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Step 1
Notice if your rat is tilting its head to the side, walking in circles, falling over, or looking generally dizzy.
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Step 2
Look for other behavior such as rubbing the head or one ear against the floor of the cage, or rubbing the ears with the paws.
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Step 3
Look for any discharge from the ear. Understand that discharge may or may not be present. Nevertheless, your rat can have an ear infection and not have any discharge from the ears.
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Step 4
Smell the ear. If it smells bad (even though there may be no discharge present) this is a symptom of ear infection.
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Step 5
Watch for excessive blinking in one eye, or what seems to be slight facial paralysis on one side. These are more unusual symptoms, but are on the list of what to look for.
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Step 6
If your rat has one or more of these symptoms, take it to the vet for examination and treatment. Ear infections can be treated with several types of medications.
