Does Pet Insurance Cover Ear Infections?

It’s not surprising that the long and sometimes droopy ears of dogs are prone to infections because of all the dirt and bacteria they can collect. They aren’t very rare in cats either. However, it may be surprising to know that some of these infections can be very severe and can cause not only complete hearing loss but also neurological problems like facial paralysis and loss of blinking eyes. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the part of the brain that controls breathing and heart rate. A complicated surgery will then be needed to treat it. ⁽¹⁾

Did you start worrying about the cost already?

Don’t worry. Pet insurance can help cover ear infections as long as they are not pre-existing conditions and the policy's waiting period is over before the condition develops. 

It’s important to know more about ear infections in pets before you get into the details about insurance.

Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats – 

An ear infection is a very painful and uncomfortable condition inside the ear that is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast in the ear canal. It is due to an underlying condition like ear mites, a skin problem, excess earwax, primary allergy diseases, etc. 

There are 3 main types of ear infections – ⁽²⁾

Most of the infections are limited to the outer canal, but if left untreated for a long time, they can go deeper down to the middle or the inner ear. 

What Are the Common Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats? 

Common causes of ear infections in pets include – ⁽¹⁾

Plucking too much hair, using cotton swabs in the ear canal, etc., can increase the chances of developing an infection. The L-shaped ear canals of dogs and cats tend to hold fluids, hence making activities such as swimming, bathing, or even a visit to the groomer increase the risk of infection because of the exposure to all the moisture. 

What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection in Dogs and Cats?

Below are some common signs that you might see if your dog or cat has developed an ear infection – 

It is important to take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms. Early treatment is necessary to help avoid severe problems. 

The vet will probably use an otoscope to look down each ear canal to the eardrum for any foreign material. He/she may even prescribe a diagnostic test for the presence of yeast, bacteria, parasites, etc. 

Which Dog Breeds Are More Susceptible to Ear Infections?

Dogs with long and floppy ears or V-shaped bent ears are more susceptible to ear infections for obvious reasons. Some of the common breeds found with such ears include – 

How to Treat Ear Infections in Pets? 

The treatment will depend on the type of ear infection. In the case of an external infection, an ear cleaner to remove the debris organisms, and address inflammation should be enough. Some cases may need a topical steroid for at-home use in addition to the ear cleaner. The treatment can go on for 7-30 days depending on the severity. ⁽²⁾

In the case of middle ear infections, the pet may need to visit a vet dermatologist. Imaging techniques such as a CT scan, MRI scan, and a video-otoscopy may also be needed. The vet will probably then prescribe oral and systemic topical medication for one to three months. Follow-up vet visits will help determine the further course of action. 

How Much Does Ear Infection Treatment in Dogs and Cats Cost?

One of the most common treatments prescribed by vets for ear infections in pets is a wax-based antibiotic treatment called BNT. It is a tube which costs around $50. So, the total cost including vet visits and diagnostics should be around $150-$250. ⁽³⁾ 

With Spot Pet plans, you can not only get reimbursed up to 90% of  eligible surgery costs but also of all related costs like prescription diets, medications, follow-up visits, alternate therapies, specialist visits, and more. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance 

Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:

To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.