Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Does your dog have smelly ears? Here’s what it could mean

PawTracks
By

Dogs can’t tell you if something is wrong. The reasons behind a dog’s stench may be varied — and it’s up to you to watch for clues that something may be up with your furry friend. Maybe your pet is unusually smelly or is showing signs of discomfort. Small signals can alert you that there may be a problem with your furry baby, so pay close attention.

Your dog’s ears are their own little environment, so a change in odor can often signal a more significant issue. You need to get your dog’s health checked out if there’s an odor, and while you’re waiting for your appointment, here’s what you need to know.

Dog with large ears
Alvan Nee/Unsplash.com

My dog’s ears smell: The basics

There are a few reasons your dog’s ears can smell, and a lot of it has to do with the way your dog’s ears are formed. Most dogs have coverings over their ears called a “pinna” that creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth.

Recommended Videos

Bacteria love a moist, dark environment, so it’s essential to check your dog’s ears regularly. The smell, appearance, and even your dog’s behavior can show you a lot about your dog’s overall health.

Related

Dirty ears

If you detect a small odor and take a look at your dog’s ears, you might notice that they are covered in wax. Once you clean out your dog’s ears, you may see a significant reduction in odor. The wax buildup may be helping odor-causing bacteria to cling to your puppy’s ears, so put cleaning on your schedule regularly. Ear health could be just a matter of regular cleaning.

Ear infections

If your dog’s ears are infected, that could also cause odors. Dogs with ears that regularly dip into the food or water could be at high risk for infections because of built-up moisture. Ear infections will require vet treatments. You may also need to trim your dog’s ear fur often to help cut down on moisture. Regular cleanings could also be a good idea to reduce the risk of infections.

Inflammation

Allergies, ear mites, or other issues can cause inflammations. These inflammations can cause your dog’s ears to make more wax and attract the bacteria that causes odors. If this is the case, cleaning the ears isn’t the only solution. You need to address the issue at the root. Head to your vet to uncover the true reason your dog is experiencing inflammation so that ear issues don’t continue to be a problem.

Injury

If your dog has a hidden injury in the ear, it could develop an odor if not treated. Ulcers or even accidentally scratching the ear too hard can cause a smelly situation as the dog’s ears try to heal on their own. It’s important to check the ears regularly so that you catch any potential issues early. An injury may need nothing more than simple cleaning, but some injuries may require veterinarian intervention.

Foreign objects

Although not too common, your dog may have something lodged inside the ear. A piece of grass or dirt could be causing a small infection down in the ear canal. Once you’re able to remove the foreign body, the smell should subside. In some cases, you’ll be able to flush the ear canal and remove the object, but you may need to have the veterinarian remove it if it’s too far inside.

Excess wax

Some dogs just produce more wax than other dogs. This wax attracts bacteria and produces odors without the presence of dirt or infections. Cleaning the wax regularly will help your dog stay more comfortable and remove odors. Your vet can advise you on what a normal amount of wax would be to protect the ear and show you how to efficiently clean out your dog’s ears when it’s time. Develop a plan and stick to it to help keep extra wax in check.

What to do when your dog’s ears smell

If you notice a smelly ear, you shouldn’t ignore it. Take the time to inspect your dog’s ears to see if there’s an issue such as an injury or foreign body. If you don’t see anything, wash your dog’s ears out gently with a wash explicitly formulated for dog ears.

If washing doesn’t get rid of the odor, it could be time to take your dog to the vet. Your vet can determine if the cause of the smell is something more serious than just dirt or wax buildup and help you form a plan for maintaining your dog’s ear health.

Take the time to inspect your dog’s ears, so you always know if something changes. These little clues could be your chance to catch something early to keep your dog healthy and comfortable. It’s essential to have a relationship with your vet so that when things come up, you have someone to turn to.

Your dog can’t tell you when something is wrong, but you can still be your dog’s advocate. Notice small signs, and be sure to check in with your vet. Giving your dog the best chance to be healthy and comfortable starts with noticing the little things.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
PawTracks
PawTracks
Why is my dog drooling? Here’s when to be concerned about sudden or excessive dog salivation
This is why your dog slobbers all over you and themselves
A drooling Irish Setter looks to the side

Although St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and several other large breeds are known for their tendency to drool, it may be quite a shock if your usually drool-free pup suddenly starts to salivate. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog drooling?"
We’ve looked into many causes of excessive and sudden salivation, from the easy fixes to the more concerning problems. Most likely, drooling is nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to take a more careful look — especially if your pup is behaving oddly. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about canine salivation.

Why is my dog drooling and is sudden or excessive drooling a cause for concern?
Though drooling has many harmless causes, which we'll cover later in this article, you may want to keep a closer eye on your pet if you notice sudden salivation — especially if it’s a large amount.
Nausea and stomachaches are common causes of sudden drooling for dogs, although they will be temporary. If you think about it, many humans experience the very same thing! You may also notice vomiting or lethargy if your pet has ingested something they’re not supposed to, so don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your best buddy’s wellbeing.
On a more urgent note, dogs may also salivate if a foreign object becomes lodged anywhere in the mouth or throat. This can become a dangerous situation if the object blocks their airways, so you should waste no time in getting your fur baby to your closest veterinarian’s office if this could be the case.
Excessive, sudden drooling can also occur when a dog is overheated. Ashely Gallagher, DVM, explains that although salivation can act as a way of cooling off, just like panting, dogs don’t usually resort to this technique unless they are having trouble regulating their temperature through panting alone.
One last cause of sudden drooling is an upper respiratory infection. An illness of the nose, throat, or sinuses is more likely for pups who have been in group settings, such as shelters or kennels, but any dog can catch one, according to Amy Flowers, DVM. Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for your furry friend. In most cases, it's a quick fix!

Read more
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more
Are ‘dog years’ really 7 human years? How to calculate your dog’s age
Time to bust the myth: A dog year may not equal 7 human years
A dog licks a person's finger with yogurt on their nose

There are many ways to identify a dog's age and translate dog years to human years — other than knowing their birthday, of course — from the formation of their teeth to the development of their body. Then there’s the classic rule of 7: 1 year in "human time" equals 7  "dog years". However, research shows that figuring out exactly how to translate dog years to human years may not be as simple as multiplying a number by 7. So how can you calculate your dog’s age?
Let’s dive into the latest and most accurate techniques for canine age calculation. Once you know how to apply this knowledge, you'll be able to figure out what stage of life your dog is in.  This calculation is yet another way to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your best buddy — and it’s fascinating to know either way.

Is 1 dog year 7 human years?
Despite the popularity of this trope — that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years — it’s not quite that simple. In fact, the dog-to-human age equivalent can change from year to year depending on the age and size of your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pups will gain about 15 human years within their first actual year of life, while the second year of life equals another nine years.
Past year two, however, the numbers tend to differ. Larger breeds will “age faster” on paper, meaning their human age equivalent will be higher than that of a smaller dog who was born at the same time. This may sound a bit sad, or even worrisome, so it’s important to remember that age isn’t an indicator of health or life expectancy. As we tell humans, age is just one number.

Read more