What should I check if my dog’s ears smell bad and look dirty? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s ears smell bad and look dirty, the first things to check are the outer ear, any redness or soreness, and whether there’s discharge, wax build-up or signs of scratching. It can be something simple like dirt, wax or moisture, but a smell can also go with irritation or an ear infection, so it’s worth taking a proper look rather than assuming it’s nothing.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell is from one ear or both, and whether it started after swimming, bathing, grooming or a muddy walk.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, broken skin, scabs or any sensitivity when you touch the ear.
3. See if there’s wax, brown debris, yellow discharge, crusting or a damp feel inside the ear flap or at the opening.
4. Watch for head shaking, ear scratching, rubbing against furniture or holding the head to one side.
5. Check whether your dog seems painful when chewing, yawning or having the ears handled.
6. Notice if there’s hair, grass seeds, mud or another obvious irritant caught around the ear.
7. Think about any recent changes such as new shampoo, grooming, allergens, diet changes or regular ear issues in the past.
8. If your dog has floppy ears or a lot of hair around the ears, check whether the area tends to stay warm or damp.
Common Causes
The most common cause is a build-up of wax, dirt or moisture, especially after swimming, bathing or getting mucky outdoors. Mild irritation from grooming, scratching or trapped debris can also make ears look dirty and smell unpleasant.
Yeast or bacterial overgrowth is another common possibility, particularly if the ears smell stronger than usual, look red or produce discharge. Allergies and skin sensitivity can also play a part by making the ears waxy, itchy or more prone to inflammation.
Less commonly, there may be a foreign body, ear mites or another ear problem that needs specific treatment. You can’t rule these out just by looking, especially if the smell keeps coming back or your dog seems uncomfortable.
What To Do
Start by checking both ears calmly in good light. If the outer ear just looks a bit dirty, you can gently wipe away visible debris from the outside only with a soft, damp cloth. Don’t poke into the ear canal with cotton buds or anything similar.
Keep the ear area dry after swimming or bathing, and note whether the smell returns after exercise, damp weather or grooming. If the ear looks mildly dirty but your dog seems comfortable, monitor it for a day or two and see whether it improves with simple hygiene and dryness.
If your dog is scratching, shaking their head, seems sore, or the smell is getting stronger, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice. Ear problems can worsen if they’re left alone, especially when there’s ongoing moisture or irritation.
Products That May Help
For routine ear, coat and grooming care, a simple pet care collection can be useful to support clean-up and day-to-day hygiene at home.
Related Questions
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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.