Why Do My Dog’s Ears Smell? How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

This Petstock article was reviewed for accuracy by Dr Melanie Hill (BVSc), an Australian-registered veterinarian.

Ever noticed your dog’s ears have a bit of a smell and wondered if that’s normal? You’re not alone. Ear care is one of those things most dog parents aren’t totally sure about – how often to clean, what products to use, or when it’s time to leave it to the vet.

This guide breaks it all down simply, so you know what’s normal, what needs attention and how to care for your dog’s ears without overthinking it.

Why do my dog's ears smell?

The most common reasons your dog’s ears smell are yeast or bacterial infections, trapped moisture after swimming or bathing, ear mites, or underlying allergies.

That said, not every smell is a red flag. A mild, natural dog-ear scent is normal. Dogs naturally produce earwax as part of their built-in cleaning system, so a little odour on occasion is nothing to stress about.

Sometimes, though, a stronger smell can be your dog’s way of telling you something’s off.

Common causes of smelly dog ears include:

• Yeast overgrowth, often smelling sweet, musty or a bit like bread
• Bacterial infections, which tend to come with redness, discharge and a sharp or unpleasant odour
• Ear mites, more common in puppies or dogs living with other pets, are usually paired with itchiness and dark debris. If you suspect ear mites, you should consult your vet for prescription treatments.
• Excess moisture, especially after swimming or baths, creates the perfect environment for irritation
• Allergies, whether food-related or environmental, which can cause ongoing inflammation inside the ear

Pungent, sour, yeasty or rotten smells aren’t usual. If that’s what you’re noticing, it’s best to skip the home clean and check in with your vet instead. Cleaning an infected ear can make the condition worse and mask the need for proper treatment.

As always, you know your dog best. If you’re also noticing frequent head shaking, redness, or sensitivity, it’s worth getting it checked.

Signs of an ear infection in dogs

Common signs your dog might have an ear infection include:

• Persistent head shaking
• Redness or swelling
• Thick discharge (brown, yellow or black)
• Strong odour
• Sensitivity to touch
• You are consistently wiping dirt from their ears

If you notice one or more of these signs, you should visit a vet – don’t attempt DIY cleaning or treatment.

Should you clean your dog's ears?

The most common time you’ll actually need to clean your dog’s ears at home is right after swimming or bathing, when the ears are still damp. Ear cleaners will help remove excess water and dry the ears safely.

But outside of that, most dogs don’t need routine ear cleaning. Just like us, dogs have a natural ear-cleaning process that usually keeps things under control.

Your dog's ears shouldn't be 'dirty' inside

After you wipe away the ear cleaner with cotton wool or tissue, take a quick look. If you’re seeing yellow, black, or brown discolouration – anything that looks like dirt inside the ear – it can be an early sign of an ear infection.

To bust a myth: If you’re using ear cleaner regularly and still finding gunk every time, that’s not a sign you’re staying on top of it – it’s a sign there may be an underlying issue. A common mistake is assuming that if you continue cleaning their ears, it will resolve.

But if an infection is brewing, it won’t improve with ear cleaner alone.

A simple rule of thumb is to clean as needed rather than on a strict schedule. If you’re feeling you need to clean your dog’s ears often, or you’re noticing recurring discolouration, book a vet visit.

How to clean your dog's ears at home

The most important thing with cleaning your dog’s ears at home is that you don’t push any debris further into the ear canal. Also, you’ll always need products formulated for dogs – never use human ear care products on your pup.

Avoid cleaning if the ear is very red, painful or smelly – that’s a situation for your vet.

What you’ll need

• A dog-specific ear cleaning solution
• Cotton pads or gauze
• A towel
• A handful of high-value treats – bribery is absolutely encouraged
• Importantly: No cotton buds

Important note

When it comes to picking a dog-friendly ear cleaner, avoid alcohol-based or heavily fragranced formulas, as they can dry out their ear canal and irritate their ears, especially if your dog already has sensitive ears.

And many home remedies can do more harm than good. Ingredients like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or oils can sting, trap moisture or make existing issues worse.

Step-by-step dog ear cleaning routine

1. Get your dog comfy. That might look like them sitting next to you, on your lap or in their bed.
2. Lift the ear flap gently. Hold it upright while you fill the canal with the cleaning solution, ensuring the nozzle doesn’t touch the skin. This orients the ear canal to retain the ear cleaning fluid (and prevents it from seeping out immediately when the ear flops back down).
3. Massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds. If you hear squelching, you’re doing it right.
4. Let your dog shake out their head. (Preferably not in your direction!)
5. Wipe away excess fluid from the inside of the ear flap using a cotton ball or a tissue.
6. Repeat for the other ear.
7. If you wipe out the excess water, there is no debris, and the ear is now dry – you’ve done your job!
8. If you see dirt after wiping – anything yellow, black or brown – we recommend visiting a vet to make sure there’s not anything more serious going on.

Check their ears after cleaning

Healthy ears are pale pink and have only a mild scent. If anything looks off, you are consistently wiping out dirt, or your dog yelps or pulls away, it’s better just to hit pause and contact your vet.

Plus, early intervention is easier, safer – (and cheaper!) – than treating a full-blown ear infection.

Ultimately, regular ear checks can make a big difference, even if your dog doesn’t need frequent cleaning. A quick look and smell every so often helps you notice subtle changes early – before irritation turns into infection.

Want to prevent irritations, infections and buildups – with safe, gentle products? Shop all ear care and cleaning products at Petstock.

This Petstock article was last reviewed in February 2026. The information in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

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