Summer brings longer walks, trips to the dog park, pool days, and beach vacations — but it also brings unique health risks for your dog. While most owners remember to watch for heatstroke and provide fresh water, two areas often overlooked in summer are your dog's dental health and ear health.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), summer is peak season for both dental injuries and ear infections in dogs. Increased outdoor activity, swimming, diet changes, and more treats all contribute. This guide explains exactly how warm weather affects your dog's teeth and ears — and what you can do to prevent problems before they start.
Why Summer Is Hard on Your Dog's Teeth
More Treats, More Sugar
Summer often means more treats — ice cream, fruit popsicles, chew sticks on the porch, and training rewards at the park. While these are great for bonding and training, many summer treats are higher in sugar and carbohydrates, which feed the oral bacteria responsible for plaque formation and bad breath. A dog that eats even 2-3 extra treats daily during summer vacation month can accumulate significantly more plaque than during the rest of the year.
Chewing Hazards in Summer
Summer brings out the sticks, rocks, and hard chew toys. Dogs left alone in the yard may pick up dry, brittle sticks that can splinter and lodge between teeth or damage the gums. Hard plastic toys left in direct sunlight become brittle and may break into sharp pieces. Even ice cubes — a common summer treat — are hard enough to chip a dog's tooth, especially in small breeds with delicate teeth.
Diet Changes and Dental Health
Summer barbecues, camping trips, and picnics mean dogs often eat different foods than their regular diet. Rich, fatty foods can cause digestive upset, which in turn can affect oral health. A stressed digestive system alters the oral microbiome, potentially increasing bad breath-causing bacteria. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) recommends maintaining a consistent diet year-round for optimal dental health.
Summer Dental Care Tips
1. Stick to a dental routine. Even on vacation, don't skip your dog's dental care. Pack dental finger wipes in your travel bag — they take zero space and make it easy to clean your dog's teeth after meals. A 30-second wipe-down each evening prevents plaque from turning into tartar.
2. Monitor treat intake. Count summer treats just like you count meals. If you're giving more training treats at the park, reduce meal portions accordingly. Opt for dental-friendly options like raw carrots, apple slices (no seeds), or VOHC-approved dental chews.
3. Choose summer-safe chews. Avoid hard nylon bones, real bones, ice cubes, and antlers in hot weather — all become harder or more brittle in heat. Stick to rubber chew toys designed for dental health or soft dental chews that break down easily.
4. Rinse after meals. If you're at a campsite or picnic and can't do a full dental cleaning, at least give your dog plain water to rinse the mouth after eating. Better yet, use a dental cleaning powder sprinkled over their food — it works even in an irregular feeding schedule and doesn't require any extra effort.
5. Watch for dental injuries. If your dog suddenly stops eating, drools excessively, paws at its mouth, or chews on one side only after a day of rough play, inspect the mouth for broken teeth or lodged debris. Summer dental injuries spike by approximately 30% according to veterinary ER data.
Why Summer Is Tough on Dog Ears
Swimming and Moisture
Swimming is the number one cause of summer ear infections in dogs. Water that enters the ear canal creates a warm, moist environment — the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Dogs that swim in lakes, ponds, or rivers face additional risks from bacteria and debris in natural water bodies. Even dogs that just splash in a kiddie pool or get bathed more frequently in summer are at higher risk.
Increased Allergen Exposure
Summer means pollen, grass, dust, and mold are at their peak. Environmental allergies frequently manifest as ear inflammation in dogs. A dog with seasonal allergies will produce more ear wax, and the inflamed ear tissue traps moisture more easily, creating a cycle that leads to infection.
Floppy Ears and Heat
Dogs with floppy or pendulous ears (Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers) are at the highest risk for summer ear infections. Their ear flaps cover the ear canal, reducing air circulation and trapping heat and moisture. On hot, humid days, the inside of a floppy ear can become a literal incubator for microorganisms.
Summer Ear Care Tips
1. Dry ears after every swim. This is the single most important summer ear care habit. After your dog swims or bathes, gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel, then use an ear cleaning wipe to gently absorb any remaining moisture in the visible part of the ear canal. Do NOT insert anything deep into the ear.
2. Increase ear check frequency. In summer, check your dog's ears twice a week instead of weekly. Look for redness, swelling, excess wax, or odor. Healthy ears should be pale pink with minimal discharge. If you see dark brown or yellow discharge, or if the ear smells yeasty or sour, start cleaning more frequently or consult your vet.
3. Clean ears after outdoor play. Dogs that run through tall grass, brush, or wooded areas can pick up grass awns, foxtails, and burrs in their ears. These plant materials can migrate deep into the ear canal, causing pain, infection, and even eardrum perforation. A quick visual inspection and gentle wipe after each outdoor session catches these before they become a problem.
4. Manage allergies. If your dog has known seasonal allergies, work with your veterinarian on a summer management plan. Antihistamines, medicated shampoos, and omega-3 supplements can all help reduce ear inflammation. A dog whose allergies are well-controlled is far less likely to develop a secondary ear infection.
5. Use preventive ear wipes. Regular use of pet ear cleaning wipes with gentle, non-irritating ingredients (like green tea extract) can remove excess wax and pollen before they trigger inflammation. Incorporate it into your post-walk or post-swim routine.
Signs of Summer Ear Problems to Watch For
Early detection makes treatment easier and faster. Watch for these signs after swimming or outdoor play:
- Head shaking — especially vigorous or repeated shaking
- Scratching at one or both ears
- Redness inside the ear flap
- Unusual odor from the ears (yeasty, sour, or musty)
- Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
- Sensitivity when the ear is touched
- Head tilt or balance problems (indicates inner ear involvement)
If you notice any of these signs, stop swimming and begin gentle cleaning. If symptoms don't improve within 48 hours, consult your veterinarian.
FAQs About Summer Pet Dental & Ear Care
Can dogs eat ice cream safely?
Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and ice cream's high sugar content is bad for dental health. If you want a cold treat, try frozen plain yogurt (check for xylitol-free), frozen banana slices, or dog-specific frozen treats. Always brush or wipe your dog's teeth after any sugary treat.
How soon after swimming should I clean my dog's ears?
Ideally, within 15-30 minutes after swimming. The longer moisture sits in the ear canal, the higher the risk of infection. Keep ear wipes in your pool bag or car so you never forget.
Is it safe to use dog dental powder on vacation?
Yes — dental cleaning powder is actually ideal for travel because it requires no brushing, no water, and no extra time. Sprinkle it over your dog's food and the enzymatic ingredients work throughout the day to break down plaque. It's the easiest way to maintain dental care during an irregular summer schedule.
Can lake water cause ear infections in dogs?
Yes. Lake, pond, and river water often contain bacteria, algae, and debris that can trigger ear infections. Rinse your dog's ears with clean water after swimming in natural bodies of water, then dry thoroughly with ear wipes. If your dog develops ear discharge or odor within 48 hours of lake swimming, see your vet promptly.
Should I clean my dog's teeth more often in summer?
During summer months when treats, table scraps, and diet changes are more common, daily dental cleaning is ideal. The RunyePet Dental Cleaning Kit includes both finger wipes and dental powder, giving you a complete summer dental care solution in one package.
What's the best way to prevent summer ear infections in floppy-eared dogs?
Dogs with floppy ears (Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers) need extra vigilance. Dry their ears thoroughly after every swim or bath. Use ear cleaning wipes to absorb any remaining moisture. Keep the hair around the ear opening trimmed. And check ears twice weekly during summer for any signs of redness or discharge.
Conclusion
Summer should be a time of fun for you and your dog — not a season of vet visits for preventable dental and ear problems. By adjusting your routine for the warmer months — packing dental wipes in your travel bag, drying ears after every swim, and watching for early warning signs — you can keep your dog healthy all season long.
A few small habits make a big difference: a 30-second ear wipe after swimming, a dental wipe after meals, and dental powder on food during irregular summer schedules. Your dog will thank you with fresh breath, healthy ears, and more tail wags.
Start your summer pet care routine today with the RunyePet Ear Cleaning Finger Wipes and Dental Finger Wipes — the perfect summer travel companions for complete oral and ear care.
