Pet Ear Infection Treatment in Holly Springs, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Holly Springs is a vet in Holly Springs, NC, that treats ear infections in dogs and cats, often on the same day. Head shaking, scratching at the ears, a bad smell or brown discharge are the most common signs, and most infections clear in one to two weeks with the right medicine.

Ear infections hurt. Treating them early keeps them from moving deeper into the ear.

Call (919) 591-0887 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day visits are often open.

What are the signs of an ear infection?

Pet parents in Holly Springs usually notice one or more of these:

• Shaking the head or tilting it to one side.

• Scratching or rubbing the ears on the floor.

• 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 puffy ear flap, which can be a blood blister called a hematoma.

What causes ear infections in dogs and cats?

Most ear infections at Petfolk Holly Springs have a cause underneath. The most common:

• Allergies. Pollen and food allergies inflame the ear canal and let yeast and bacteria grow. Many allergic dogs get repeat ear infections.

• Moisture. Water trapped after swimming or baths.

• Ear mites, common in kittens and outdoor cats.

• Ear shape. Dogs with floppy or hairy ears, like spaniels, retrievers and doodles, trap more warmth and moisture.

• Something stuck in the ear, like a grass seed after a walk.

Holly Springs dogs who swim at Bass Lake or splash in creeks and backyard pools often come in with "swimmer's ear" in summer. Drying the ears after each swim helps a lot.

How does Petfolk Holly Springs treat an ear infection?

The vet at Petfolk Holly Springs finds out what kind of infection it is before choosing a medicine. The visit usually goes like this:

1. The vet looks deep into the ear with an otoscope (a lighted scope) to check the canal and eardrum.

2. A swab of the discharge is checked under the microscope to see if it's yeast, bacteria or mites.

3. The ear is gently cleaned if your pet allows it.

4. The vet prescribes ear drops or, for deeper infections, medicine by mouth.

5. A recheck visit confirms the infection is gone.

Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic. Sore ears are tender, so the team goes slowly, uses treats and lets your pet take breaks.

Explained treatments and medications is details, thoroughly answered all my questions and extended a follow up to check on my pet.

Brooke, Google review

How can I prevent ear infections?

Prevention depends on the cause, but these steps help many pets:

• Dry the ears with a cotton ball after swimming or baths.

• Use an ear cleaner only as often as the vet suggests.

• Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.

• Keep allergies under control, especially in spring and fall.

• Finish every dose of medicine, even if the ear looks better.

Stopping ear drops early is a common reason infections come back.

Ear visit costs in Holly Springs

An ear infection visit at Petfolk Holly Springs starts with an exam, and a sick exam starts at $135. The ear swab test, cleaning and medicine are priced separately. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

See also pet allergy care in Holly Springs.

When an ear problem is more serious

A sudden head tilt with circling, falling over or fast eye movements can mean a problem in the inner ear or brain. Call right away. If your pet can't stand or seems confused and weak, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital.

Book an ear check

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Holly Springs is at 105 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs, NC 27540. Call (919) 591-0887, book online or walk in.

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