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My dog's ears are smelly, wet, and itchy. Is it an infection?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | 1 month and 29 days old | 4 lbs
Brownie has been scratching his ears a lot from the past 2 days. Today he was smelling bad so I flipped his ear and noticed that his ears were wet and sticky from all the scratching and the smell was coming from his ears. Is there anything I can do for this or is this normal? And also today I noticed his neck a bit swollen from below..I don't know if it's supposed to be this way or not? Thanks:)
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2017
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 27th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Likely Panda has an ear infection. The most common cause of ear infections is an overgrowth of either yeast or bacteria, sometimes it can be both. The cause can be from underlying allergies or excessive moisture in the ears.
It is best to take Panda to the Vet. The Vet will examine his ears and take a sample of the wax and look at it under the microscope to see if it is bacteria and/or yeast. Ear infections are treated topically. He will likely go home with an ear rinse and drops to eliminate the infection.
I hope this helps and I wish Panda a speedy recovery!1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 14th, 2017
It's probably an ear infection. Ear infections are very common in dogs, it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease. the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take Joan to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on June 23rd, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like ear canal infection. It is usually yeast or bacterial infection in origin. Please, take Gunner to your local vets today as he will need a course of ear drops with antibiotics to get better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on October 6th, 2018
I can't tell if that is that is some sort of grime on the ear or if it is something of concern. Typically with yeast infections, you can detect a very obvious odor emanating from the ears. They will also have a characteristics red, inflamed appearance if your pup has been itching them. If it is on both ears, I find it harder to believe it is grime and more likely that it is something pathologic. I would get it checked out if you can, though it is not urgent. It can definitely wait until after the holiday weekend if your pup is not bothering them. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful