Just like us, dogs can get water in their ears while swimming or bathing. While this isn’t a big deal, it can be uncomfortable and increase your risk of ear infections. But you can easily dry your dog’s ears at home.
How to drain water from dog’s ears
If you notice your dog shaking her head or leaning to one side after swimming or bathing, she may have water in her ears. Start by drying the outside of her head and ears with a towel to prevent more water from dripping inside.
Next, place a cotton ball inside your ear and gently squeeze it. Cotton balls will absorb moisture. Repeat with a few cotton balls to make sure your ears are dry. If you don’t have cotton balls handy, you can use gauze or a clean towel in a pinch.
Extra steps for dogs prone to ear infections
For most dogs, this will be the end of it. Your dog will shake her head and go on with her day. But if your dog is prone to ear infections, you should take some extra steps. Purchase dog ear cleaner from your veterinarian or pet supply store and use it to rinse and rinse the ears, followed by a dry cotton ball.
Ear cleaners are a step worth taking as these products contain desiccants that help reduce moisture in the ears. Regular ear cleaning is a great way to prevent ear infections in dogs prone to ear infections, especially those who enjoy swimming.
Never put anything else in your dog’s ears unless your dog has been seen by a veterinarian. While it’s true that your dog’s head tilt or ears wobbling could be caused by water in the ears, these behaviors can also be signs of infection. If the infection has pierced your dog’s eardrum, any product you put in the ear can get through. Some ear medications and home remedies can be harmful or even cause deafness if they penetrate the eardrum.
Prevent water from getting into your dog’s ears
You can put a cotton ball in each ear before turning on the water to prevent water from getting in your dog’s ears while bathing. This method is generally not suitable for swimmers because the cotton balls can easily fall off during play, and you then need to recycle and dispose of them appropriately.