They say that dogs have a better sense of smell than humans, but many veterinarians that have practiced long enough swear they can distinguish a bacterial from a yeast ear infection with a quick sniff. So don't think your vet is channeling his canine instincts when he flops over your pup's ears and takes a whiff.

Dr. Kaikhushroo Banajee is a small animal internal medicine and surgery intern at the University of Illinois Teaching Hospital in Urbana. He explains that typical signs owners should watch out for include, "scratching at the ears, rubbing, head shaking, and a foul smell."  Animals may also seem depressed or have a lack of appetite, as do most kids with ear ailments.

However, that is not always the case. Especially if you own a breed, like Labradors, known for their ravenous appetite. Countless unsuspecting owners walk into their veterinarian's office for an annual exam, only to find that their tail-wagger has a bad ear infection. That's why you should routinely check your pet's hearing apparatuses: give them a quick flip over and a good sniff every once in a while.

If you suspect something is wrong, "it's extremely important to consult your veterinarian as early as possible,"  says Dr. Banajee. The sooner the infection can be diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis.

There are several reasons pets may develop ear problems. "Dogs with narrow ear canals, floppy ears, and breeds with increased glands in the ear, such as cocker spaniels, are at an increased risk,"  says Dr. Banajee.

Other causes may be ear mites, which account for 50 percent of all cat ear infections and 10 percent of those in dogs. Underlying allergies and foreign bodies are also to blame.

That is why, though it may be tempting to use a Q-tip in your pet's ears, Dr. Banajee insists that "inserting anything into the ear canal without first consulting with your veterinarian can do much more harm than good."

Using leftover ear drops from other pets is not advisable either. Before prescribing the appropriate medication, a veterinarian must determine if the eardrum is still intact, and also figure out what type of "bug"  is causing the problem. Unless you possess an otoscope, a microscope, and the knowledge of what drug treats what, don't risk causing your pet more trouble.

Although not all ear disorders can be prevented, some can. "Dogs that go swimming are at an increased risk for developing ear infections since the moist environment is a good place for bacteria to grow,"  says Dr. Banajee. He recommends that if your dog enjoys throwing on its swimsuit, you thoroughly dry out those ears after each dip.

Ear infections can be frustrating to treat because there are many causes. In most cases, an underlying process, such as an allergy or bad ear conformation, is what has made the animal more likely to have a bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

Because ear disorders can be complex, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian at the first sign your pet is symptomatic. Though your veterinarian may chuckle if you walk in with a close pin on your nose, try not to laugh too hard when he takes a whiff.