Dog’s Ears Smell Funny Here’s What to Do
Tanisha Kumari | Oct 24, 2025, 06:04 IST
Dog's ear smelling funny
( Image credit : Freepik )
Smelly dog ears are more than a nuisance as they are a sign of trapped moisture, wax buildup or infection. Here it explains how to identify the cause, differentiate between yeast and bacterial infections, apply safe home remedies and know when veterinary care is needed. It also offers practical tips to prevent ear odor and maintain your dog’s ear health.
A dog's ears smelling funny is not just unpleasant but it is a sign of something being wrong. It is light at first but gets stronger over time. A smelly dog ear is not something to ignore as it can mean your dog’s ears are dirty, damp or have an infection.
Common Reasons Why Dog Ears Smell
The most common reason for a dog ear smell is trapped dirt or moisture. When water or sweat gets stuck inside the ear it becomes warm and wet and becomes perfect place for germs to grow. Dogs with floppy ears like Labradors or Beagles get smelly ears because air does not flow inside easily.
Another reason could be wax buildup. A little wax is normal but if there is too much then it can hold dust and cause bad odor. Sometimes the smell comes from an ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria.
One can tell a dog has an ear infection if you see thick wax, swelling or your dog keeps scratching its ears. The ear might also look red or oily. A yeast infection is sweet and musty whereas a bacterial infection is sour or even rotten.
When the bad smell remains despite cleaning or when the dog cries when ear is touched then it might have to be treated. Untreated ear infection may lead to pain, hearing loss or health problems that are severe.
Natural Remedies
For mild odor or wax try a dog ear infection home remedy like clean the ear gently using a cotton ball and a vet-approved ear cleaning liquid. Do not use water or alcohol as it hurts your dog’s ear. After cleaning dry the ear with a soft towel.
Use natural remedies like coconut oil or apple cider vinegar mixed with water but should not be applied on sore or red skin. These can help kill germs and reduce the smell. If the odor stays for more than two days then visit your vet for help.
When to See a Vet
If your dog’s ears are very red, smell strong or have dark discharge then it is time to see a vet. Also if your dog keeps shaking its head or scratching then it may be feeling pain. Vet will examine the ear and accordingly give ear drops or medicines to fix the infection. Always follow the methods and medicines prescribed by the vet.
Tips To Prevent the Stink
To prevent smelly dog ears
It is not normal if the ear of a dog smells bad and should never be ignored. A dog can have healthy and clean ears by having its ears cleaned regularly, dried and checked up. Smelly dog ears are treated with care and attention and your pet fur will remain happy and comfortable.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Reasons Why Dog Ears Smell
dog's ear
( Image credit : Pixabay )
The most common reason for a dog ear smell is trapped dirt or moisture. When water or sweat gets stuck inside the ear it becomes warm and wet and becomes perfect place for germs to grow. Dogs with floppy ears like Labradors or Beagles get smelly ears because air does not flow inside easily.
Another reason could be wax buildup. A little wax is normal but if there is too much then it can hold dust and cause bad odor. Sometimes the smell comes from an ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria.
How to Tell if It is an Infection
When the bad smell remains despite cleaning or when the dog cries when ear is touched then it might have to be treated. Untreated ear infection may lead to pain, hearing loss or health problems that are severe.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies
( Image credit : Unsplash )
For mild odor or wax try a dog ear infection home remedy like clean the ear gently using a cotton ball and a vet-approved ear cleaning liquid. Do not use water or alcohol as it hurts your dog’s ear. After cleaning dry the ear with a soft towel.
Use natural remedies like coconut oil or apple cider vinegar mixed with water but should not be applied on sore or red skin. These can help kill germs and reduce the smell. If the odor stays for more than two days then visit your vet for help.
When to See a Vet
Ear Infection
( Image credit : Freepik )
If your dog’s ears are very red, smell strong or have dark discharge then it is time to see a vet. Also if your dog keeps shaking its head or scratching then it may be feeling pain. Vet will examine the ear and accordingly give ear drops or medicines to fix the infection. Always follow the methods and medicines prescribed by the vet.
Tips To Prevent the Stink
- Clean the ears once a week.
- Dry the dog’s ears right after a bath or swim.
- Keep the hair around the ears short so air can flow inside easily.
- Check the dog’s ears to make sure there is no wax or dirt.
It is not normal if the ear of a dog smells bad and should never be ignored. A dog can have healthy and clean ears by having its ears cleaned regularly, dried and checked up. Smelly dog ears are treated with care and attention and your pet fur will remain happy and comfortable.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are stinky ears painful for dogs?Stinky ears may cause pain, itching, swelling, redness and sometimes discharge along with the smell.
- What foods cause yeast in dog's ears?High fat and high sugar foods cause yeast in dog's ears.
- What foods can irritate a dog's ears?When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn can irritate a dog's ears.