Pets Care

Dogs have a keen auditory faculty. To help retain this extraordinary attribute, a dog’s ear canal is L-shaped to protect the tympanic membrane (ear drum) from any kind of injury. The typical structure of a dog’s ear means that a foreign substance that enters the ear or wax or debris that accumulates due to infections, has to work its way upwards rather than straight out, as is the case in the human ear. This makes it difficult for any thing going in to come out easily.

Common ear infections like dog ear mites and yeast infection lead to an increased production of wax, which has to be removed manually. Breeding of dogs has added to the problem in as far as drooping eared breeds are concerned. The drooping ears do not let the ears dry easily. Moist ears are a sure invitation for infections to establish roots.

Ear mites and other ear infections cause excessive itching, which is the root cause of blood clots that develop in a dog’s ear lobe. When a dog is uncomfortable due an ear infection, he is prone to shake his head and scratch ears vigorously. This leads to bleeding due a rupture in a vessel in the external ear. Medically known as hematomas, clots occur because there is nothing in the ear that can produce enough pressure to stop the bleeding and the blood vessel swells. These blood clots can develop into serious conditions if not treated in time.

Most ear infections are effectively managed by regular cleaning followed by home remedies for ear mites like vinegar and water or mineral oil and vitamin C. In severe infections a full ear flush is required even for examining the ear to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort to the dog. Once a haematoma is diagnosed the treatment is limited to the following three options:

* Aspiration in which the fluid is drained out with the aid of a syringe. There is a strong possibility in this method that the blood vessel will swell again.
* Teat Cannula that involves a small flexible tube that is inserted into the swollen vessel for draining off the fluid.
* Surgery, which includes an incision that is made in the ear and the blood clots are removed. The cut is later closed with sutures.

The basic preventive measures for hematomas are similar to those for other ear infections. Regular grooming and ear cleaning of pet ears is a must and any laxity in the routine can cause a lot of discomfort to your pet. For example, even relatively less bothersome conditions like cat ear mites can develop into serious conditions if ear cleaning is not done on a regular basis. Haematomas can also cause many problems. Left untreated, they can lead to a complete blockage of the ear. After treatment, your pet may not look the same as before as surgery can alter the shape of the ear.

References:

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_41.shtml

http://ezinearticles.com/?Care-for-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=52737

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ear_infections.html

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Dog-Ear-Infection.30643

Nature has provided man and animal alike with an immune system that can fight back diseases in many cases. But there are many ailments that the domesticated dog faces today due to the fact that it has been kept in an unnatural environment and bred for years. The breeding has given rise to changes that are not very conducive to dog’s health. One example is development of breeds with dropping ears.

The L-shapes ear canal protects the ear drum from foreign substances reaching the sensitive organ. However, this also means that whatever goes in the ear cannot come out on its own. Long droopy ears restrict easy flow of air. Large amount of hair that grows in the ear canal of Terriers, Poodles and some other breeds also inhibits air circulation. Water that enters the inner ear takes a long time to dry on its own.

Sometimes weeds and other organic substances enter the ear and result in ear canker. Canker is primarily a fungal disease of woody plants. In dogs it may cause a localized ulceration. Canker infection often results in a foul smell and a darkish discharge that emanates from the ear. Some weeds and organic matter can work their way into the inner canal and cause irreparable harm to the dog’s ear. It severe conditions it may also prove to fatal.

A nominal amount of ear wax production is natural in dogs. Dogs and cats are susceptible to attacks from parasites like ear mites. Wet inner ears, dog ear mites and foreign organic substances can combine together and cause serious infections in your dog’s ears. An infection in the ear causes the dog to scratch ears, shake his head without any reason and adopt abnormal behaviors. Ear infections are painful and the dog may not like to be petted on his head and may even find it difficult to open his mouth.

Domestic pets need regular help from their owners for grooming, getting rid of dog and cat ear mites, skin care and hygiene. Grooming and keen observation of abnormal behaviors is the best way of getting to know your pet’s problems. Ear infections are common in dogs and ear cleaning should form an important part of grooming. There are useful home remedies for dog ear mites that can eliminate mites. These can be used for cleaning the dog’s ear on a regular basis also. If you choose to get rid of the ear mites in the natural way, you are not likely to face any side effects. Some of the natural remedies even help in boosting up the immune system for pets so that mild conditions can be combated automatically.

References:

http://www.petgroomer.com/Grooming101/Articles/ear_cleaning-revised.htm

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=269154

Aural hematomas (swollen ear flaps) are a moderately common condition in dogs but less prevalent in cats. The cause behind aematomas is not exactly known but it is linked to excessive flapping of the ears. This makes breeds that have long ears more susceptible to the condition.

A hematoma is a swelling caused by a ruptured blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. Aural haematoma occurs when a blood vessel within the ear flap breaks and the ear flap swells with blood. The swelling can be partial or complete and in severe conditions may even block the ear canal totally. The ear flap can fluctuate, appear like a balloon and result in a significant change in the carriage of the ear.

Untreated aematomas may heal without any treatment over a period of time. However, this option is preferred only in cases where the dog cannot be given an anesthesia. Left alone, an aural hematoma can disfigure the ears giving them a shape that is commonly known as ‘cauliflower’ ears.

Treatment options for aural hematomas include a simple aspiration, pie-crusting sutures and placement of a teat cannula. Aspiration involves draining of the fluid with a syringe. This only serves a temporary purpose as the space vacated by the fluid is easily filled by another spurt of blood or fluid.

The other two modes of treatment that are relatively more permanent involve minor surgeries and are recommended procedures for treating aural haematomas. A surgical incision is made in the ear flap and the fluid, blood and blood clots are removed. The wound caused by the incision is then sealed with sutures to prevent refilling of the hematoma.

Teat cannula, used for draining milk or infected discharges in cattle, is also used to treat haematomas if they are large enough to house the device. This drains out the fluid in the haematoma and is then allowed to heal on its own. Teat cannula, however, can be a bit problematic for the dog as he has to tolerate a foreign substance in his ear for several weeks.

From easily treatable ear mites to tumors that require prolonged treatments and surgery, pet ears cause considerable problems to pets. Pet owners can prevent development of many medical conditions in their pets by keen observation, regular grooming and timely intervention. For example, dog ear mites are a common infection in dogs that can be detected during grooming before they can actually cause further harm. Cat ear mites may not be as common but they can cause considerable harm to kittens.

Many times it is a simple case of taking recourse to home remedies for dog ear mites that can effectively treat the condition. Ear mites can cause intense itching and compel the dog to shake his head. Aural haematomas being associated with excessive head shaking can thus be one of the conditions that can be avoided if you are regular in grooming your pet.

References:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_aural_hematoma.html

http://animalpetdoctor.homestead.com/Ears.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Care-for-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=52737

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Do-My-Dogs-Ears-Stink?&id=489056

Pet owners are often confronted with pet ear problems. Even though there reasons other than ear mites are the most common cause of ear infections in pets. Some major causes of infections in dog ears are:

* Wet ears that do not dry on their own
* Dog ear mites
* Skin diseases
* Allergic reactions
* Injury to the ear canal
* Insect bites

The structure of a dog’s ear is such that water gets entrapped easily in the ear canal. A dog’s ears naturally produce some amount of wax. This wax should be cleaned regularly as part of normal grooming. Severe instances of infection normally leads to excessive wax production that refuses to go away despite regular cleaning.

Moist wax is an invitation for yeast infection. If your dog scratches or rubs his ears excessively or shakes his head without any reason, it is prudent to inspect the ears for any signs of yeast infection. A particularly foul odor, redness, swelling of the external ear and an oily discharge are sure indications of a yeast infection.

In most cases, dogs can fight yeast infections on their own. But this is possible only if they have a strong immune system. If your dog is suffering from a yeast infection, avoid feeding table leftovers to your dog and switch to healthy and balanced dog food. Human food is not suitable for dogs and by giving in to the whining and begging that your dog may indulge in can actually be dangerous for your pet. Only diets that have been formulated specifically for dogs will keep the immune system in fighting fit condition. Stick to natural diets that do not contain synthetic additives.

Your first step in treating yeast infection in dogs should be to ensure that his ears remain as dry as possible. Breeds with long drooping ears deserve more attention as floppy ears prevent free passage of air. If possible fold the ears back and tie a head band when he is indoors.

Make sure that you clean your dog’s ears while grooming. If you see any excessive wax, pour a few drops of vinegar and water solution in the ears. It is a very effective home remedy for dog ear mites that will loosen the wax so that you can clean it with a cotton swab. If you see any signs of injury in the ear, avoid using vinegar and use mineral oil mixed with Vitamin C instead.

Antibiotics are known for killing beneficial bacteria along with the infection-causing bacteria. Avoid antibiotics as this disruption weakens the dog’s immune system and allows the yeast infection to gain a foothold in the body. You may discuss the use of herbs that have antimicrobial enzyme-producing properties.

Dogs are not naturally domestic animals but have been made to evolve in a domestic environment. Moreover, breeding has resulted in vulnerability to diseases that are not otherwise common in wild dogs. And therefore, your dog needs your help in grooming and prevention of infections that he cannot combat on his own.

References:

http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dogindex.html

http://www.vetprof.com/clientinfo/ear-diseases.html

http://www.seefido.com/dog-discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=1505

http://dogearyeastinfection.com/five_tips_to_heal_your_dogs_ear_yeast_infection.html

Otitis Externa is a medical term for a chronic or recurrent ear infection of the external ear and the ear canal. It is the result of a vicious circle of cause and effect. Poor grooming and unclean ears often act as an invitation for bacterial and fungal infections. Treatment is difficult as the anatomy of the dog ear does not allow the medication to reach the inner ear easily. Infection causes the skin lining of the external ear to thicken, which further inhibits exit of infectious fluid and entry of medications for treating the infection.

Dog ear infections are common but mild occurrences tend to aggravate. When the dog scratches his ears due to the itching, further complications like blood clots and haematoma are likely to occur. The external ear skin thickens and becomes reddened and scaly. With the passage of time, a discolored secretion starts creating a foul odor that is unbearable.

As the condition aggravates the ear assumes a cauliflower-like appearance, eventually leading to the blockage of the ear passage. Once the infection reaches the middle ear, otitis externa becomes more painful and brings about behavioral changes in the dog. The dog is likely to become less responsive and will shy away from opening his mouth or being petted on the head.

While treating otitis externa, it is more important to establish the reason for the infection. Bacterial and fungal infections have underlying conditions for them to prevail. Your veterinarian may look for one or more of these predisposing causes.

The underlying cause of otitis externa in young dogs and cats is the prevalence of ear mites. Though less prevalent, cat ear mites are equally painful and itchy when they occur. Ear mites are small external parasites that cause intense itching and a thick brown wax like discharge. Other causes may include:

* Long floppy ears or a small ear canal that does not allow free circulation of air.
* A genetic susceptibility.
* Weak thyroid.
* Hormonal problems.
* Skin disorders.

Treating otitis externa in dogs in a complete manner includes treatment of the underlying cause of bacteria or yeast. Infections caused by bacteria, yeast or dog ear mites are usually treated medically. Where medications do not bring about the desired results, the veterinarian may suggest tests to rule out thyroid malfunction or a systemic illness.

Surgery is recommended when the problem is caused by a tumor, narrowing of the ear canal or a blockage due to thickening of the skin lining the external ear. Severe instances of otitis externa lead to calcification of the ear canal cartilage. Total or partial ear ablation is the only treatment in such cases.

The typical L-shaped anatomy of the dog ear is mostly responsible for the aggravation of an otherwise mild ailment. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular cleaning of ears are simple procedures that pet owners can follow regularly to avoid what can be an extremely painful condition for a dog.

References:

http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/OtitisExterna/

Dog ear infections mostly involve pathogenic organisms that are sensitive to antibiotics and are easily treatable. After an antibiotic treatment regime, most of the bacteria are killed but in certain cases the residual infection is of a resistant and literally immortal bacterium called pseudomonas.

Pseudomonas is a special species of rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria, resistant to every antibiotic known to the medical world. Gram-negative relates to bacteria that do not retain the violet stain used in Gram’s Method.

Dog ear infections are a common occurrence and there are certain factors that combine to cause infections in a dog’s ear. These are:

* The dog ear anatomy that does not facilitate easy expulsion of parasites, debris, wax or foreign substance that once enters the ear.
* The L-shaped structure of the dog that provides a moist and humid environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive upon.
* Long floppy ears that prevent air circulation for easy drying of ears.
* Allergic reactions.
* Thyroid dysfunction.
* Parasites like dog ear mites.
* Side effects of drugs.
* Unclean ears.
* Immune mediated and other medical conditions.

A microscopic examination of the discharge from ears determines whether the infection is caused by bacteria or fungi. The culture of the discharge helps in establishing whether pseudomonas is still present and sensitive to some antibiotic or not.

If yes, then high doses of quinolone antibiotics like enrofloxacin or orbifloxacin (oral) are needed for the treatment because inadequate dosage is likely to make the pseudomonas resistant to even these drugs. Pseudomonas requires a definite treatment right from the beginning and any laxity can make treatment a difficult proposition.

Whether it is a case of dog or cat ear mites, the treatment regime is the same. Pseudomonas can prove to be a difficult infection to treat and require utmost care and specialist treatments.

Ear infections in dogs are often caused due to poor hygiene, resulting due to bad ear grooming habits. Ear cleaning should be an important part of grooming dogs and cats. This can be done at home with the aid of home remedies for dog ear mites.

Clean your pet’s ear regularly and on the first signs of any ear mite infection, use a vinegar and water solution to loosen the accumulated wax and wipe off with a cotton swab. Mineral oil and Vitamin C drops are very effective for killing ear mites since the solution closes their pores. If infection still persists, your veterinarian would be the right person to guide you in future course of action.

References:

http://www.asm.org/Media/index.asp?bid=42871

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/dogeardisease.html

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Dog-Ear-Infection.30643

http://www.vetmedpub.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=179408

If your dog shakes his head too often, don’t just shirk it off as a funny habit. Dogs do not shake their heads without reason. If your dog shakes his head too often, you have every reason to suspect an infection in the ears.

Ear infection is common in pets. One of the most prevalent causes of ear infections is allergies. These allergies are caused by wet ears that become damp, hot and humid due to the fact that most dogs have ear flaps that cover the ear canal. Dog ears should be kept dry and should be cleaned regularly to avoid wax build up and excessive hair growth. Ear mites are another major reason for ear infections.

The natural appearance of the cartilaginous structure of the external ear is pink and feels flat when touched. Any thickening indicates presence of an infection. You should be able to see the ear canal clearly. While a small amount of discharge and wax is natural, any abnormal accumulation of debris or a foul odor indicates an infection. A yellow discharge points towards yeast infection and a black debris indicates dog ear mites.

Vinegar diluted in an equal amount of water is a safe home remedy that can be used to remove excess debris from the ear. Put in a few drops and allow your dog to shake his head (which he will do). This will loosen the wax to a large extent. Then remove the debris with a cotton swab wrapped around your finger, pushing it as deep in the ear as you can. Repeat the process till the inside of the ear is clear.

Don’t use vinegar if there are any open sores in the ear. A garlic pod soaked overnight in olive oil works well in such cases. Remove the garlic and put five to six drops in the ear, twice daily for 7 to 10 days. This will also help in refurbishing the animal’s immune system.

Ear mites are contagious and can pass on from one pet to another. Dog and cat ear mites live their entire life on the host and can cause severe inflammation. Any natural oil block the breathing pores of mites and kill them. A half ounce almond oil and vitamin E mixture is one the most useful home remedies for ear mites. It works in a manner similar to the vinegar- water solution. Just pour a few drops in both the ears. The dog will shake his head. You can then clean the ear with a cotton swab.

Some breeds have long ears. This prevents a free flow of air and prevents the inside of the ear to remain dry. Moist wax is a sure invitation for mites and infections. Too much hair in the ears can trap dust and dirt causing infections. It is important to remove hair in the ears periodically so that a hygienic environment is created. Apply dog ear powder ensuring that the base of the hairs is properly covered. Once the powder dries you can start pulling out hair with your fingers or tweezers. Since this can be irritating to the dog, pluck only a few hairs at a time and stop for a while before starting again.

Ear cleaning should be integral to regular grooming of pets. This will go a long way in detecting early signs of infections that may be developing. Your keen observation and timely action can make life comfortable for your loving pet.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dogs-and-Ear-Problems&id=468269

http://www.victortunggal.com/Article/Home-Remedies-for-Pets/6109

http://a-to-z-wellness.com/pain/Dog-Ear-Care—Keeping-Your-Dogs-Ears-Healthy–Pain-Free.htm

http://www.e-articledirectory.com/Article/Ear-Mite-Home-Remedies/1541

The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections. Chronic and recurrent ear infections that do not respond to treatment may even require surgery. Vertical Canal Ablation and Lateral Wall Resection are designed to modify the anatomy of the dog’s ear to facilitate easy exit of fluids, much like as it is done in the human ear.

Total Ear Canal Ablation involves removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canal, the ear drum and part of the middle ear. It is the ultimate treatment when nothing else works. It removes the infected ear and allows fluid to be drained from the middle ear. The process involves removing the entire amplification system of the body and if this surgery is performed on both ears, the dog becomes deaf. To understand ear ablation, it is necessary to know the significant role that the structure of a dog ear plays in ear infections.

The anatomy of a dog ear is one of the major reasons behind chronic inflammation of the external ear. including externally visible cartilaginous structure and the ear canal. Unlike the human ear that has a short, straight and a horizontal passage leading to the ear drum, dog ear has an L-shaped passage. The vertical ear canal is shaped like a funnel and takes a 90 degree horizontal turn to end up at the ear drum. Any fluid that gets trapped in a dog’s ear cannot come out easily. The typical shape also makes it difficult for any medication to reach the ear drum.

The retained fluid and external parasites like dog ear mites lead to infection. A long standing infection triggers excess production of wax and other infectious fluids making the ear a welcome residence for ear mites and yeast. The resultant inflammation causes thickening of the skin that lines the external ear creating further problems in treatment.

Chronic ear infections often lead to injury in the middle ear cavity and can thicken the ear canal to such an extent that it becomes akin to a bone. Malignant tumors in the ear that have not metastasized through the cartilage or into the middle ear cavity too should undergo surgery.

Prognosis of Total Ear Canal Ablation is encouraging as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian surgeon. This helps in avoiding any complications during this delicate procedure. Like all surgeries, the Total Ear Canal Ablation procedure needs to be followed up so that any post surgical complications can be addressed quickly. After an ear ablation, total or partial, your dog may live long but he may never be the same as before.

Your pet is your responsibility and when you bring a pet home, it is incumbent upon you to take proper care of its health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you get down to thinking about it, whether it is dog or cat ear mites, the infection is initiated by poor grooming. Dogs and cats require help from owners. Regular and proper ear cleaning can save you a lot of expense and your pets from a great deal of discomfort.

References:

http://www.southpaws.com/topics/ears.htm

http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/ear_ablation.htm

Dog ear canals are L-shaped to protect the sharp hearing capabilities of dogs. This unusual shape is nature’s way of protecting the ear drum. But this shape is also the major reason why an ear infection is common in dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that the structure allows the ear mites moisture, ear wax and debris to accumulate.

When moisture and excessive wax accumulates in the ear, it can lead to severe infection of the ear, especially if there is also a prevalence of dog ear mites. Conventional medications that include antibiotics and antifungal drugs tend to weaken the immune system. Home remedies for dog ear mites, on the other hand, attempt to focus on the underlying cause without harming other functions of the body.

* A yeast infection is indicated by an accumulation of brownish-pink wax. Dilute white acetic acid or vinegar in an equal quantity of water and pour a few drops in the dog’s ears. Massage the area mildly and then remove the loosened wax with a cotton swab. Do not use this remedy if there is an open sore wound in the ear. Vinegar us likely to irritate the dog. Use mineral or almond or olive oil with Vitamin C to loosen the wax so that it can be cleaned.
* Pau d’arco, an herb that comes from the inner bark of a South American tree is a natural antibiotic recommended for dogs. Tincture of pau d’arco with a little bit of mineral oil will go a long way to remove ear infection.
* The adrenal glands play an important role in containing ear infections in dogs. You can improve the function of the adrenal glands by giving a regulated dose of Vitamin C. Keep a watch on the bowel movements of the dog and manage the dose so that it does not lead to diarrhea.
* A natural healthy homemade diet is highly recommended to avoid harmful effects of commercial diets that use synthetic preservatives and additives. This will help to eliminate toxins, curtail the production of wax and also support the automatic immune responses.
* Breeds with long drooping ears are at a greater risk of developing ear mites. Tie a hand band to allow free air circulation of air in the ears, at least when the dog is indoors.
* Trim hair regularly during grooming to give an easy passage to air to get in and dry the inner ear thoroughly after a bath.

Cat ear mites are less common than dog ear mites but negligence in grooming can even cause rare conditions like cat ear mites to occur. Ear infections usually affect the outer ear and proper grooming can take care of practically all conditions. However, if your dog is still scratching ears too much, it is time to consult a specialist. Too much scratching can lead to a rupture of a blood vessel and cause a haematoma that may block the ear completely. Head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes indicates infection of the inner ear that should be attended only by a veterinarian.

References:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/419/dog-ear-infections/

http://natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/dogs-puppies/dog-ears-antibiotic-cleaner/

http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/eareyes.htm

A dog’s ears were not meant to stink but they still do. Nature made all provisions necessary for maintaining health of all organisms, whether in the plant or animal kingdoms. If organisms are vulnerable to attack from external elements they were provided with external and internal systems to combat them.

A close look at the coat of a dog will make you realize its need to protect the dog from the vagaries of the climate. Had the human species not evolved the way it has, there would still be a hairy coat on us. A comparison between the ears of a dog in your house and those of a fox or wolf will let you understand the problems that man has created by interfering with nature by breeding and domesticating the wild dog. A wild fox’s ears are always upright because they were meant to be like that for proper ventilation. Breeding gave rise to breeds with drooping ears and excessive hair growth in ears, which brought in its wake dog ear problems.

Drooping ears and hair in the ears lead to a typical situation that is mostly responsible for stinky ears. Dog’s ears should be clean and dry. But among the drooping ear breeds whatever goes inside the ear is not likely to come out.

However, bad odor is not is particularly breed specific and can occur in all breeds – even those with upright ears. Bad odor is also a sign of infection. A yellowish discharge indicates presence of a yeast infection while black debris points towards the presence of dog ear mites. These discharges cause stinky ears in dogs.

Pets are usually very efficient in self grooming. For example cats self groom a lot but if they get affected with cat ear mites they need your help in removing them. Routine ear care is imperative for maintaining the health of your pets. At the first sign of odor, clean your dog’s ears. Home remedies for dog ear mites can be very useful in killing mites and remove the accompanying odor.

* Vinegar diluted in rubbing alcohol or water usually cleans your dog’s ear of the wax by loosening it up. Clean the loosened wax with a cotton swab with strokes that move inside-out. Don’t use vinegar if you see any open sores in the ears. Vinegar is liable to cause irritation and a burning sensation.
* Dip a garlic pod in olive oil and let it remain overnight. Pour a couple of drops in the dog’s ear in the morning after removing the garlic. This will block the pores of the mites and kill them. Garlic is good for the immune system of the dog also.
* Mineral oils with Vitamin C serve the same purpose.
* Perhaps the most popular, easy and effective remedy for cleaning dog ears is hydrogen peroxide.

Stinky ears are not the problem but a condition caused by sloppy grooming and hygiene. Wax that accumulates due to ear mites or any other reason offers a moist, humid and warm residing environment for mites and yeast to survive and grow. Whether your dog has long ears or not, stinky ears signify that there is an ear problem that you have to attend to. Cleaning the ears first will most probably save you an extra visit to the veterinarian.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Do-My-Dogs-Ears-Stink?&id=489056