How to Keep Your Dog's Ears Dry During a Bath

A number of factors can cause canine ear infections, including food allergies, ear mites, bacteria, unhealthy environments, improper hygiene and getting water or moisture in the ears while bathing. An ear infection typically results in pain and inflammation in the animal's outer, middle and inner ear. Keeping your dog free from illness may mean learning how to prevent water from dripping into your pet's ears during bath time.

Things You'll Need

  • Large cotton balls
  • Small, flexible ear plugs
  • Small sponge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place large cotton balls in the outer portion of your dog's ears to block the middle and inner ear canal. Do not push the cotton down so far that you cannot see it or easily pull it out.

    • 2

      Use small, flexible earplugs similar to swimmer's plugs or sleeping plugs in the ears of your small dog.

    • 3

      Bathe and rinse the head and face of your dog with a small sponge. Using a sponge allows you to better direct the flow of shampoo and water away from your dog's ear canals.

    • 4

      Place one of your hands over one of your dog's ears and close the pinna --- the ear flap --- over the ear canal when using water around the animal's head. Switch to the other ear and hand when necessary.

    • 5

      Hold your water or shower hose flat on the top of your dog's head when bathing or rinsing your dog. Turn down the water pressure so that the water runs gently done the face and neck and not into the ear canal.