Home Remedies to Prevent Dogs From Getting Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear occurs in people when water is trapped in the ear and an infection develops. But dogs can get swimmer's ear too, and unlike people, they can't directly communicate their pain, which means dogs often suffer with swimmer's ear for extended periods. Because dogs rely on their ears to get adequate information from the environment, a dog suffering from ear pain is severely handicapped. Several steps can prevent swimmer's ear in your dog and relieve symptoms of the illness when it occurs.

  1. About Swimmer's Ear

    • Many people think that the pain of swimmer's ear is the result of water sloshing around in the head, but the water is merely the catalyst for infection. When water lodges deep in the ear, it creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections. Dogs have fur on the outer portion of the insides of their ears and tiny hairs deeper in the ear, both of which can help to sweep water in and keep it there, making them more susceptible to ear infections caused by water.

    Proper Ear Care

    • Proper ear care and maintenance can decrease your dog's susceptibility to ear infections. Floppy eared dogs are especially prone to ear problems because water and dirt tend to get lodged in the ear, but any dog can get an ear infection. Clean your dog's ears regularly with an ear cleaning solution designed for dogs. If you notice a foul odor or your dog shakes her head and scratches her ears frequently, consult your veterinarian. Your dog may have ear mites. While ear mites are not caused by water in the ear, they can help spread infection, making swimmer's ear more likely.

    Drying the Ears

    • After your dog goes swimming, it's vital to ensure her ears dry completely. While you might find it annoying when you dog shakes off water, allow her to do it outside. Shaking can help eliminate excess water from the ears. When your dog is done shaking, gently dab her ears with an absorbent towel, and check for moisture again a few hours later. When your dog is swimming, encourage her to keep her head above water and her ears dry by talking to her and making eye contact.

    Swimmer's Ear Solution

    • Several dog health companies manufacture swimmer's ear solutions designed to prevent ear infections. Follow the package instructions and apply to your dog's ears before and after swimming. Some of these solutions are effective at treating swimmer's ear after the condition has developed, but if your dog is in pain you should consult your vet, because some other infections have symptoms similar to swimmer's ear.