours availability for busy pet owners
+ "Save Your Spot” feature for quick online check-in
+ Walk-ins always welcome—no appointment required
+ Compassionate, stress-free environment for pets
Eye and ear disorders in pets can range from minor irritations to serious infections or injuries. Prompt veterinary care ensures your pet receives accurate diagnosis and effective treatment before complications arise.
At UrgentPaws in Duarte, CA, we provide after-hours exams, diagnostics, and treatment for dogs and cats to uncover the cause and provide relief fast.
If your pet is showing signs of eye or ear discomfort, visit UrgentPaws—your trusted urgent vet near me in the San Gabriel Valley—for timely, compassionate care.