Pet Ear Infection Treatment in Kennesaw, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is a veterinarian in Kennesaw, GA, that treats ear infections in dogs and cats, often on the same day you call. The vet looks deep into the ear, checks a swab under the microscope, cleans the ear and sends home the right medicine. Most pets feel better within a few days.

Ear problems are one of the most common reasons pets come in sick. Across Petfolk, they made up 9 to 10% of sick visits in every single month of the past year (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). That means they are not only a summer problem.

Call (770) 404-8937 or book a same-day visit. Walk-ins are welcome.

What are the signs of an ear infection?

Watch for:

• Shaking the head or tilting it to one side

• Scratching or rubbing the ear on the floor

• A bad smell from the ear

• Brown, yellow or black discharge

• A red, swollen ear canal

• Crying when the ear is touched

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

What causes ear infections in dogs and cats?

Most ear infections start with something else that inflames the ear canal. Then yeast or bacteria take over. Common causes:

• Allergies. This is the top cause in dogs. Pollen season in Cobb County often brings itchy ears along with itchy paws. See allergy testing and treatment in Kennesaw.

• Moisture. Water trapped after a bath, a swim or a summer storm lets germs grow.

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

• Ear mites, mostly in kittens and outdoor cats.

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

How does the vet treat an ear infection?

First, the vet looks inside the ear with a lighted scope to check the canal and the eardrum. Next, a swab of the discharge goes under the microscope. That shows whether yeast, bacteria or mites are to blame, which decides the medicine.

The clinic was very thorough and viewed ear discharge under microscope, checked vitals and did brief physical.

Hayes W., Google review

Then the ear is cleaned, and the vet prescribes drops, and sometimes pills for pain or a deep infection. Some long-acting treatments are placed in the ear at the clinic, so there are fewer drops to give at home. Ask the vet whether one fits your pet.

Ears that hurt are hard to handle. The team uses Fear Free techniques, a gentle hold and plenty of breaks.

How to give ear drops at home

1. Hold the ear flap up and squeeze the drops into the canal.

2. Massage the base of the ear for 20 to 30 seconds. You should hear a squish.

3. Let your pet shake their head, then wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball.

4. Give a treat, every time.

Finish the full course, even if the ear looks better. Never use cotton swabs deep in the canal, and don't use home remedies like vinegar or peroxide on a sore ear.

Stopping the next one

Dry your dog's ears after swimming or bathing. Ask the vet about an ear cleaner and how often to use it. Pets with repeat infections often need allergy care to break the cycle. A recheck after treatment confirms the infection is fully gone.

Ear visit estimates

The cost depends on the exam, the tests and the medicine. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Head tilt with loss of balance

A pet who suddenly can't stand, circles, falls to one side or has eyes flicking back and forth may have a deep ear or nerve problem. Call right away. If your pet can't walk or is vomiting a lot, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital, such as VEG at 1290 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.

Bring in your pet's sore ear

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Kennesaw is at 1155 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Suite 204, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Call (770) 404-8937, book online or walk in.

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