Ear Infections After Swimming: Preventing and Spotting Them in Dogs

In summer, between swims and heat, ear infections are common. Moisture that sits in the ear canal creates ideal conditions for infection, especially in dogs with floppy ears.

This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a veterinarian.

Why moisture leads to ear infections

After a swim in the sea, a lake or a pool, water stays trapped in the canal, especially if the ears are floppy and the canal poorly ventilated. This warm moisture encourages bacteria and yeast to multiply — hence the infection.

Prevent after every swim

Gently dry the entrance of the ears with a soft cloth or a gauze pad after every swim, without pushing anything into the canal. A suitable ear cleaner (prescribed by your veterinarian) can help keep the canal healthy. Check the ears of at-risk breeds more often in summer.

Spotting an ear infection

The signs: repeated head shaking, scratching at the ear, redness, an unusual odor, discharge, an ear that’s painful to the touch. An untreated ear infection gets worse and becomes painful: better to see a vet at the first signs than to attempt any deep cleaning yourself.

Sources

General veterinary recommendations. If you see signs of an ear infection, consult your vet.