Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/22/2005

Question
I have a German Shepherd around 7 years old.  Lately her ears seem to be itching her and they smell a bit more than usual.  She tends to scratch them if I touch them and she seems a bit more lethargic than usual.  Is this something common and or easy to cure?  Is there a home remedy that I can use or does she need to go to the vet?

Thanks

Answer
In the summer months, when dogs smell it is usually because their skin is reacting to some type of allergy.  The ears follow suit with inflammation, wax, and infection.  You should let your vet look at the dog to get him on medication that will help.  In the meantime, you can bathe the dog and put a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water into the ear daily.  Massage the ears to disperse the liquid. Wipe out what comes out of the ear after 5 minutes.