Ear Infections in Pets: What to Know and How to Help

Located in Bristow, VA, Summit Veterinary Care provides general and urgent veterinary services designed to support pets and their families through every stage of life. Our Fear Free approach, modern amenities, and commitment to our community shape an experience centered on trust and quality care.

Ear infections are one of the most common issues we treat during visits. While these problems can be frustrating, the good news is, with the right approach, they’re usually very manageable!

Why Pets Get Ear Infections

Dogs and cats can develop ear infections for a number of reasons, and understanding the “why” helps prevent future flare-ups. Some of the most common causes include:

Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Moisture trapped in the ear canal after baths or swimming
Anatomy, especially for pets with ‘floppy’ ears or ears with lots of fur
Ear mites, more common in cats
Underlying skin conditions

Because these root causes vary, the best treatment always starts with a proper exam and diagnosis. At Summit Veterinary Care, we’re here to help!

How to Spot an Ear Infection

If you’ve noticed any of the following, your pet may be uncomfortable:

Head shaking or ear scratching
A yeasty or foul odor
Redness or swelling inside the ear
Discharge (brown, yellow, or black)
Sensitivity when ears are touched

Even mild signs aren’t something to wait on. Ear infections rarely resolve on their own and can worsen quickly, so it’s important to treat the issue quickly and effectively.

How We Diagnose and Treat at Home

During a visit at Summit Veterinary Care, we perform a gentle ear exam and use an otoscope to look deeper into the canal. We take samples of the discharge from each ear to evaluate under the microscope to determine an effective course of treatment.

Treatment may involve:

Cleaning the ear with a veterinarian-approved cleanser
Prescription ear drops (antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory)
Addressing underlying causes, like allergies or mites
Oral medications if the infection is more advanced

We also create a home-care plan that’s realistic for your schedule and your pet’s temperament, because a treatment only works if it’s doable. Once your pet has had an ear infection, we’ll help you build a prevention routine. This might include regular cleaning, drying ears after bathing, evaluating allergies, or scheduling periodic checks.

At Summit Veterinary Care

Our Fear-Free team at Summit Veterinary Care is committed to providing gold-standard treatment for all our patients. We are happy to support families navigating this issue with their pets. If you’re seeing signs of discomfort or suspect an ear issue, don’t wait. Early treatment helps prevent chronic problems and keeps your pet feeling their best!