At Vets to Pets, we’re proud to bring elevated, Fear Free, in-home veterinary care directly to families across Northern Virginia. Because we work inside your pet’s own environment, we get to see them relaxed, comfortable, and at their most authentic. That calm setting means we can examine your pet thoroughly, listen closely to your concerns, and provide care that feels personal, convenient, and genuinely above and beyond. Ear infections are one of the most common issues we treat during home visits — and the good news is, with the right approach, they’re usually very manageable.

Why Pets Get Ear Infections

Dogs and cats can develop ear infections for a number of reasons, and understanding the “why” helps prevent future flare-ups. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Allergies (environmental or food-related)
  • Moisture trapped in the ear canal after baths or swimming
  • Anatomy, especially for pets with floppy or hairy ears
  • Ear mites, more common in cats
  • Underlying skin conditions

Because these root causes vary, the best treatment always starts with a proper exam and diagnosis — something we can do calmly and gently right in your living room.

How to Spot an Ear Infection

If you’ve noticed any of the following, your pet may be uncomfortable:

  • Head shaking or ear scratching
  • A yeasty or foul odor
  • Redness or swelling inside the ear
  • Discharge (brown, yellow, or black)
  • Sensitivity when their ears are touched

Even mild signs aren’t something to wait on. Ear infections rarely resolve on their own and can worsen quickly.

How We Diagnose and Treat at Home

During an in-home visit, we perform a gentle ear exam and use an otoscope to look deeper into the canal. We take samples of the discharge from each ear to evaluate under the microscope to determine an effective course of treatment. For many pets, doing this at home dramatically reduces stress compared to a clinic setting.

Treatment may involve:

  • Cleaning the ear with a veterinarian-approved cleanser
  • Prescription ear drops (antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory)
  • Addressing underlying causes, like allergies or mites
  • Oral medications if the infection is more advanced

We also create a home-care plan that’s realistic for your schedule and your pet’s temperament — because a treatment only works if it’s doable.

Preventing Future Ear Issues

Once your pet has had an ear infection, we’ll help you build a prevention routine. This might include regular cleaning, drying ears after bathing, evaluating allergies, or scheduling periodic checks. Because we come to you, we can tailor recommendations to your pet’s environment — something traditional clinics can’t always do.

When to Reach Out

If you’re seeing signs of discomfort or suspect an ear issue, don’t wait. Early treatment helps prevent chronic problems and keeps your pet feeling their best.