Hey, pet parents! Dr. B here from Pet Health, back with the fourth blog in our September series, all about ear health. Today, we’re making a splash with tips on swimming and ear care for dogs. Swimming is an everyday occurrence for some pets in sunny Las Vegas, especially in the summer. While swimming is a fantastic way for your pet to cool off and have fun, it can also impact their ear health. This blog will dive into how swimming affects ear health and provide tips to manage and prevent ear issues in water-loving dogs.

Understanding the Relationship Between Swimming and Ear Health

How Swimming Affects a Dog’s Ears

Just like people, some dogs can swim without ever having ear issues. For others, the moisture that enters their ear canals during swimming, combined with the ear’s anatomy, can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to ear infections.

Predisposition to Ear Infections

Several factors make some dogs more prone to ear infections. A dog’s ear canal is L-shaped, which can trap moisture. Dogs with floppy ears or lots of ear hair are especially susceptible. Some dogs can develop Swimmer’s Ear, similar to humans, where water remains in the ear, creating a moist environment that fosters bacterial growth.

For most dogs, swimming and water in the ears are predisposing factors for an underlying environmental or food allergy. They are more prone to ear infections, starting the cascade of events leading to an infection.

Common Symptoms

Be on the lookout for common symptoms of ear infections, including:

Scratching at the ears
Head shaking
Redness
Swelling
Odor
Discharge

For more detailed information, check out our previous blog, Understanding Ear Infections in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Parents.

Preventive Tips for Pet Parents

Pre-Swimming Precautions

Before heading to the pool, inspect your dog’s ears for any signs of infection, especially if your dog has a history of chronic or recurring ear infections. If an ear infection is present, it is best to keep Fluffy out of the water and visit your vet.

Post-Swimming Care

Drying the Ear After swimming, let your dog shake their head to remove excess water, then thoroughly dry their ears with a cotton ball, clean cloth, or towel. Another way to keep your pet’s ears moisture-free is to use a hairdryer on a cool setting. Gently dry your pet’s ears on the lowest setting to avoid discomfort or injury.

Removing Excess Hair If you’ve read my previous blog, The Truth About Dog Ear Hair: Separating Myth from Fact, you know I’m not a fan of hair plucking in dogs, as it can create inflammation that leads to infections. However, for dogs with excessive ear hair and recurrent ear infections, a hair trim by a qualified groomer or veterinary professional can help prevent water from being trapped in the ear canal, thereby reducing the risk of infections.

Post-Swimming Flushes There are many over-the-counter ear flushes designed to remove debris and wax, but moisture is the real issue with swimming. I prefer using a drying agent with my post-swimming ear flushes. These alcohol-based flushes help dry the ear canal after cleaning. Remember, these typically require a prescription, so talk to your vet to see if this would benefit your pet. For detailed instructions on how to flush your dog’s ear canal, click here.

Conclusion

Swimming can be fun and healthy for your dog, but it also poses risks to ear health, especially for dogs prone to infections or with underlying allergies. You can significantly reduce the risk of ear infections by inspecting your dog’s ears before swimming and thoroughly drying them afterward. Be proactive in maintaining your dog’s ear health, and always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

Keep those ears healthy, and enjoy those summer swims! Until next time, Dr. B signing off. Happy pet parenting, and stay tuned for more tips and tricks to keep your pets happy and healthy!