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“Frito feet” may be endearing to some pet owners, but stinky dog ears might not be as widely appreciated. They can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, like an infection or parasites.
Let’s explore some of the reasons why your dog’s ears might smell, what to do about it, and the breeds that can be prone to ear problems.
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If your dog’s ears stink, they may also be showing signs of scratching, head shaking, discharge or buildup, redness, or sores. The following are some of the reasons your pup’s ears might not be smelling so great.
A smelly ear is a common sign of a dog ear infection, which can come in different types. Yeast infections of the ear are caused by an overgrowth of yeast and can give off a musty smell. Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria that gather on the outer part of your dog’s ear and may cause a bad or fruity smell. These bacteria can also travel inward and cause more serious infections of the middle or inner ear.1,2,3
Both types of infections could happen separately or at the same time (i.e., a mixed ear infection), and could be secondary to parasites, allergies, or debris. Your dog’s ears might be inflamed and/or red, and discharge that’s darker, yellow, or waxy could also be present.1,3
Parasites, like burrowing mites, can hitch a ride in your dog’s ear and cause intense itching, redness, sores, crusty discharge that’s dark in color, and potential secondary infections — plus the associated stench. Ear mites are very contagious. So everything your pet comes into contact with should be cleaned, and other animals may need to be treated as well.1,3,4
Allergies can commonly come with itchy, red ears for dogs. Excessive scratching could create an environment where yeast or bacteria thrive — especially if the resulting itchiness and scratching causes sores. Dogs who have environmental allergies or food allergies may experience recurring ear infections — and resulting stinky ears — until the triggers are managed.1,4
With a weak or compromised immune system, a dog’s body isn’t able to properly fight against yeast or bacteria. This could increase a dog’s risk of ear infections that cause musty smelling ears. Dogs who are taking immunosuppressive drugs to treat certain conditions may also be more prone to chronic yeast infections.5
If your dog has a lot of earwax buildup, this alone could be a little stinky. It can also make it easier for yeast and bacteria to take over and cause infection, which can lead to even more wax buildup and odor.6
Other things, like foreign objects or debris, could get in their ear and potentially make an infection easier to develop. Swimming and bathing could also result in an ear infection, and odor, if water got stuck in the ear or it’s not dried properly.6
Sometimes, the structure of a dog’s ear could put them at a higher risk for ear problems. Hairy and floppy ears could trap debris or moisture more easily and result in dog ear smells and ear infections. The size and shape of the ear canal may also contribute to this.1,6
Tumors may form in the ear canal — more commonly in the ear flap and outer ear than in the middle or inner ear — and are more likely to be benign than cancerous. A foul smell, discharge, head shaking, ear scratching, and swelling in one ear that doesn’t get better with other treatment methods can all be signs of an ear canal tumor.7
Some dog breeds may be more prone to ear problems — typically those who have low-hanging, floppy, large, or heavy ears, or lots of hair in their ears. Even dogs who love to swim or dig in the dirt, regardless of their genetics, could be at a higher risk of developing ear issues and odors. Some of these breeds might include:8
Any dog can develop an ear odor for a number of reasons. It’s important to help prevent infections and other ear health problems by keeping ears clean and treating issues promptly when they arise.
To diagnose the issue, your vet will likely perform a physical exam of your dog’s ears based on the symptoms. They may take swab samples of the inside or use an otoscope to look further into your dog’s ear.1
Most sinky dog ear problems require medication for treatment. This could include topical or oral medication such as antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories. Your dog’s ear will also likely be cleaned with medicated wipes or potentially flushed with a cleanser. Removal of objects and debris could be done with a simple cleaning, or surgery may be required.1
There isn’t a homemade remedy for smelly dog ears other than routine ear cleaning with a vet-approved cleanser and method. It’s also a key part in helping prevent dog ear issues. Keeping their ears well-groomed and dry can also aid in this. Underlying conditions — like allergies, parasites, or immune issues — should be addressed with preventive or management measures to help avoid scratching and repeat infections.1,5
Regularly taking a peak into your dog’s ears to look for problems can help you catch something before it gets worse.
Stinky ears can be a bother for both your dog and you. With a MetLife Pet Insurance policy, you could get reimbursed up to 90% on covered vet costs for treating dog ear odors — like exam fees, diagnostics, medications, surgery, and more.9
Just like Miles, a Frenchie from Illinois, who had his vet exam bill of nearly $300 reimbursed around $225 when he was diagnosed with an ear infection. Or a puppy named Zelda, from New York, who needed medication to treat ear mites and inflammation. Her family was reimbursed close to $25 on the $30 prescription.10
See if a MetLife Pet policy fits your budget and needs today by getting a free, personalized quote.
