Home Cures for Smelly Dog Ears

If your canine furkid has smelly ears, you are probably eager to do something to eliminate the unpleasant scent. However, it is important to seek the advice of your veterinarian before you try simple home cures. Ear odor can be caused by wax buildup, infections, ear mites, yeast, allergies, bacteria and other problems that need to be ruled and treated. Once your vet makes a diagnosis, you can use home remedies and solutions to keep the odor away.

Keeping your pooch groomed is key to preventing ear odor. By keeping dirt, wax and hair from building up in and around your dog's ears, you will help eliminate odor and infection-causing bacteria. Bathing your dog at least once a month with a gentle shampoo will keep dirt from building up around his ears. However, be careful to keep water from getting into the sensitive ear canals, as this can cause infections. Choose a natural solution, such as mineral oil, peroxide or diluted vinegar to flush your dog's ears, and wipe them with a soft cloth or cotton balls. Never go deeper than 1/2 inch into your dog's ears. If your furry friend tends to have excess hair growth in his ears, a visit to a professional groomer will easily take care of the problem.

You have probably heard the phrase "you are what you eat." Well, this is true for canines, too. Many dogs are prone to developing allergies from grain and corn in food. This can lead to yeast problems on the skin and in the ears. By selecting dog food with natural ingredients and limited amounts of additives, grain and corn, you will help reduce the chances that your pooch will develop smelly ears.

It is easier to prevent stinky canine ears than deal with them once the smell occurs. Simply looking at your dog's ears frequently will allow you to ward off potential problems before they lead to problems that cause odors. Hair growth in the ears, reddening of the skin in and around the ears and discharge are all signs you need to take preventative action to stop smells before they occur.