Water in Dogs Ear Care and Treatment Options Explained

Water in a dog's ear can be a painful and potentially serious issue. Excess moisture can lead to infection, which can be challenging to treat.

The ear canal is a sensitive area, and water can easily enter it, especially after swimming or bathing. In fact, up to 20% of dogs experience ear infections after a bath.

Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent water from accumulating in the ear canal. This can be done with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls, but be careful not to push the cleaner too far into the ear.

Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Infections can be mild or severe, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

See what others are reading: Ear Infections

Ear mites are a common cause of ear problems in dogs, and can lead to serious complications like ear hematomas and infections. These microscopic parasites feed on the wax and oils inside your dog's ear, causing a buildup of debris that can block the ear canal.

Expand your knowledge: Put Ear Drops

Ear hematomas are firm, swollen masses on the inside of your dog's ear flap, often caused by head shaking or scratching due to ear mites or an infection. Treatment may involve draining the blood and surgery to prevent the ear flap from filling up with blood again.

Infections can also cause ear swelling in dogs, often resulting from a dog bite, foreign object, polyps, allergies, or water in the ear. If left untreated, an outer ear infection can progress to an inner ear infection, causing hearing loss or balance problems.

Here are some common causes of ear problems in dogs:

Dog ear swelling can be caused by several factors, including ear mites, which are microscopic parasites that feed on the wax and oils inside your dog's ear. Ear mites are a common problem in puppies and young dogs, but they can affect dogs of any age.

Ear hematomas, which are firm, swollen masses on the inside of your dog's ear flap, can also cause ear swelling. These occur when a blood vessel within the ear flap ruptures and bleeding occurs between the tissue layers.

Consider reading: Dogs Ear

Ear hematomas are often caused by head shaking or scratching due to ear mites or an infection. In some cases, the blood may need to be drained and surgery might be necessary to prevent the ear flap from filling up with blood again.

Ear infections, both inner and outer, can also cause ear swelling in dogs. These infections can be the result of a dog bite, a foreign object in your dog's ear, polyps, allergies, water in the ear, and other problems.

Symptoms of ear infections include discharge, odor, and discomfort. If left untreated, an outer ear infection can progress to an inner ear infection, which can be painful and even result in hearing loss or difficulties with balance.

Here are the common causes of ear swelling in dogs:

If your dog shows signs of distress or persistent symptoms after you've attempted to clear the water, it's time to consult a vet. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly using tools to visualize deep into the ear canal, and prescribe medication or professional cleaning procedures if necessary.

Vets can offer advice on specific products and techniques suited to your dog's needs, ensuring you're equipped to handle similar situations in the future safely. They can also provide guidance on preventive care, including recommendations for dog-safe water-repellent ear solutions that can be used before swimming or bathing.

Dogs with floppy ears, like poodles, cocker spaniels, and basset hounds, are especially prone to ear problems. Regular exams by your vet, especially for these breeds, can help detect any issues early on.

Your vet can provide tips on cleaning your dog's ears, and recommend ear cleaners and other products to keep their ears healthy. They can also advise on ear-drying solutions to help prevent infections after water activities.

If you suspect an ear infection has developed, don't hesitate to schedule a vet visit. Ear infections can cause significant discomfort and lead to more severe health issues if left untreated.

For more insights, see: Veteran Dog Treats

You can prevent water from getting into your dog's ears by blocking their external ear canals with a large cotton ball before swimming or bath time. This will help keep the water out and prevent infections.

If your dog is prone to ear infections, using a vet-recommended ear cleaner can be a more thorough drying process. These solutions are designed to break down ear wax and debris, create an environment that dries out excess moisture, and can be gently squirted into the ear canal.

Regular checks and cleaning are part of a preventative routine, especially for dogs with floppy ears or those who swim frequently. This can help prevent ear infections and keep your dog's ears healthy.

Using a commercial product to protect your dog's head from water can be an effective option, especially for dogs that swim frequently. Earmuffs, doggy earplugs, hoods, or gaiters can all work to keep most of the water out of their ears.

A word of caution: when using large cotton balls to block the ear canal, be careful not to squeeze them and trickle water right down into your dog's ears. This can actually make the problem worse.

Additional reading: When You Lie down with Dogs?

Preventing water from entering your dog's ears is crucial to avoid ear infections. Regular checks and cleaning are essential, especially for dogs with floppy ears or those who swim frequently.

Ear infections can cause significant discomfort and lead to more severe health issues if left untreated. Head shaking, scratching, redness, and odor are common symptoms of a dog ear infection.

To help prevent water from entering your dog's ears, you can use various products such as earmuffs, doggy earplugs, hoods, or gaiters. These products can be especially useful when giving your dog a bath or playing with them in a controlled environment like a kiddy pool or with a hose on a hot summer day.

Large cotton balls can also be used as a barrier for the deeper parts of the ear canal. Tuck one into each ear before letting your dog play, and periodically replace them when they get too soaked.

For DIY ear cleaning, you'll need a few simple supplies, including a hemostat (special scissors), commercial ear powder, commercial ear cleaning solution, and cotton (sterile medical grade preferred). Avoid using Q-Tips or alcohol as a dog ear medication.

Here's a step-by-step guide to DIY ear cleaning:

1. Straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the tip of the ear flap upwards.

2. Drip a dog ear cleaning solution into your dog's ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper.

3. Gently massage the base of your dog's ear with your thumb and forefinger for 30 seconds.

4. Tip your dog's head to the side and let the dog ear cleaning solution drip out onto a towel.

5. Allow your dog to shake out any excess dog ear wash.

6. Remove any excess wax or particles with a soft cloth, tissue, or specially made dog ear cleaning pad.

7. Ventilate your dog's ears by folding back their ears and allowing them to dry out for about five minutes.

8. Wrap things up by administering a dog ear drying powder.

If you notice a build-up of oil or wax inside the ear, you can use an Almond Oil dog ear cleaning solution. Simply pour a small amount of almond oil into a cup or glass, immerse it in hot water, and slowly drop the oil into your dog's ear canal using a plastic or glass dropper.

It's essential to know that water in a dog's ear can be a serious issue.

Dogs can get water in their ears during baths, swimming, or even just playing outside in the rain.

To prevent water from entering your dog's ear canal, you can use earplugs or a head halter with a built-in ear protection feature.

Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are more prone to ear infections due to their ear anatomy.

Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and dry skin in your dog's ears.

It's recommended to clean your dog's ears once a week, and to use a gentle ear cleaner specifically designed for dogs.