Stinky Ears in Dogs

Dogs with ears resting close to the head are prone to ear infections.

Stinky or sickly sweet smelling ears in dogs should not be ignored. Normal, healthy dog ears do not have an odor. If a dog's ears begin to stink, it is a sign of an infection or infestation of ear mites. These ailments usually get worse over time because of the moist, warm area in the ear canal. If any bacteria get into the ear canal, they will find the ideal conditions to multiply.

Causes

Causes of ear infections that produce foul-smelling dog ears include a foreign object trapped inside of the ear canal, particularly grass seeds; yeast infections, particularly Malassesia pachydermatis; bacterial infections; fungal infections; ceruminous tumors, which form on the glands producing ear wax; ticks; ear mange or ear mites.

According to veterinarian Holly Nash, injury to the dog's head also may cause an ear infection and foul odor.

Breeds

Dogs that grow a lot of hair on the inside of the ears, have long "drop ears" or ears that hug the sides of the head are particularly prone to bacterial or yeast infections. Breeds with drop ears include poodles, hounds and cocker spaniels.

Because the ears are so close to the head, they do not get the air circulation needed to dry out the ear flap and outer ear canal. To prevent ear infection, flip the ear flaps over the dog's head several times a week so the ears can air out.

Diagnosis

Because there are so many reasons for a dog to have itchy, foul-smelling ears, it is best to take the dog to a vet in order to get a diagnosis. A sample of ear wax will be checked under a microscope looking for infections or parasites. If necessary, the dog may need X-rays of the ear canal to see whether there are any growths, foreign objects or injuries deep inside the ear canal.

Significance

Bad-smelling ears can indicate that an infection is in the ear canal, even if ear mites, blood, pus or excessive ear wax is not present. The dog will usually be shaking its head and scratching at the ears more often if this is the case. Ear infections in dogs usually start in the outer or middle ear, then work down into the inner ear, causing deafness.

Warning

Never clean a dog's ear with a cotton swab. The tip of the swab often breaks off and winds up getting lodged deep in the ear canal, causing an ear infection. Cotton balls or ear wipes for pets work better.

Canine ears do not need to be cleaned every day, unless the dog happens to be particularly dirty. Too much cleaning can cause irritation and possible ear infections, according to Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Once a week is fine.

References

• "Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook"; Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson and James M. Giffin: 2007
• Pet Education: Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) & Ear Cleaning in Dogs; Holly Nash, DVM
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Examining and Medicatiing the Ears of a Dog
• Drs. Foster & Smith: Ear Odor...a Tell-Tale Sign of Infection

Resources

• Vet Info: Diagnosing a Dog Ear Yeast Infection
• PetPlace: Ear Mites in Dogs
• Newman Veterinary: Ear Anatomy