Stinky Ears

[Reverend Inked]

We have a black lab and he has the world's worst smelling ears...
We have tried just about everything.
Vinegar.
Ear Powder.
Q-tips.
His ears stink does anyone have a sure cure.His ears don't seem to be dirty.Like I said I clean the ears treat the ears and just can't get rid of the smell....

[Dignity]

are you sure he doesn't have an ear infection? When my dogs have a smell coming from their ears - it always means ear infection.

if you're sure there is no ear infection, then you can clean with 1 part water and 1 part vinegar.

[groominglady]

You might have the vet check for a fungal infection. Those infections tend to be dry and not look like they're much inflamed, but stink to high heaven.

I don't recommend using Qtips on dogs' ears - they cause more problems then they solve.

Dignity's suggestion works well and will acidify the ears to inhibit bacterial growth. I have the heebies with water, personally, and so I use a commercial ear cleaner for the same effect. Make sure to clean the hair surrounding the ear canal as well to kill stinky bacteria hiding in the hair.

There are several good brands of ear cleaner, but I do like to pour a capful in and squish it around before wiping it out with cotton balls.

[Brandy_Kerasmom]

I have a choc lab and her ears stink as well. She went to the vet last year and we found out that she has a food allergy. She is allergic to corn and beef and we are still trying to rule out what else she could be allergic to. I would take your dog to the vet so he can be properly examined. Ginger, my choc lab, is on a lamb and rice diet. Hope this helps!

[Reverend Inked]

I will have to set up a visit to the vet.
I was kind of hoping it was just one of those things but we don't want him to be sick or get in infection.
Thanks for the advice.

[Dignity]

I just had posted in another thread - my dog loki is prone to ear infections. I have used petalive ear dr. - it helped him get through one of his infections, but it doesn't work as stuff from the vet.