Help! My Dog’s Ears Stink

Seeing your furry friend in any discomfort can stink (literally). Smelly ears are a common issue for many dogs and can be especially tricky because there isn’t one singular cause! Discover the most popular reasons dogs’ ears stink and learn how to properly keep them clean.  

What Should My Dog’s Ears Smell Like? 

While many joke about their dog’s paws smelling like corn chips, your furry friend’s ears should not have a distinct smell. If their ears produce an aroma like stinky feet, they are probably dirty. Clean ears might not be completely odorless, but they should not smell musty, yeasty, or sour. Additionally, a sudden change in ear smell can indicate a change in health.  

What Causes Ear Smell in Dogs? 

• Dirt: Whether rolling in the grass or getting “scratchies” on the head, dirt and germs inevitably find their way into the ear folds and can make your dog’s ears smell.
• Ear wax: Ear wax is essential to our furry friends’ health, but too much buildup can cause issues and a strong stench. Luckily, this brownish wax is easy to detect (just don’t get ear wax mixed up with ear mites!).   
• Infection: Infections in the ear canal are one of the most common infections in dogs. In addition to redness and discharge, they can cause an unpleasant odor.  
• Yeast: Excessive moisture in the ear can cause an overgrowth of yeast, which will produce a cheesy or musty smell from the ear.  
• Ear mites: Although ear mites can be a less common reason why your dog’s ears stink, it’s always a possibility! You can confirm by placing some waxy debris on a dark surface and carefully watching to see if any white specks move. 

Along with the foul odor, behaviors like your dog repeatedly shaking their head or scratching their ears could signal discomfort from an underlying health issue.  

When Should I See a Vet? 

You can typically solve dirty or stinky ears at home, but you can always seek advice or a diagnosis from your vet if you are unsure. Inflamed, watery, or blocked ear canals may indicate a more serious condition that requires a veterinarian's attention.  

🐾 RELATED: Why Is My Dog Itching So Much? 5 Common Causes

Tips for Cleaning Dogs’ Ears 

You can deal with dirty ears (and their smell!) easily from the comfort of your own home. Dog ear care not only helps your pup return to feeling their very best, but is another great way to add healthy bonding time to their routine!  

Tip #1: Clean your dog’s ears with pet ear wipes that contain soothing agents like aloe vera, vitamin E, or chamomile extract. These ingredients will help reduce odor and relieve any itchiness your dog may be experiencing. 

Tip #2: Wash your dog’s ears with an ear wash that contains glycerol. This will help soften ear wax and aid in dissolving odor-causing wax to help clean, soothe, and relieve itchy ears. 

Tip #3: Try cleaning your pup's ears weekly and be sure to dry them after every swimming session to prevent dirt buildup.  

Tip #4: If mites are causing your dog’s ear stench, quickly use an at-home ear mite treatment to stop the parasites from spreading to other furry friends. 

Smells Like a Solution! 

Smelly dog ears are nothing to make a stink of...especially when you have the right treatment handy! With a proper cleaning routine, your pup will bounce back to looking, feeling, and smelling fresh.  

Now that your dog’s ears are taken care of, it’s time to move on to other facial areas! Learn all about removing dog tear stains.