An ear infection (otitis externa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed medical conditions in pets
—especially dogs with floppy ears. Signs of an ear infection can include scratching at the ears, head shaking, ears that are red and/or painful to the touch, an unpleasant smell or a dirty discharge inside the ear.
What does dog ear infection smell like?
These types of ear infections usually involve more than one type of bacteria. These bacteria can cause ears to smell
sweet like grapes or caramel or rancid like rotten chicken or bad breath
. Dogs with bacterial infections in their ears may rub their ears on the ground or on furniture to relieve itchiness.
What is the brown smelly stuff in my dog’s ear?
Dark brown or black—This type of earwax is commonly associated with yeast and/or bacterial ear infections. It’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if earwax is this color. Brown—Light brown earwax is normal and expected.
If the wax is accompanied by odor or inflammation, it can be a sign of infection
.
How do you cure smelly ears?
- Cleansing and circulation. Gently scrubbing and washing the area daily may eliminate the odor very quickly. …
- Disinfecting. …
- Medicated skin creams. …
- Sweat reduction. …
- Acne medication. …
- Minimize pollutants and barriers. …
- Medicated shampoo. …
- Ear drops.
How can I treat my dogs ear infection without going to the vet?
Apple cider vinegar works by killing both yeast and bacteria
. Use a mixture of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water, soak a cotton ball and clean your dog’s ears. If you notice your dog in pain or her ears drying out too much, discontinue use and see your vet.
Why do dogs ears smell good?
Smelling our pets helps us bond with them.
But dogs also release pheromones from their faces and, very importantly, their ears.
The pheromones released from a dog’s ears trigger social cohesion among groups of puppies
.
How do you get black gunk out of a dog’s ear?
To clean the ears, tilt your dog’s head downward with one hand and squirt a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian into the ear, filling the canal. Holding the ear closed, give it a nice massage, really squishing the cleanser around in there. That softens any gunk inside.
How can you tell if dog has ear infection?
- Scratching of the ear or area around the ear.
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge.
- Odor in the ear.
- Redness Swelling Crusts or scabs on inside of the outer ear.
- Hair loss around the ear.
- Rubbing of the ear and surrounding area on the floor or furniture.
- Head shaking or head tilt.
How do you get brown gunk out of a dog’s ear?
Instead, simply
wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball
. Continue to inspect your dog’s ears regularly. If you notice any brown discharge starting to appear, apply a bit of vet-approved canine ear cleaning solution, available at any pet supply store.
Does a smelly ear mean infection?
Ear infection
Ear infections usually occur in your middle ear. They can be either bacterial or viral. The infections are most often painful due to inflammation and buildup.
An ear infection can cause drainage and you might notice a bad smell
.
Why do my dog’s ears smell like stinky cheese?
An overgrowth of yeast
is a fairly common problem for dogs and causes a pungent, musty smell that will remind you of moldy bread or cheese popcorn, and can result in ear problems, stinky paws, and smelly skin.
Does smelly ear wax mean infection?
When your earwax smells terrible, pay attention because it
most likely indicates a severe infection
. Anaerobic bacteria, that means the organism doesn’t require oxygen to thrive, tend to emit a foul odor that can make earwax smell bad. A bad smell can also mean an infection is causing middle ear damage.
Can dog ear infections go away on their own?
In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own
. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery.
How do you get rid of a yeast infection in a dog’s ear?
If your dog has a yeast infection of the outer ear canal,
the vet might prescribe a topical antifungal ointment or cream
. Miconazole and ketoconazole are two antifungal medicines that are often effective.
Can I treat my dog’s ear infection myself?
How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection. “
Typically, when it gets to the point of infection, you need prescription medication
,” Grant says. It’s best to see your veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms because ear infections won’t go away on their own.
Why are my dogs ears full of black gunk?
Though extremely tiny,
ear mites
can be a big problem for dogs, especially younger ones. One sign your dog may have mites is a crusty, blackish-brown ear discharge, which often looks like dried shoe polish. Other signs include scratching and head shaking.
How should I clean my dog’s ears?
To clean your dog’s ears at home, you’ll need to select a gentle, pet-formulated, ear cleanser. Hold your dog’s ear flap upright, and dribble a small amount of the cleansing solution into the ear canal. As the cleanser seeps down into the canal, use your fingers to massage the base of the ear for around 15-20 seconds.
How can I clean my dog’s ears naturally?
- Take half a cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV) and mix it with half a cup of water. …
- Give your dogs ears a wipe with a cotton ball along the heavy wax, being sure not to press too far down your dogs ears.
