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Why are my dog's ears red, itchy, smelly, and she pukes often?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

My dog has one ear that is red and itchy. It also has a foul odour. A couple months ago this happened with both ears but the vet wasn't very clear with what happened with her. Also my dog pukes quite often even though we keep her on the same kibble, only feeding her Cesar meat or meat with no salt, veggies and fruit. Her diet is very strict. She also has diahrea often too

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2016

The two problems (gastrointestinal signs and ear canal infection/inflammation) may be related as both of them may be caused by an allergy. Most common ones are usually caused by food , flea and environmental causes.
Ear canal inflammation, infection can be treated easily by applying some medicated (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications) ear drops. If the problem keeps coming back, allergic disease can be investigated with some skin and blood tests.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 17th, 2017
It may have been an allergic reaction to something. If you see a discharge in the ear or if there is an odor than he could have an infection and may need medications to treat. Otherwise, monitor the ear and if the redness recurs than he should be examined by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on September 30th, 2019
Poor Honey! Biting or chewing at the paws is most commonly caused by allergies. Red, inflamed ears with a foul odor are often an indication of an ear infection, which often also has allergies as an underlying cause.

I would recommend taking Honey to the vet for an exam. He/she can determine if she does indeed have allergies or some other skin problem, and will prescribe an appropriate medication to get the itching under control and treat the ear issues.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on January 27th, 2018
Ear infections are very common in dogs. They can be due to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria or may even involve a parasite like ear mites. Any of those types of infections can cause an odor to the ear and itching. Your vet can take a sample from Zeus' ears and look at it under the microscope to determine what is causing the problem and determine the best treatment option. I am attaching a handout below on ear infections with more information for you.
https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=632
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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