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Why do my dog's ears smell fishy? Is it an infection or yeast?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | 1 year and 11 months old | 25 lbs

My dog (I assume her ears) smells lhas a fishy smell. Is it a bacteria o something else?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on September 26th, 2018

Hi there. A foul odor from the ears is often a sign of an ear infection, which can be caused by either yeast or bacteria. If Liz does have an ear infection, she will need prescription ear drops from the vet to treat it, so I would recommend taking her in for an exam when you're able to. He/she can take a sample of the discharge inside the ear canal for analysis to determine what type of infection is present, and will prescribe an appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2020

    It sounds like Axl has a bad ear infection. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, and bacteria, and the cause needs to be diagnosed so he can treated correctly. Only a vet can do this. Please take him into a vet in the morning to get this diagnosed and treated, leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2017

    It's probably an ear infection, often it cannot be seen from the outside. Ear infections are very common in dogs, it is usually caused by either yeast or bacterial disease (mites are less common in dogs). the treatment is usually simple and straightforward, you will have to take him to the vet and get the ears checked, then a prescription ear drops will be prescribed according to the infectious agent.

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