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.
How do I get rid of the smell in my dog’s ears?
Prescription treatment may include antifungal drops or an ear cleaner, and in difficult-to- treat cases, an oral antifungal medication. You may clean your dog’s ears at home with a vet-approved ear cleaner, but do not clean them for 24 hours prior to your appointment, as this can make a diagnosis more difficult.
Is it normal for dogs to have smelly ears?
If you notice your dog’s ears smelling musty or sickeningly sweet, she may have a yeast infection in her ears. This problem may cause pain, itching, swelling, redness, and sometimes oozing discharge along with the smell. It is a common problem in dogs’ ears because a dog’s ears are a prime location for Candida to grow.
Why does my puppy’s ears stink?
Smelly puppy ears are usually a sign that your pup’s ears have become a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast, or are at the very least dirty and should be cleaned. Don’t despair! This can be normal when a dog’s ears are floppy or very hairy.
Why does my dog’s ears smell like feet?
No, they are not. Foul smelling discharge and a heavy build-up of ear wax are also abnormal. Dog and cat ear skin should be pink and without excess wax or moisture.
How can I treat my dog’s ear infection without going to the vet?
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.
How often should I clean dog’s ears?
Wondering how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears.
How can I clean my dog’s ears naturally?
Massage the base of the ear right next to the head. If using a dog-ear-cleaning-solution-soaked cotton ball, massage the ear canal and remove the cotton ball. Repeat until the cotton ball comes out clean. Allow your dog to shake their head a bit and wipe the outside of the ear with a cotton ball or tissue.
What should dog ears smell like?
Healthy ears don’t have an odor. Make a habit of sniffing your dog’s ears, starting when he’s a puppy, so you’ll know how they smell normally. If his ears smell yeasty or downright stinky, it’s likely that a bacterial or yeast infection is brewing.
What foods cause yeast infections in dogs ears?
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dog’s ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dog’s skin:
- Antibiotics.
- Brewer’s yeast.
- Oatmeal shampoos.
- Carbohydrates or sugar in food.
Why do my dog’s ears smell yeasty?
If their ears smell yeasty or downright stinky, it’s likely that a bacterial or yeast infection is brewing. Then take a look inside their ears. The skin should be nice and pink with a light coating of pale yellowish wax. A small amount of wax is part of the ear’s self-cleaning system.
How do you get rid of a yeast infection in a dog’s ear?
How to Get Rid Of a Yeast Infection in Dog’s Ear
- Regularly cleaning your pup’s ears at-home with a medicated cleanser.
- Topical medications.
- Oral antibiotics.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
What is the best ear cleaner for dogs?
Our List
- Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Multiple Symptoms: Great Ears Multi-Symptom Dog Ear Cleaner.
- Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Chronic Issues: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Cleaner.
- Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Chronic Issues Runner Up: Zymox Ear Cleaner.
- Best Dog Ear Cleaner for Drying and General Purpose: Dechra EpiKlean Ear Cleaner.
How can you tell if dog has ear infection?
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.
What is the brown stuff in my dog’s ears?
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.
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.
Does vinegar cure dog ear infection?
In the first instance, you can use a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to clean your dog’s ears. Apple cider vinegar helps by acting as a cleanser and an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. Dabbing this into your dog’s ears sparingly can help to clean out the inside of their ears and treat the infection.
Is apple cider vinegar safe for dogs ears?
Apple cider vinegar can clean a dog’s ears and rebalance the skin pH, but it will also dry out ears to combat yeast and bacterial infections. When using apple cider vinegar around your dog’s ears, remember to never use it on raw or open sores since it is an acid and will burn and cause irritation.
Can I use baby wipes to clean my dog’s ears?
You don’t need a lot of tools to clean your dog’s ears at home. Many of the items are human grooming tools, including balls of cotton, tissues, or baby wipes.
Can I clean my dog’s ears with Q-tips?
Cleaning your dog’s ears does not require any special equipment. A good quality ear cleaning solution, some cotton balls or gauze, and some treats to reward your dog are all that is needed. Do not use cotton tip applicators (Q-tips®), due to the risk of perforating the ear drum or causing trauma to the ear canal.
Should you clean inside dogs ears?
Yes, cleaning your dog’s ears helps keep them clean and prevent buildup of wax and debris which can lead to an infected ear. Dogs that swim regularly or have pendulous ear flaps are more prone to build up of debris and infections so should be cleaned more often.
Can you put baking soda in dogs ears?
If your dog’s ears are very dirty, you may want to use a soft cloth to wipe any dirt off first. The baking soda may also be mixed with a teaspoon of mustard oil or olive oil. Baking soda helps dry up excess earwax, itchiness, and infection in your dog’s ears due to its antiseptic properties.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my dog’s ears?
You will need a gentle ear cleaning solution and gauze squares or cotton balls. We do not recommend the use of cotton swabs, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s ears. These products can cause inflammation to the ear canal and may worsen an ear infection.
Can you use olive oil to clean dog’s ears?
Never put olive oil, vinegar, shampoo, or any other substance in a dog’s ear. Also, avoid poking around with cotton buds in the ear, you will only work any wax and debris further in and potentially damage the eardrum.
Is yogurt good for dogs with yeast infection?
An Excellent Probiotic For Their Gut
If that was not enough, the probiotics found in yogurts can help your dog to fight yeast infections, which can result in ear and skin problems. Furthermore, probiotics may help your dog’s body to absorb nutrients and boost immunity.
What does a dog yeast infection look like?
Funky odors: If your dog has a yeast problem, it might have a distinct, musty smell that wasn’t present before. Scaly and flaky skin: Your pet’s skin can turn crusted and flaky, resembling dandruff. Changes in skin color and texture: During the early stages of the infection, your dog’s skin will turn pink or red.
What dog food is best for dogs with yeast infections?
The 6 Best Dog Foods for Yeast Infections
- Ollie Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall. Click Here to Save 50% with Ollie.
- Brothers Complete Dog Food — Best Value. Check Price on Chewy.
- Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food.
- Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food.
- Zignature Formula Dog Food – Best for Puppies.
- Tuffy’S Pet Food Dog Food.
Do certain foods cause ear infections in dogs?
Food allergies are one of the most prevalent causes of ear infections in dogs, especially those with food sensitivity. Certain food, just as in humans, may not suit your pet’s digestive system, and food allergies can show up at any point of time in their lives.
What does an ear infection smell like?
Infection. Infections often cause a cheeselike smell. Bacteria, yeast, and fungi are most often to blame. This is because they like warm, moist places.
Why is one of my dogs ears always dirty?
Key takeaway. Dirty dog ears can be caused by excessive ear wax, infections, allergies, and mites. Regular ear cleanings and checkups are essential to keeping your dog’s ears healthy.
How often should I put apple cider vinegar in my dog’s ear?
If your dog has smelly earwax and you want to try the vinegar before taking him in to the veterinarian, clean the ears then apply a few drops of the apple cider vinegar to each ear once a day. Ear infections are hard to clear up so try this at least two weeks before giving up.
Is coconut oil good for ear infections in dogs?
Pets are susceptible to ear infections caused by bacteria, yeast and ear mites. Apply a few drops of coconut oil to your pet’s ears each day to soothe itchiness, clear up infection, kill mites, and keep their ears clean and healthy.
Can I use a washcloth to clean my dog’s ears?
Use a wet wipe or a wet soft washcloth and cotton balls to get your dog’s ears nice and clean.
Why does a dog keep shaking his head?
Common Reasons Dogs Shake Their Heads
Itchiness due to skin allergies. Irritant trapped in their ear such as grass seeds, water or insects. Bacterial or yeast infection. Inflammation of ear canal.
Is Baby Shampoo OK for dogs?
Most importantly, baby shampoo has a Ph level of around 7, the perfect number for dogs. Baby shampoo is a safe, one-off substitute for dog shampoo, but to keep your furry friend happy and healthy long term it’s best to make a conscious effort to have their favourite dog shampoo stocked up at all times.
Do groomers clean ears?
Most professional grooming services will include an inspection and cleaning of the ears. If you don’t check your dog’s ears regularly, you will make the groomer’s task much more difficult.
How much does a vet charge to clean dog’s ears?
A BNT treatment will run you about $45 a tube, and for reference, the total cost to treat ear infections is between $100 and $250 with a vet visit.
How do I get rid of the smell in my dog’s ears?
Prescription treatment may include antifungal drops or an ear cleaner, and in difficult-to- treat cases, an oral antifungal medication. You may clean your dog’s ears at home with a vet-approved ear cleaner, but do not clean them for 24 hours prior to your appointment, as this can make a diagnosis more difficult.
What happens if you don’t clean your dog’s ears?
When You Shouldn’t Clean Your Dog’s Ears. Dogs can be prone to a number of ear problems from ear mites to ear infection. Some dogs succumb to chronic yeast infection or other infections of the ear.
What does ear mites look like in a dog?
What do dog ear mites look like? Ear mites in dogs typically look like tiny, moving dots in the ear canal, but are so tiny that you may not be able to spot them at all. It takes a vet with an otoscope or microscope to properly spot an infestation.
