Why do my dog's ears smell bad and look gross? Is it an infection?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Aspen. It sounds like she does have an ear infection, but it can be caused by either yeast or bacteria. Without seeing her in person, I can't say what is the cause. I'd take her into a vet today to get this diagnosed and treated. Any ear problem needs to be treated promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Boo! The most common reason for extra moisture and wax build up in the ear is an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria and/or yeast build up which can be from allergies or just extra moisture. Ideally Boo should see your Vet to have the cause identified and appropriate drops prescribed to get rid of the infection. Ear infections are treated topically in dogs and cats. You can try this ear cleaner. I would clean out the ear every other day for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or he worsens he should see your Vet. I also attached a video on how to clean the ears. I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24165 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=165

Sounds like Rugsy has a bad ear infection. These can be painful and if left untreated can damage the ear drum and progress further down the ear. He should see your family vet for an exam and ear cytology and to get the right medications. Pain medications and/or anti inflammatories may be helpful as well. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good night!

It looks like your kid has a pretty severe ear infection there. The redness is inflammation and the gray area is thickening of the external ear canal from chronic inflammation. What would be best would be for your pup to be seen by your family vet for an ear exam and cytology. In order to treat this appropriately your vet will need to know if there are bacteria (and what type) or yeast or both in the ear canals and if the eardrum is intact. An anti inflammatory may also be needed because of the thickening. If ear infections are a chronic problem for your pup underlying allergy may also need to be explored. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would take Sebastian in to your veterinarian to perform an ear cytology. This is a diagnostic test where they look at the debris in his ear under the microscope. This will help your veterinarian determine if Sebastian has an ear infection and what is causing it (yeast, bacteria, mites or any combination or all of the above). There are multiple treatments for ear infections depending on what the underlying cause is. Your vet will help determine the best treatment for him! I would take him to the vet sooner rather than later as ear infections can be uncomfortable! Good luck!

It sounds like Pluto has an ear infection and I would recommend to take him to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Infections can be painful, can damage the ear drum, causing hearing loss and can even cause calcification of the ear canal (which is very painful). The vet will look at a sample under the microscope to determine what type of infection is present and what kind of medication is needed. Pets have have chronic ear infections may have underlying allergies or endocrine disease which causes them to be more prone to getting an infection. Talk to your vet about exploring these options. I hope this helps and thank you for Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.