Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet, and they spike in warm seasons for a straightforward reason: water. Between swimming in the Ottawa River, splashing at the cottage, and the general humidity, dog ears spend a lot of time damp, and a damp ear canal is exactly what bacteria and yeast want.
The good news is that ear infections are largely preventable with a few simple habits. Here’s how to keep your dog’s ears healthy through the wet months.
Why dogs are so prone to ear infections
It comes down to plumbing. A dog’s ear canal is L-shaped. It runs down and then turns inward toward the eardrum. That bend traps moisture and debris, making it hard for water to drain out on its own. Add warmth and a little moisture, and you’ve created an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to multiply.
Some dogs are more vulnerable than others. Breeds with long, floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Retrievers trap more moisture and have less airflow, so the canal stays damp longer. Dogs with allergies are also far more prone because inflammation changes the ear’s environment and invites infection. And dogs that swim a lot, regardless of breed, are at higher risk simply from repeated exposure to water.
The swimming and moisture connection
Water that gets into the ear canal during a swim doesn’t always drain back out, especially in floppy-eared dogs. It pools in that L-shaped bend; the canal stays warm and wet, and within a day or two, you can have the beginnings of an infection. This is why “swimmer’s ear” is such a reliable pattern in dogs who swim regularly.
The single most effective preventive habit is simple: dry your dog’s ears after every swim or bath. Use a soft towel or cotton ball to gently dry the part of the ear you can easily reach. Never push anything deep into the canal. And for dogs who swim a lot, ask your vet about a drying ear solution designed to evaporate trapped moisture.
How to clean your dog’s ears safely
Regular cleaning helps, but technique matters. Over-cleaning or doing it wrong can cause its own problems. Here’s the safe approach:
- Use a vet-approved dog ear cleaner. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or water, which can irritate the canal or leave moisture behind.
- Fill the ear canal with the cleaner as directed on the bottle.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for several seconds. You’ll hear a squishing sound as it loosens debris.
- Let your dog shake their head. This brings debris up out of the canal.
- Wipe away the loosened debris from the outer ear and the opening with a cotton ball or gauze.
- Never insert cotton swabs (Q-tips) into the ear canal. They push debris deeper and risk damaging the eardrum.
How often to clean depends on the dog. A dog with healthy, clean ears may need it rarely; a swimmer or an allergy-prone dog may need it more regularly. Your vet can tell you what’s right for your dog, because cleaning too often can also irritate the canal.
Signs your dog already has an ear infection
Prevention is the goal, but catch an infection early if one develops. Watch for:
- Head shaking or tilting to one side
- Scratching or pawing at the ear
- A noticeable odor coming from the ear
- Redness or swelling inside the ear flap or canal
- Dark, waxy, or pus-like discharge
- Sensitivity or pain when you touch the ear
- Rubbing the ear against furniture or the floor
Ear infections are painful and don’t resolve on their own. They tend to worsen and, left untreated, can lead to chronic changes in the ear canal or even affect hearing and balance. So while an ear infection isn’t usually a dramatic emergency, it does need treatment rather than waiting and watching.
When to see a vet
Come in if you spot the signs of an active infection. Infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria, or a mix, and they’re treated differently; using the wrong product can make things worse or mask the problem. A vet can look into the canal, identify what’s actually going on, and make sure the eardrum is intact before prescribing treatment.
FAQ
Should I clean my dog’s ears after every swim?
Drying them is more important than cleaning them. Gently dry the reachable part of the ear after every swim, and use a vet-recommended drying solution for frequent swimmers. Routine cleaning with a proper cleaner can be part of prevention too, but cleaning too often can irritate the canal.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my dog’s ears?
Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the delicate lining of the ear canal and leave moisture behind, which is counterproductive. Stick to a cleaner formulated for dogs.
Are ear infections contagious to my other dogs?
The typical bacterial and yeast ear infections aren’t contagious between dogs. Ear mites, which are a separate cause more common in young animals, can spread. So if mites are involved, your other pets may need checking.
Think your dog has an ear infection?
Don’t let it worsen. Ear infections are painful and need proper care. Contact us for prompt treatment.