Ear yeast infections are quite common and can cause a more pronounced odor in your dog’s ears. Yeast infections occur when there is an overproduction of Candida in your dog’s body. In many cases, a yeast infection causes what is described as a sweet or musty smell.
What does dog ear infection smell like?
My dog’s ears smell “yeasty”
A mildly pungent smell in the ears is not always an infection, but it could indicate the beginning of one. Or it may just be time for a good ear cleaning. Some dogs just have more wax in their ears than other dogs and it will have a slight smell.
How do I get rid of the smell in my dog’s ears?
Your vet can also prescribe a special pet ear-cleaning solution, which is Levy’s preferred method of cleaning dog ear wax. “Flush the ear with the wash according to the directions, and then massage the outside, following the path of the ear canal downwards to dislodge debris and dog ear wax,” he says.
Why does my dog’s ears smell so bad?
The presence of yeast and bacteria can have a stinky odour and create smelly ears. Dogs who are prone to skin allergies may also have an increased risk of getting an ear infection. You may have also noticed your dog scratching or shaking their ears. Your dog may also have a sore ear.
How do I know if my dogs ears are infected?
Typical Dog Ear Infection Symptoms
- 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.
Should my dog’s ears smell?
Over-cleaning your dog’s ears can lead to infection and irritation, so familiarize yourself with what a healthy, clean ear looks like (pink, odorless, and not dirty or inflamed) and smells like (not yeasty or stinky), and clean it only when you notice a change.
What does an ear infection smell like?
If you’ve experienced itching, pain, or drainage from your ear, this could indicate an ear infection affecting the ear canal. Sometimes, even if the infection inside the ear canal has cleared, bacteria or fungi might remain . This can cause a cheeselike smell behind your ears.
How do I get rid of yeast smell in my dog’s ears?
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.
Do dog ear infections go away?
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 an ear infection in a dog?
How are Dog Ear Infections Treated? Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
How can I tell if my dog has a yeast infection in his ear?
If your dog has a yeast ear infection you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Red or brown waxy discharge in the ear.
- Itching, scratching & pawing at the ear.
- A cheesy or musty smell coming from the ear.
- Red or irritated ear.
What do vets give dogs for ear infections?
Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be used for a bacterial infection for 6-8 weeks minimum. If the infection is fungal in nature, an anti-fungal medication (most often itraconazole) will be prescribed.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems.
