How to Get Rid of a Smell in a Dog's Ears

While it's no secret that dogs can be smelly, an unpleasant smell coming from your pooch's ear can be an unexpected change in his normal body odor. This can also signal something more than normal dirt and wax buildup, and is best treated by a veterinarian. Dogs with "drop ears" such as spaniels and poodles tend to experience ear infections more frequently than breeds with ears that stand straight up. Pay special attention if your dog frequently scratches her ears or yelps when you touch them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vinegar
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Soft towel
• Dog shampoo

1. Check your dog's ears for discharge or a strong, cheese-like odor. These are usually signs of an ear infection, which should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

2. Get an ear-cleansing solution or other medication from your vet to clear up the infection. Make sure you understand how to administer the medication before taking your pet home.

3. Find an ear cleanser for dogs online. You can also make your own cleanser by mixing equal parts of distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water.

4. Pour some of the homemade ear solution on the outer ear. Gently massage it into the skin.

5. Hold up your dog's ear and gently pour in enough of the solution to fill the ear canal. Repeat with the other ear.

6. Dry out the ear with a cotton ball, making sure not to push down into the ear canal, which can impact wax and dirt and worsen the odor. Store the cleanser at room temperature.

7. Use the homemade mixture once a week, or the prescribed medication according to the vet's instructions, until the smell or infection goes away.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes, a dog's odor may seem to come from his ears, when in fact his entire body is dirty. Give your pooch a bath with warm water and a gentle dog shampoo. Bathe your dog once a month. To help protect your dog against ear infections, keep her ears dry whenever possible. Dry her ears with a soft towel or cloth whenever the outer ear gets wet. When bathing her, use large cotton balls to keep water from getting deep into the ear.
• Use caution when choosing over-the-counter ear medications. Taking him to the vet is your best bet.

Resources

• Causes of Dog Ear Odor
• Eliminating Smells from your Dog's Ears
• Earasil

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