Ear Infections

Smelly ears are usually a sign of an underlying issue, most commonly an ear infection. Ear infections, whether bacterial or yeast-based, can cause a foul odor due to the overgrowth of microorganisms within the ear canal. Other potential causes of odor include excessive earwax buildup, foreign objects, or even allergies.

Chronic ear infections are often caused by a combination of factors, with allergies being a leading culprit. These allergies, whether environmental or food-related, can disrupt the skin barrier and increase earwax production, creating an environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. Other contributing factors include ear mites, excessive moisture from swimming or bathing, foreign bodies in the ear canal, and underlying endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism.

A dog’s swollen ear flap, also known as an aural hematoma, is usually caused by a broken blood vessel within the ear flap, leading to a buildup of blood. This can be triggered by an underlying condition within the ear that causes the dog to shake its head vigorously, potentially leading to blood vessel rupture.