Ear Infections

Few things are more distressing than watching your dog scratch their ears raw or shake their head nonstop. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets visit urgent care, and for good reason: left untreated, a simple ear infection can progress to a painful, deep-seated problem that affects your pet’s hearing and quality of life.

At Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care in Johns Creek, our ER-trained veterinarians diagnose and treat ear infections same-day so your pet gets relief fast.

Ear infections, known medically as otitis, occur when bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both overgrow inside the ear canal. Dogs are especially prone because many breeds have L-shaped ear canals that trap moisture and debris. Cats develop ear infections less frequently, but when they do, the underlying cause often requires investigation.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Allergies (environmental or food-related), which are the leading cause of chronic ear infections in dogs
• Excess moisture from swimming, bathing, or humid Georgia summers creates an ideal environment for organisms to thrive
• Ear mites, especially in cats and puppies, cause intense irritation and secondary infections
• Foreign bodies such as grass awns or foxtails can lodge in the ear canal
• Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can predispose pets to recurrent infections
• Breed anatomy also plays a role, as floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers are at higher risk

Ear infections can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful. Watch for these symptoms in your dog or cat:

• Head shaking or tilting is often the first sign you’ll notice
• Scratching or pawing at the ears, sometimes aggressively enough to cause self-inflicted wounds, is very common
• A foul or yeasty odor coming from the ears is a hallmark sign of infection
• Redness, swelling, or warmth of the ear flap or canal indicates inflammation
• Discharge ranging from dark brown and waxy to yellow or green and pus-like may be visible
• A swollen ear flap, also known as an aural hematoma, can develop when vigorous head shaking ruptures blood vessels
• Sensitivity or pain when the ear area is touched, crying or whimpering
• Changes in balance or coordination, which may indicate the infection has reached the middle or inner ear

You should bring your pet to Ruby if you notice sudden onset of severe head shaking or ear pain, significant swelling of the ear flap, discharge that is bloody or has a strong odor, your pet is crying or refusing to eat because of ear pain, signs of a deeper infection such as head tilt, loss of balance, circling, or abnormal eye movements, or if your pet has been scratching so much that the skin around the ear is raw or bleeding.

If your pet is showing severe neurological signs such as inability to stand or walk, falling to one side, or rapid involuntary eye movements, this could indicate a serious inner ear infection, and you should seek urgent veterinary care immediately.

Our ER-trained veterinarians take a thorough, systematic approach to ear infections because effective treatment depends on identifying the right cause.

During the examination, your veterinarian will perform an otoscopic exam using a lighted instrument to look deep into the ear canal, checking for redness, discharge, foreign material, masses, and the integrity of the eardrum. An ear cytology is performed by collecting a small sample of ear discharge and examining it under a microscope to identify whether bacteria, yeast, or mites are present. This guides precise treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. In cases of recurrent infections, our veterinarian may recommend bloodwork to check for underlying conditions like hypothyroidism or allergies.

Treatment includes a professional ear cleaning performed in-clinic, which removes debris and discharge so medications can work effectively. Topical ear medications are prescribed and administered in-clinic based on cytology results, targeting the specific organisms causing the infection. Pain management may be provided because ear infections can be very painful, and addressing discomfort is essential for your pet’s wellbeing and recovery. For severe or chronic cases, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be recommended.

A typical ear infection visit at Ruby takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. After check-in and a thorough history, your veterinarian will examine your pet and discuss findings and a treatment plan with you before proceeding. Pets go home the same visit with medication and clear instructions for at-home care. We’ll send a complete summary of your visit, including exam findings and treatment details, directly to your primary care veterinarian so they can continue monitoring your pet’s ear health.

Most uncomplicated ear infections begin to improve within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment, with full resolution in 7 to 14 days. It is critical to complete the entire course of medication even if your pet appears to feel better, as stopping early is a leading cause of recurrent infections.

A recheck exam with your primary care veterinarian is recommended at the end of the treatment course to confirm the infection has fully resolved. Pets with chronic or recurrent ear infections may benefit from ongoing management strategies including regular ear cleaning, allergy management, and diet changes.