All parasites can be harmful to your pet if he or she is young or in poor health. This behavior could be due to an ear infection, which needs prompt attention. If the ears are not properly treated, the infection may go deep into the ear, rupturing the ear drum. If this happens, then the infection becomes very serious because it is so close to the brain. Medical attention needs to be given to your pet if you notice him or her shaking their ears.
Dogs tend to get bacterial and yeast ear infections, while cats tend to get ear mites.
Ear mite infection usually produces a blackish discharge in the ear canal and is often spread to other cats. Again, prompt treatment is needed to correct this problem. It is very important that you follow all of the doctor's instructions when your pet is sent home after surgery. You should keep the incision clean and not let it get soiled. A dirty incision may become infected.