Head shaking, scratching at one ear, redness and a sour smell usually mean an ear infection, and a vet should look before any drops go in, because the right medicine depends on what is growing and whether the eardrum is intact. Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Ballantyne, at 5335 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28277, treats ear infections in dogs and cats, and same-day appointments are often available when an ear flares up.
A dog's ear canal bends in an L shape that traps warmth and moisture, so yeast and bacteria that normally live on the skin can overgrow. Petfolk Ballantyne is a vet in Ballantyne for dogs and cats.
Call (980) 300-6982 or book online.
How does a vet diagnose an ear infection?
The doctor examines the ear and looks at a swab under the microscope, so treatment matches the cause.
The ear flap. Redness, scabs or hair loss often point to scratching from an itchy skin condition, the most common root cause of repeat ear infections in dogs.
The canal, through an otoscope. A lighted scope shows swelling, discharge, foreign material such as grass seeds, and whether the eardrum looks intact. That decides which medicines are safe in the ear.
Ear cytology. The doctor stains a smear of discharge and checks it under the microscope. Yeast and bacteria look different, and the mix decides whether the ear needs an antifungal, an antibiotic or both.
A culture, sometimes. For ears that keep coming back, the doctor may suggest one to identify the exact bacteria and which drugs work.
The rest of the skin. Itchy paws and a red ear often share one cause, such as allergies. The skin conditions and dermatology page covers those causes.
Cats get fewer ear infections than dogs. In an itchy cat ear, ear mites or a polyp (a small growth in the canal) are more likely.
What treatment looks like at Petfolk Ballantyne
At Petfolk Ballantyne, 80% of visits for ear problems included ear cytology and 90% included a prescription medication, from October 2025 to September 2026. Dogs made up 88% of those visits. Across Petfolk's Charlotte-area clinics, ear problems made up about 11% of sick visits in both winter and summer, so ear trouble is not just a summer problem here.
Most ear infections are treated with medicated drops, often after a gentle cleaning in the clinic. Some long-acting medicines are placed in the ear at the visit so you don't have to give drops at home. A very sore ear may also need medicine by mouth for pain and swelling. A painful ear is hard on a dog, so gentle, fear-free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, and sedation is an option for ears too sore to clean awake.
You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.
They took the time to explain the infection and treat it with kindness and concern for her comfort. Ellen B., Google review
How do I give my dog ear drops at home?
Warm the bottle in your hand for a minute, since cold drops startle pets.
Lift the ear flap, fill the canal as directed, then massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds.
Let your pet shake, then wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball. Never push cotton swabs into the canal.
Finish the full course even if the ear looks better. Stopping early is a common reason infections return.
Book the recheck before you leave, so the doctor can confirm the canal is clear before medicine stops. The American Animal Hospital Association has more pet parent resources.
Why do some dogs keep getting ear infections?
Repeat infections almost always have a root cause, most often allergies, and floppy or hairy ears and frequent swimming add to it. Treating each flare without finding the cause means the infection keeps returning. The Petfolk Ballantyne doctor may suggest an allergy workup or a regular cleaning plan for dogs whose infections keep coming back.
When an ear can't wait
A painful ear that keeps your pet from eating or sleeping should be seen the same day. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet suddenly tilts its head and stumbles, circles, has fast flicking eye movements or can't stand, since those signs can point to the inner ear or balance system. Petfolk Ballantyne is not a 24-hour hospital. For anything milder, call (980) 300-6982.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Ballantyne, or see all veterinary services in Ballantyne.
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