How to Stop a Dog's Ear Odor

Clean ears smell good.

If your dog's ears smell bad, it might be a sign of an underlying health disorder. Although any dog can develop a disagreeable ear odor, it is more common in floppy-ear breeds, such as beagles, Saint Bernards and golden retrievers, in which the dog's ear flap covers the ear canal, trapping moisture inside. Foul odor may be a sign of ear mites, a yeast infection or a bacterial infection, so a veterinarian should diagnose the problem. After that, by following an ear cleaning routine, you may prevent the odor from recurring.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Mineral oil (optional)
• Cotton balls (or squares)
• Small plastic bottle with squeeze tip
• Plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Check your dog's ears for signs of infection or irritation. If the skin on the underside of the dog's ear is red, swollen or broken, consult your veterinarian before using any type of ear treatment. An inner ear infection may cause damage to the dog's eardrum and result in hearing loss.

2. Mix two parts of warm water with one part of apple cider vinegar in a small plastic bottle with a squeeze tip. The temperature should be lukewarm or just slightly warmer.

3. Hold your dog gently but firmly and lift his ear flap. Speak in soothing tones to reassure your dog that you're not going to harm him. Most dogs resist any type of ear treatment, and you may have to recruit a friend or family member to assist. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog.

4. 

   Squeeze the apple cider vinegar solution into the dog's ear, placing the tip of the squeeze bottle at the entrance to the ear canal; do not insert the tip any deeper. Squeeze the solution out gently and avoid using pressure. Only a small amount is necessary--approximately 1 tsp. for small dogs and 2 tsp. for large dogs.

5. Release your grip and allow your dog to shake his head, expelling the excess solution. Repeat the process with the other ear.

6. 

   Wipe your dog's ear canal gently with sterile cotton balls. Place the cotton ball in the ear canal and pull excess debris upward and outward. Do not push wax further into the ear canal. Work quickly but gently.

7. Put a few drops of mineral oil on your cotton ball to provide a layer of soothing protection to your dog's ear canal. You may also put a drop or two on your fingertip and smooth it gently in the just-cleaned ear canal.

8. Put a little plain yogurt in your dog's food if he develops chronic yeast infections in his ears. Yogurt may neutralize the yeast, reducing future smelly infections.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your dog's ears soon after you bathe him or after he swims to reduce the chance of yeast or fungal growth that can cause odor.

• Don't attempt to treat a smelly ear if you don't know the cause of the odor. Never put rubbing alcohol into your dog's ear canal. It can be painful on irritated or broken skin.

References

• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 4th Ed.; Debra M. Eldredge, DVM; Liisa D. Carlson, DVM; Delbert G. Carlson, DVM; James M. Giffin, MD; Howell Book House; Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc; 2007.
• Earth Clinic: Ear Infection Remedies for Pets