Pet Ear Infection Treatment in Altamonte Springs, FL, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Altamonte Springs is a vet in Altamonte Springs, FL, that treats ear infections in dogs and cats, often the same day you notice them. The vet looks deep into the ear canal, checks a swab under the microscope and starts the right medicine before you leave.

Ear infections hurt. A pet who shakes their head, cries when you touch an ear or tilts their head to one side is uncomfortable, and the sooner treatment starts, the quicker the relief.

Sore ears? Call (407) 707-8525 or walk in.

How do I know if my pet has an ear infection?

Look for:

• head shaking or scratching at one or both ears;

• a sour or yeasty smell;

• brown, yellow or black discharge;

• red, swollen skin inside the ear flap;

• crying or pulling away when the ear is touched;

• a head tilt, or a swollen, puffy ear flap.

Dogs with floppy ears, dogs who swim and pets with allergies get ear infections most often. Cats get them less often, and in kittens, ear mites are a common cause.

What causes repeat ear infections?

An ear infection is usually a sign of something else. The most common cause is allergy, either to food or to pollen, grass and mold. Other causes include water left in the ear after a bath or a swim, ear mites, a grass seed stuck in the canal, or a narrow canal in certain breeds.

Ear trouble is not just a summer problem. Across Petfolk, from October 2025 to September 2026, ear problems made up 9 to 10% of sick visits in every single month. If your pet's ears flare up again and again, the vet will look for the root cause, which may mean an allergy workup in Altamonte Springs.

What happens at the ear visit?

1. You go straight to a private exam room.

2. The vet uses an otoscope to look down the canal and check that the eardrum is intact.

3. A swab of the discharge goes under the microscope, which shows yeast, bacteria or mites in minutes.

4. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

5. The vet cleans the ear if your pet can tolerate it and starts treatment. That may be ear drops or other medicine, plus pain relief if needed.

The team uses Fear Free handling, because a sore ear makes even calm pets jumpy. Treats, gentle holds and pauses help keep your pet relaxed.

My cat had an ear infection and he was treated promptly and we were on our way.

Lisa Q., Google review

Cleaning your pet's ears at home

The team will show you how to clean your pet's ears with a vet-approved cleaner. Fill the canal, massage the base of the ear for about 20 seconds, then let your pet shake and wipe away what comes up. Never push cotton swabs into the canal. If your dog swims or gets bathed often, a quick cleaning afterward can help keep water from sitting in the ear. Ask the vet how often your pet needs it.

Finish every dose

Ear medicine often makes the ear feel better in a few days, long before the infection is gone. Stopping early is the most common reason an infection comes back. Give the full course, then come back for the recheck so the vet can confirm the ear is clear.

When ear trouble is more serious

Most ear infections are a clinic visit, not a hospital trip. If your pet suddenly loses balance, circles, falls over or has eyes flicking side to side, call right away. If they cannot stand, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as VEG Winter Park at 1490 W Fairbanks Ave.

Get ear relief in Altamonte Springs

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Altamonte Springs is at 999 N State Rd 434, Suite 1010, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. Call (407) 707-8525. Ear infections often come with skin conditions in Altamonte Springs.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Altamonte Springs, or see all veterinary services in Altamonte Springs.