What does it mean if my dog has a strong smell from its ears? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
A strong smell from your dog’s ears usually means there’s something going on in the ear canal, such as wax build-up, irritation, moisture or infection. Ear mites can also cause a distinct smell, but they’re not the only possible cause. The smell itself doesn’t tell you exactly what the problem is, so it’s worth checking for other signs as well.
Things To Check
1. Smell each ear separately to see if the odour is coming from one ear or both.
2. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, crusting or signs of broken skin around the ear opening.
3. Check whether your dog is scratching, rubbing their ears, shaking their head or holding their head to one side.
4. Notice whether the ear feels warm, looks dirty, or seems unusually waxy or greasy.
5. See if your dog reacts when you touch the ear, which could suggest soreness.
6. Think about any recent swimming, bathing, grooming or wet weather that may have left moisture in the ear.
7. If you can do so safely, take a brief look just inside the ear flap for visible debris, but don’t put anything into the ear canal.
Common Causes
The most common causes are wax build-up and trapped moisture, especially if your dog has floppy ears or has recently been wet. Mild skin irritation or a change in the normal ear environment can also create a strong smell.
Ear mites are another possible cause, particularly if the ears are very itchy and there’s dark, crumbly debris. Yeast or bacterial overgrowth can also cause a noticeable odour, often with discharge or discomfort. Less commonly, a foreign body, allergy-related ear trouble or another ear condition may be involved.
What To Do
Keep the ear dry and avoid poking around inside it. If your dog is comfortable, you can gently wipe away visible dirt from the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth, but don’t use cotton buds deep in the ear.
Monitor the smell and any other changes over the next day or two. If the odour is mild and your dog seems otherwise normal, it may help to keep ears clean and dry after swimming, bathing or muddy walks. If the smell is strong, keeps coming back, or comes with itchiness, discharge or pain, veterinary advice is sensible.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the smell is strong and persistent, if there’s discharge, swelling or pain, or if your dog is shaking their head a lot or scratching hard at the ear. It’s also worth getting advice if the ear looks sore, the problem keeps returning, or you suspect mites.
Products That May Help
For routine ear and coat care, the right cleaning and grooming products can help support a calm hygiene routine at home, especially if your dog is prone to getting dirty, waxy or damp ears.
Related Questions
Why does my dog’s ear smell like fish?
Can ear mites cause a bad smell in dogs?
Should I clean my dog’s ears if they smell?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.