Water in a dog’s ears can lead to serious health issues. Moisture trapped inside an ear can cause discomfort and even possible infections (which can be very painful and costly).  This issue affects all pet owners and pet professionals and it’s important that we talk about why we need to pay special attention to keeping pet’s ears dry.

What can happen if water gets into a dog’s ears?

1. Increased Risk of Ear Infections

The anatomy of a dog’s ear makes it particularly prone to trapping water in their deep, curved ear canals.

If moisture lingers in the canal, this can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to possible painful ear infections. For information about Ear Infections, read our article here!

2. Irritation and Inflammation

Even a bit of inflammation can cause irritation, thus even if your dog does not have an ear infection, they can still scratch and cause damage to the ear canal

3. Head Shaking Leading to Ear Hematomas

Water in the ears can cause a dog to shake their head to get rid of the moisture, and this can lead to serious issues—especially in drop-eared dogs. That’s why preventing water in dog’s ears is so important. Excessive head shaking can result in an aural hematoma, where the ear flaps become bruised, swell up, and often require veterinary treatment.

4. Risk of Secondary Infections            

Prolonged moisture in a dog’s ear canal can lead to other serious medical issues, such as fungal growth or a secondary bacterial infection. These issues can spread, causing potentially serious problems that can affect hearing and ear health.

So now that we know the dangers of getting water in a dog’s ear, how do we keep our dogs safe and their ears dry?

How do we keep our dogs safe and their ears dry?

1. Protect the ears during baths

Groomers will typically “pinch” the ear closed during baths, and in many cases, use cotton balls to block water from entering the ear canal (make sure not to push any cotton too deep into the ear).

Questions about how to pinch the ear closed during a bath? We’ve got two videos that may help!

Protecting the Ears During a Bath for Drop-Eared Dogs

Protecting the Ears During a Bath for Upright (Pointy) Eared Dogs

2. Dry the Ears Thoroughly

Check the ears after exposure to water, whether in the bath, a swim, or the rain, to make sure that the ears are dry. Use fresh cotton balls or a clean towel to dry the areas that are easily accessible (do not use any objects, such as cotton swabs, to go deeper than what is visible to the naked eye.)

3. Make Ear-Cleaning Part of Your Regular Routine

By incorporating regular ear cleaning into your dog’s routine, you can get ahead of any problems before they start. Not only will you be creating an optimal situation for ear health by cleaning excess wax, dirt and debris, cleaning a dog’s ear with a veterinarian approved cleaner will also give you the ability to do a weekly wellness check inside the ears and ensure that any excess moisture is wiped out.

4. Help Aerate Ears with Grooming Techniques

Dogs with excess hair inside and outside their ears may benefit from grooming techniques such as ear-hair plucking and trimming around the ears to increase the air flow in and around the ears, as well as prevent excess hair from capturing and holding moisture.

What do we do if you suspect a dog has water in their ears?

If you suspect water has entered your dog’s ears, here are some immediate steps to take:

• Let your dog shake its head – This natural response can help expel some water.
• Gently wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth or cotton pad to absorb any moisture.
• Use an ear-drying solution recommended by your vet to help clear out trapped water.
• Monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, odor, or unusual scratching.

If symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian for professional ear cleaning or treatment.

Final thoughts for dry and healthy ears

Whether you are working with dogs professionally or with your pups at home, preventing water in dog’s ears is incredibly important for keeping their ears dry and healthy (and for professional groomers, proper care is also a liability issue). Make sure to always be aware when working with water around ears, use proper techniques to protect the ears, and keep an eye out for any signs of moisture before it becomes a potential problem. But as in all things grooming, you’ve got this! Happy Grooming!

Here is a line of product that can help!

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