
- Persistent scratching sometimes to the point of being obsessive
- Red and irritated areas from constant scratching
- Open scratch wounds or sores
- Pain or tenderness when the ears are touched or rubbed
- Sour smell similar to the smell of sourdough starter
- Vigorous head shaking or rubbing ears on the carpet
- Dark discharge or darkened and excessive amounts of earwax
- Ear infections - This can be bacterial or fungal in nature; yeast infections are among the fungal organisms which are known to afflict canines
- Parasitic infestations - This can include fleas, ticks, mites and a variety of other parasites
- Cuts, abrasions and other wounds in the ear canal - These can result from nail injuries from the persistent scratching that accompanies ear infections
- Cancer
- Various bacterial organisms which are common to the skin and ear canal of the canine can take advantage of opportunities created by abrasions, cuts and other wounds allow the bacteria to cause an infection
- Fungal organisms - There are a variety of fungal organisms which are known to cause stinky ears in your canine family member, one of which is yeast
- Ear mites and other parasites can cause parasitic infections which will produce a foul smell
- Earwax buildup - Periodic cleaning of your pet’s ears may keep this cause under control
- Allergies - This can include food allergies as well as inhaled irritating allergens
- Trauma to the ear
- Hormonal abnormalities - This might include hypothyroidism
- Ear environment - This includes moisture which is retained or other ear environment which prevents the normal natural cleaning process that is built into the canine ear
- Hereditary conditions, immune issues and tumors
- If the cause is simply dirty ears, your veterinarian will likely clean your pet’s ears and give you a cleaning regimen to follow along with a cleaning schedule with which to use it
- If the cause has been determined to be a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will administer antibiotics topically, and there may be some administration of oral antibiotics which you will need to do at home for a specific period of time
- If the cause is found to be fungal in nature, fungicides will be administered by your vet and perhaps by you at home
- If a foreign body is determined to be the cause, removal of the foreign body will ensue and may be followed by a course of antibiotics if a bacterial infection is anticipated
- If parasites are at the root of the foul smell coming from the ears of your pet, appropriate treatment will be provided for them
- If hormonal imbalances, hereditary issues or tumors are found to be at fault for those smelly ears, appropriate medications and procedures will be recommended
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
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