10 Warning Signs Your Pet Needs a Vet Visit

8. Eye or Ear Discharge or Redness

The eyes and ears are delicate organs, and signs of trouble here often indicate pain, infection, or injury. Prompt treatment prevents more severe problems, including vision or hearing loss.

Eye Discharge, Redness, or Swelling:

• Excessive Tearing or Colored Discharge: Clear, watery discharge can be normal or indicate mild irritation. However, thick, yellow, green, or bloody discharge often signals an infection (bacterial, viral), conjunctivitis, or a foreign object.
• Redness in the Eye or Eyelids: Bloodshot eyes, red conjunctiva (the pink tissue around the eye), or swollen eyelids suggest inflammation, allergies, infection, glaucoma, or injury.
• Cloudiness or Change in Eye Color: A hazy or cloudy appearance to the cornea (the clear part of the eye) can indicate glaucoma, cataracts, or corneal ulcers. Any sudden change in eye color, such as a blue tint, warrants immediate attention.
• Squinting or Pawing at the Eye: Your pet’s squinting, holding an eye partially closed, or rubbing their face suggests significant pain or irritation, potentially from a foreign body, ulcer, or glaucoma. This is always an emergency, as corneal ulcers can progress rapidly and lead to vision loss.

Ear Discharge, Odor, or Head Shaking:

• Excessive Head Shaking or Ear Scratching: Your pet shaking their head frequently, tilting it, or pawing at their ears usually indicates itching or pain.
• Redness or Swelling of the Ear Flap or Canal: Inflamed ears are often painful and warm to the touch.
• Foul Odor: A strong, unpleasant smell coming from the ears is a hallmark sign of bacterial or yeast infection.
• Discharge in the Ear Canal: Waxy, dark brown, yellow, or bloody discharge signals ear mites, bacterial infections, or fungal infections.
• Pain When Touching Ears: If your pet yelps or pulls away when you touch their ears, they are likely experiencing significant pain.

Ear infections are common in breeds with floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, due to poor air circulation. Regular pet care, including ear cleaning, helps prevent these issues. These signs indicate a need for a vet visit to prevent further discomfort or damage to hearing.