Why Does My Dog Have Smelly Ears?

Smelly ears are one of the most common pet peeves among dog owners. However, there is a common misconception that it can be immediately solved by intensive cleaning.

The truth is, most ear infections cannot be solved just by proper hygiene. Sometimes, you’d need to supply your dogs with certain nutrients and vitamins to address their smelly ears.

What are the causes of smelly ears?

There are certain breeds that require more ear care than others. Dogs with downwards ears such as Hounds, Spaniels, and Beagles are more prone to ear infections. Their blocked ears become productive breeding grounds of parasites, fungi, and bacteria. 

One of the most common causes of ear infection is ear mites. Just like fleas, they can be acquired by your dogs through interacting with other animals that have mites.

Aside from the fact that ear mites are stinky on their own, their bites that cause wounds can add to the foul smell of your dog’s ears.

Outer ear infections are also common among dogs. There are two ways on how your dog can acquire an outer ear infection.

The first is through an overproduction of ear wax caused by allergies and excessive exposure to water. This is why excessive cleaning can do more harm than good when it comes to ear infections.

The second one is through fungi or yeast. While yeast is naturally present on the dogs’ bodies, an excessive amount can cause irritation, itchiness, and foul odor.

The least common ear infections are also the most dangerous of all - middle to inner ear infections.

They are characterised by gooey ear discharge. These kinds of infections are mostly bought by dangerous bacteria or irregularities on certain parts of the ears. Not only do they cause smelly ears, but they can also lead to nausea and vomiting since they already hinder the ears from functioning properly.

How to treat smelly dog ear diseases?

Unfortunately, more serious middle to inner ear infections are often resolved through surgery.

On the other hand, dog ear infection treatments are simpler. Both ear mites and outer ear infections can be addressed through proper ear care. This consists of hypoallergenic dog shampoos, anti-fungal ointments, and topical antibiotics.

While addressing the problems on the surface level, it is also highly recommended that you supply your dogs with daily supplements. Their nutrients and vitamins can be really helpful in reducing the side effects of ear infections.

Anti-inflammatory nutrients such as MSM and Vitamin E can expedite the process of healing of the wounds and scratches caused by ear mites. This will help avoid bacteria and other substances getting into the bloodstream because of open wounds.

Aside from these, fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 boost the immunity of your dogs. Through these vitamins, the risk of more dangerous complications can be decreased.

Manganese, protein, and carbohydrates are also required for energy as antibiotics may cause lethargy among dogs. Joint supplements are also a great way to make sure your dog is feeling healthy elsewhere in their body.

Now that you already know the real causes of ear infections, it’s time to drop those tweezers and cotton buds and look for the real treatments that they need!