Does your dog’s ears have an unpleasant smell? It’s not just annoying—it could be a sign of dog ear infections or a deeper issue. Let’s explore what’s causing it and how to help your furry friend feel better fast!
What Causes Smelly Ears and Dog Ear Infections?
Smelly ears are often tied to the common causes of dog ear infections, including these:
- Yeast Infections: Musty, damp smell with itching and discomfort.
- Bacterial Infections: Strong, pungent odour from allergies or trapped moisture.
- Parasitic Infections: Ear mites cause a distinct smell, dark discharge, and intense irritation.
Allergies and Ear Issues
Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, often trigger ear infections by causing inflammation and itching that lead to infection.
Studies show that 55-80% of dogs with food allergies develop infections. In breeds like Labradors and Cocker Spaniels, chronic ear issues often signal food hypersensitivity, with chicken being a common trigger.
Anatomy and Foreign Objects
Certain breeds are more prone to ear issues due to their anatomy. Dogs with long, floppy ears or narrow canals tend to trap moisture and debris, increasing the risk of infections. Foreign objects like grass seeds can also lodge in the ear canal, causing irritation and smell.
Recognising the Signs of Ear Infections
So, how do you know if your dog has an ear infection or another ear problem? Apart from a bad smell, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Scratching or pawing at the ears
- Head shaking or tilting
- Redness or swelling in the ear canal
- Discharge from the ear
- Signs of pain when the ear is touched
Addressing the Issue: What Should You Do?
Preventing ear infections in dogs is always the best approach. Keep your dog’s ears healthy with simple dog ear infection home remedies. If your dog suffers with ear infections, you can help at home by:
- Cleaning Regularly: With so many different cleaners on the market, get your vet’s opinion on which one is best specifically for your dog. Please do not clean your pet’s ear if they do not suffer from ear problems.
- Keep Them Dry: Ensure ears are dried thoroughly after swimming or bathing, even humid trips to the groomer can be enough to trigger an infection.
- Check Often: Flip those ears over every night and take a smell! Is there any redness? Do they smell like Doritos? Does it hurt? If ‘yes’, then skip the home care and head straight to the vet.
- Manage the Underlying Cause: Allergies are just such a common contributor to ear infections and really do add gasoline to the fire. Managing your pets allergies will lessen their suffering with ear infections.
Why is a Vet Visit Crucial?
Ear infections won’t clear up on their own and can cause serious issues. Team up with your vet to best understand why your dog gets ear infections, what type of infections they suffer from and how you can help at home.
Treatment depends on the cause. Your vet may prescribe topical or oral medications and address issues like allergies. Tools like video otoscopy help examine the ear canal and pinpoint the infection too.
In severe cases, advanced procedures, like a Lateral Ear Canal Resection, can improve ear ventilation, reduce infection recurrence, and enhance your dog’s quality of life.
Take Action Today
If your dog’s ears are smelly or showing signs of infection, don’t delay treatment. At Lilydale Vet Centre, we offer tailored ear consultations to address the root cause of your dog’s ear problems.
Stop the cycle of recurring ear infections! 👉 Schedule your consultation now!