Have you ever taken a peek inside your dog’s ears and thought, ‘Why are my dog’s ears so dirty?’ Ear health is super important for dogs, but it sometimes can be a bit tricky to determine when dog ears are too dirty and when earwax buildup might be a sign of infection.
Giulia D'Ignazio, a professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming, explains that the most common causes of ear issues in dogs are allergies and yeast infections. Both can lead to dirty-looking ears.
In this article, we’ll dig into the causes of dirty dog ears, the signs of ear problems in dogs, and whether you’re dealing with dirty dog ears or an ear infection. Plus, we’ll cover dog ear cleaning tips, including how to use dog ear wipes effectively.
How to Identify Dirty Ears in Dogs
Wondering if your dog’s ears need a little extra TLC? Dirty ears are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here are the telltale signs:
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Visible debris or wax buildup: If you see gunk inside your pup’s ears, it’s time to take a closer look.
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Odor: A funky, musty smell coming from your dog’s ears is almost a sure sign that something is up. In fact, this is a common symptom of canine ear infections.
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Frequent scratching: Constant ear scratching could mean that your dog’s ears feel itchy, which is often a sign of infection or lodged dirt.
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Head shaking or tilting: If your dog looks like they’re auditioning for a headbanger band, their ears might be bothering them.
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Rubbing their head: Dogs may also rub their heads against the floor in an attempt to scratch them. This is especially true if your dog has trouble reaching their ears for scratching, like Corgis and other breeds with short little legs.
Common Causes of Dirty Dog Ears
Wax Buildup
Just like us, all dogs naturally produce earwax, which keeps their ears clean and catches debris. But sometimes, their ears can overdo it, or earwax might not work its way out of the ear like it's supposed to. In these cases, you might need to use textured dog ear wipes to give it a little helping hand. Otherwise, this earwax can draw in more dirt and increase the chance of an infection.
Allergies
Strangely enough, when dogs eat something they’re allergic to, they tend to get itchy. This itchiness is most common on the feet, face, ears, front legs, and abdomen. If your dog is chewing their paws and scratching their ears, it may be because of allergies.
Infections
Bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections are big players when it comes to dirty dog ears. These infections often cause redness, swelling, and a foul odor. How do you tell the difference between normal, dirty ears and an ear infection? Giulia explains, “Usually, an ear infection is warm to the touch and has a pretty noticeable smell to it.”
Parasites
Ear mites are tiny but mighty troublemakers. They love to set up camp in your dog’s ears, leaving behind dark, almost coffee-ground-like debris. So, if you’re seeing this kind of gunk, it’s time to consult your vet about how to tackle ear mites effectively.
Dog Breeds Prone to Ear Infections & Other Issues
Some breeds, like those with floppy ears or lots of fur around the ear canal (we're looking at you, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles 👀), are more likely to face ear issues. Their ears trap moisture, making them a target for wax buildup, debris, and even infections.
Giulia has personally noticed that “Cocker Spaniels have the most ear infections.” She even suggests that pet parents tie their dogs' ears up every once in a while to let them dry out since moisture is a big driver of bacteria and yeast growth.
When to Worry About Dirty Ears
Not all dirty dog ears are cause for alarm. But some signs do absolutely warrant a visit to the vet. Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:
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Redness or inflammation: Irritated, red ears can signal an infection or allergic reaction.
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Swelling: Puffy, swollen dog ears could indicate an infection. They can also signal that your dog has been scratching their ears a lot and may be damaging them.
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Discharge: Any liquid oozing from your dog’s ears is a red flag, whether it’s clear, yellow, or brown.
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Foul smell: A strong, unpleasant odor from the ears is usually a sign of infection or yeast overgrowth.
Catching these symptoms and seeking veterinary care early can lead to easier treatment and fewer complications. If left untreated, infections can lead to some pretty serious side effects, like hearing loss. Luckily, though, infections are also easy to treat with prescription medications!
Preventing Dirty Ears
If your dog is prone to ear infections, there are several things you can do to help prevent them. Just because your dog got one ear infection doesn’t mean they’re cursed to get another!
Regular Cleaning Routines
Before a dog’s ears get infected, they often get dirty. Therefore, you can prevent many ear infections by cleaning your dog’s ears. Aim to clean your pup’s ears about once a week or as your vet recommends. Giulia notes, “Earth Rated ear wipes are extremely convenient and are usually less traumatizing than filling their ears with liquid.”
You can read more about cleaning your pup’s ears in our guide: How to Clean Dog’s Ears.
Grooming Tips for Dogs with Floppy Ears
Floppy-eared pups may need some extra TLC when it comes to their ears. Moisture and debris tend to get trapped in their droopy ears, which can lead to infections. You can combat this problem by keeping their ears dry and clean.
This might mean drying your dog’s ears with a soft towel after swimming or baths, for instance. Washing your dog is important, but it can lead to trapped moisture in your dog’s ears.
Dogs with floppy ears may also need more ear cleanings overall. Speak with your groomer about trimming inside your dog’s ears, too, as removing some of the fur can help limit the moisture and debris that get trapped.
Diet’s Role in Ear Health
Dogs with allergies tend to be more prone to ear infections. Avoiding their allergen can help reduce ear irritation. Environmental allergens can also cause problems, though, and they may be much harder to avoid. You can’t exactly take all the pollen out of the air, after all!
Work with your vet to identify food sensitivities and provide a diet that keeps both your dog’s tummy and ears happy.
How Dirty Ears Impact Overall Health
Dirty ears may seem like a minor annoyance. But they can have serious consequences if left unchecked. Chronic wax buildup or debris can create the perfect environment for bacterial or yeast infections, which, over time, might lead to permanent hearing loss. Swollen dog ears or recurring infections can even cause damage to the ear canal, making future issues harder to treat.
Beyond the physical risks, ear problems can greatly affect your dog’s comfort and happiness. All that dirt and earwax tends to be very itchy! It can keep dogs up at night and make it harder for them to enjoy everyday activities, like playtime.
Luckily, cleaning your dog’s ears is pretty straightforward and only takes a few moments a week. If cleaning your dog’s ears regularly doesn’t seem to help with their itchiness, consider speaking with your vet.
Best Products for Ear Care
When it comes to keeping your pup’s ears clean and healthy, it’s important to choose the right products. Opt for gentle, effective options that prioritize your dog’s comfort and align with responsible pet care.
Product: Earth Rated Ear Wipes
Key features: Hypoallergenic, pre-moistened, large and textured making it easy to lift debris from ears.
Best for: All dogs.
Earth Rated’s ear wipes are recommended for most dogs with dirty ears, as they’re designed specifically for this purpose. These wipes can make ear cleaning quick, easy, and stress-free. We have a step-by-step guide on how to clean your dog’s ears with ear wipes, too.
How Earth Rated Can Help
Your dog’s ear health is explicitly tied to their overall health. Regular ear care helps prevent wax buildup, infections, and discomfort, ensuring your pup stays healthy and content.
Earth Rated helps make ear care simple with our gentle, pre-moistened ear wipes. They’re designed to effectively clean your dog’s ears without irritating their sensitive skin. Unlike drops, they don’t require any setup on your part and can be used to effectively clean your dog’s ears in only a few minutes, making them a must-have for busy parents.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our grooming solutions for more effective and gentle products.
FAQs
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has an Ear Infection?
Look for signs like redness, swelling, discharge, a foul smell, or your dog frequently scratching their ears or shaking their head. If you notice any of these, consult your vet promptly.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?
If your dog is prone to dirty ears, clean them about once a week or as directed by your vet. Dogs with floppy ears or those prone to wax buildup may need more frequent cleaning.
What Should I Do If My Dog’s Ears Smell Bad?
A bad odor from your dog’s ears could indicate an infection. Contact your vet to rule out infections or other issues.
