Why do my dog's ears smell?
A faint, ordinary smell from a dog's ears is often nothing to worry about — ears are not scent-free by nature. A strong, sudden, or unpleasant smell, especially alongside redness, scratching or head shaking, usually points to an ear infection, and that is worth a vet visit rather than something to manage with cleaning alone.
Usually not urgent
This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.
What commonly causes a smell
Ear infections, caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria that live in the ear naturally in small numbers, are the most common reason for a genuinely bad smell. They often develop after moisture gets trapped in the ear, from swimming, bathing, or humid weather, or in dogs with floppy ears that limit airflow. A yeasty, musty smell tends to point towards a yeast infection specifically, while a more sour or unpleasant odour can suggest bacteria are more heavily involved, though a vet's examination is the only way to know for certain.
Ear mites, a build-up of wax, allergies, and foreign objects such as a grass seed lodged in the canal can all cause a smell too, usually alongside other signs like scratching, head shaking, or a visible discharge. Some breeds with narrow ear canals or a lot of ear hair are more prone to problems generally, and a dog with known skin allergies often has ear flare-ups at the same time as a wider skin reaction.
What else usually comes with it
An infected ear rarely smells bad on its own. Look out for redness or swelling inside the ear flap, a brown, yellow or black discharge, your dog scratching at the ear or shaking their head repeatedly, and any sign of pain when the ear is touched or the head is turned in one direction. Some dogs will also rub the side of their face along furniture or the floor, trying to relieve an itch or discomfort they cannot reach with a paw.
A dog with a genuinely painful ear may tilt their head, become head-shy, or seem generally quieter and less like themselves. These signs together are a stronger indicator of a problem than the smell alone.
When to see a vet
Book an appointment if the smell is strong or has come on suddenly, if there is any discharge, redness or swelling, if your dog is scratching or shaking their head repeatedly, or if the smell keeps coming back after cleaning. Ear infections need the right treatment for the specific cause, which only a vet examination can properly identify.
Do not put anything down into the ear canal yourself beyond a cleaner designed for the job and used as directed, and never if the eardrum could be affected — a vet needs to check that first, particularly if your dog is showing pain or has had ear problems before. Cotton buds in particular should be avoided, since they tend to push debris further into the canal rather than removing it.
Keeping ears healthy day to day
Dry your dog's ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing, particularly for breeds with floppy ears or a lot of hair around the ear canal. Regular checking, rather than regular cleaning, is usually enough for a dog with no history of problems, and gives you an early warning if something starts to change before it becomes a full infection.
A dog with recurring ear issues may benefit from a routine of gentle, vet-recommended cleaning, but this should be guided by what has actually been diagnosed rather than applied as a blanket fix for every smell. Over-cleaning an ear that does not need it can irritate the skin and make matters worse rather than better.
Why some dogs get repeated ear problems
Certain breeds are genuinely more prone to ear trouble than others, largely down to anatomy rather than anything the owner is doing wrong. Dogs with long, floppy ears — spaniels and retrievers among them — get less airflow into the canal, which keeps things warmer and damper than in a dog with upright ears.
A dog who swims regularly, has known allergies, or has had ear infections before is statistically more likely to have them again, which is why a vet may suggest a specific management routine for that individual dog rather than treating each episode as a one-off. Getting the underlying cause identified properly the first time makes repeat episodes easier to prevent.
What can help
Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Absorbent Cotton Gauze Swabs for Pets – Pack of 100
Highly absorbent, low-lint cotton gauze swabs produced in clean conditions — a practical first-aid essential available in three size and ply combinations.
From£4.49
MPS Medical PetS Boot – Waterproof Paw Protector
A vet-recommended waterproof boot that keeps bandages, dressings, and casts dry during walks and wet weather.
£30.49
Common questions
- Is it normal for a dog's ears to smell a bit?
- A very faint, ordinary smell can be normal, since ears are not scent-free. A strong, sudden or clearly unpleasant smell is not typical and usually points to an infection or another problem worth having checked.
- Can I clean my dog's ears myself to fix the smell?
- You can use a proper dog ear cleaner for general maintenance, but cleaning alone will not resolve an infection, mites or a foreign object. If the smell persists after cleaning, or keeps returning, see your vet rather than continuing to clean it yourself.
- Which dogs are more prone to ear problems?
- Breeds with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or a lot of hair growing in the ear tend to be more prone, since airflow is more restricted and moisture is more easily trapped. Dogs who swim regularly are also at higher risk.
- What does an ear infection look and smell like in a dog?
- A noticeable, often unpleasant smell alongside redness, swelling, a brown, yellow or black discharge, and scratching or head shaking are the typical signs. Not every infection shows all of these, which is why a vet examination is the reliable way to confirm one.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.