Pet Ear Infection Care in Far North Central San Antonio, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is a vet in San Antonio, TX, that treats ear infections in dogs and cats, often the same day. Most ear infections are caused by yeast or bacteria, and a quick swab test tells the vet which one so the right medicine goes in.

An ear infection hurts. If your pet is shaking their head, scratching at an ear or pulling away when you touch it, it's worth a visit.

Call (726) 600-3009 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.

How do I know my pet has an ear infection?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the vet hears the same signs again and again:

• Head shaking or tilting

• Scratching at one or both ears

• A bad smell from the ear

• Brown, yellow or black discharge

• Red, swollen ear flaps or canals

• Crying when the ear is touched

• In cats, dark crumbly debris, which can mean ear mites

Dogs with floppy ears and dogs who swim get infections more often, but any pet can.

What causes ear infections in dogs and cats?

The ear canal is warm and dark, so yeast and bacteria grow fast when something upsets it. At Petfolk Far North Central, the most common root causes are:

1. Allergies. The top reason for repeat ear infections in dogs.

2. Water. Swimming or baths that leave the canal damp.

3. Ear mites. Common in kittens and outdoor cats.

4. Foreign objects. Grass seeds and plant awns from walks.

5. Ear shape and hair. Narrow or hairy canals hold moisture.

Ear trouble isn't only a summer problem. Across Petfolk, ear complaints made up about 9 to 10% of sick visits in every month of the year (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

How are ear infections treated at Petfolk Far North Central?

1. Look inside. The vet uses an otoscope to check the canal and eardrum.

2. Swab and test. A sample under the microscope shows yeast, bacteria or mites, usually during the visit.

3. Clean. The team gently flushes out debris so medicine can reach the skin.

4. Medicate. Ear drops or other ear medicine, sometimes with pain relief or oral medicine.

5. Recheck. A follow-up makes sure the infection is truly gone, not just quieter.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. Sore ears make many pets head-shy, so the team goes slowly and uses treats.

Very kind staff, they made my nervous dog be at ease!

Richard D., Google review

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

Ears that keep getting infected

Repeat ear infections are usually a sign of something underneath, most often allergies. If your dog has had three or more infections in a year, ask the vet about allergy testing; see allergy testing and treatment in Far North Central. Treating the cause is what breaks the cycle.

Ear care at home

• Use only the cleaner the vet recommends.

• Never push cotton swabs deep into the canal.

• Dry the ears after swimming or bathing.

• Finish every dose of medicine, even when your pet seems better.

Dogs who swim in backyard pools during long San Antonio summers often benefit from a drying ear cleaner after each swim.

What does ear treatment cost?

At Petfolk Far North Central, the cost depends on the tests and medicine your pet needs. PetfolkCare starts at $199 a year. The on-site pharmacy sends your pet home with drops the same day.

Ear problems that need help today

A sudden head tilt with loss of balance, circling or rapid eye flicking can mean a deeper ear or nerve problem. Book a same-day visit. If your pet can't stand or is vomiting repeatedly, go to a 24-hour hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital Stone Oak.

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central is at 18206 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78258. Call (726) 600-3009.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Far North Central, or see all veterinary services in Far North Central.