Why Swimming Causes Ear Infections in Dogs
Summer is here, and for water-loving breeds like Labradors, Goldendoodles, and Spaniels, there's nothing better than a day at the beach, lake, or pool. But all that fun in the water comes with a hidden risk: swimmer's ear in dogs.
When water gets trapped in a dog's ear canal, it creates the perfect warm, moist environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Unlike human ear canals — which are horizontal and drain naturally — dog ear canals have a distinctive L-shape (vertical then horizontal), which makes it much harder for water to drain out on its own. This anatomical quirk is the primary reason dogs are far more prone to swim-related ear infections than humans.
The AVMA reports that ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian during summer months, with swimming being a leading preventable cause.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
While any dog that swims can develop an ear infection, certain dogs are at higher risk:
- Floppy-eared breeds — Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds have heavy ear flaps that trap moisture against the ear canal. Our Floppy-Eared Dog Ear Care Guide covers these breeds in detail.
- Dogs with narrow ear canals — Breeds like Shar-Peis and Chow Chows have naturally tight ear canals that don't drain well.
- Dogs with a history of ear infections — Once the ear canal lining is damaged by a previous infection, it's more susceptible to future problems.
- Dogs with allergies — Allergic skin disease causes inflammation throughout the body, making the ear canals more reactive to moisture and irritants.
- Brave swimmers who submerge their heads — Dogs that dive underwater or swim with their heads partially submerged get more water deep into the ear canal.
Signs of Swimmer's Ear in Dogs
Catch swimmer's ear early by watching for these symptoms within 24-72 hours of swimming:
- Head shaking — The most common early sign. Your dog is trying to dislodge the trapped water.
- Scratching at ears — Persistent or aggressive scratching at one or both ears
- Redness — The inner ear flap appears pinker or redder than usual
- Odor — A yeasty, musty, or sour smell from the ear
- Discharge — Brown, yellow, or dark discharge visible in the ear canal
- Pain response — Yelping or pulling away when ears are touched
- Head tilt — Holding the head tilted to one side, indicating deeper ear involvement
Our guide on Dog Ear Infection Early Signs provides a more detailed symptom checklist.
Step-by-Step: How to Dry Your Dog's Ears After Swimming
- Have supplies ready before swimming — Pack a towel and our RunyePet Ear Cleaning Finger Wipes in your beach or pool bag.
- Towel dry immediately — As soon as your dog exits the water, use a clean, absorbent towel. Gently wrap it around your dog's head and press — don't rub, as this can push water deeper into the ear canal.
- Use a gentle drying solution or wipe — Use a pH-balanced ear wipe to gently absorb remaining moisture from the visible parts of the ear. Our wipes contain green tea extract, which has natural soothing properties for irritated skin.
- Let your dog shake — Dogs naturally shake their heads to expel water from their ear canals. Allow your dog to shake freely after towel drying — this is the most effective natural drainage mechanism.
- Repeat if needed — For dogs that spent a long time in the water, repeat the drying process after 30-60 minutes as water works its way out of the deep canal.
Preventive Ear Care Routine for Swimming Dogs
Before Swimming
- Check ear health — Ensure your dog's ears are clean and healthy before swimming. Don't swim if there's existing redness, discharge, or a known ear infection.
- Apply a protective barrier — Some veterinarians recommend applying a small amount of a drying agent or ear cleaning solution before swimming to help repel water.
- Consider a swim cap or ear band — For dogs with chronic ear problems, specialized dog ear protection gear (snoods or ear bands) can help keep water out.
After Swimming
- Towel dry thoroughly — Follow the step-by-step drying protocol above
- Clean ears within 30 minutes — Don't wait hours. Moisture left in the ear canal for extended periods dramatically increases infection risk.
- Monitor for 48 hours — Watch for head shaking, scratching, or odor in the days following swimming
Weekly Maintenance
For dogs that swim regularly (once a week or more), add a weekly ear check and gentle cleaning to your routine. RunyePet Ear Cleaning Wipes are perfect for this — they're gentle enough for regular use and effective at removing wax and debris without drying out the ear canal.
When to See the Vet
Contact your veterinarian if:
- Symptoms persist beyond 48 hours despite home drying and gentle cleaning
- Your dog is in visible pain (yelping when ears are touched, reluctance to eat)
- There's a foul odor from the ear
- You see thick, dark, or bloody discharge
- Your dog has a head tilt or balance problems
- Your dog has a history of chronic ear infections — these require professional management
Seasonal Considerations
Swimmer's ear is most common in summer, but the risks extend to any water exposure year-round:
- Beach swimming — Salt water can be drying and irritating to the ear canal lining, making it more susceptible to infection.
- Lake swimming — Freshwater lakes contain bacteria and algae that can lead to infections.
- Pool swimming — Chlorine kills bacteria but can also irritate sensitive ear tissue. Plus, the "clean" water still creates the moisture problem.
- Bathing — Even regular baths can cause ear infections in predisposed dogs. Use a cotton ball (gently placed — not shoved) in the ear canal during baths to keep water out.
Product Recommendations for Swimming Dogs
To keep your water-loving dog's ears healthy all summer long:
- RunyePet Ear Cleaning Finger Wipes — Essential for post-swim drying and weekly maintenance. The green tea formula soothes and protects sensitive ear skin.
- RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes — While you're at it, a quick dental wipe after swimming can prevent your dog from ingesting lake or pool water bacteria through their gums.
- Extra-Large Dental Finger Wipes — Perfect for large breed swimmers like Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rubbing alcohol to dry my dog's ears after swimming?
No. Rubbing alcohol is too harsh for a dog's sensitive ear canal and can cause pain, inflammation, and further damage. Stick to gentle, pet-specific products.
How long after swimming does it take for an ear infection to develop?
Symptoms typically appear within 24-72 hours of swimming. However, some dogs may not show signs for a week or more, especially if they swim regularly.
Should I stop my dog from swimming if they've had ear infections before?
Not necessarily. With proper drying and preventive care, many dogs with a history of ear infections can continue to swim safely. Work with your veterinarian to develop a management plan tailored to your dog.
Are ear drops necessary after every swim?
Not for most dogs. For dogs with healthy ears, thorough drying and gentle cleaning with wipes is sufficient. Dogs with a history of recurrent infections may benefit from vet-prescribed drying ear drops after swimming.
Can my dog get an ear infection from a bath, not just swimming?
Yes. Baths create the same moisture risk if water enters the ear canal. Always dry your dog's ears thoroughly after bathing.
Enjoy Summer Safely
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and enrichment for dogs. With proper ear care — towel drying, gentle cleaning with RunyePet Ear Cleaning Wipes, and monitoring for early signs — your water-loving dog can enjoy a summer full of splashing without the ear infections.
