Why Dogs Get Swimmers Ear and What You Can do About It
Your pup can get swimmer’s ear, too, and it’s just as painful for them as it is for you. Here’s what you need to know.
Key takeaways:
The shape of a dog’s ear makes certain breeds prone to ear infections like swimmer’s ear.
Approximately 20% of dogs will experience an ear infection.
Prevention is the best way to stave them off.
Regular cleaning and professional checkups can help prevent all ear infections.
Chances are your dog loves to swim. For some, swimming is in their DNA! Labradors and spaniels were originally bred to retrieve fallen game from lakes and rivers, for example, and they now often love to jump into every body of water they come across.
While watching your precious pup play in the waves makes you both happy, there is a downside. Water can lead to ear infections, but the affliction can happen even when they aren’t swimmers. Here’s what to know about it:
This painful condition occurs in part because of the construction of a dog’s ear.
Their ear canals are shaped like an L, and that means trapped moisture leads to increased bacteria and yeast production and, eventually, infection.
The size and shape of the ear flaps also play a part in ear infections. Large, floppy flaps hang over the canal and trap moisture.
A moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria.
Any dog that loves the water is a candidate for a swimmer’s ear infection!
Swimmer’s ear can cause other issues such as hotspots or other infections.
This guide will explain how to tell if swimmer’s ear is brewing in your furry family member, when it’s time to see a vet, and what you can do to help.
Does your dog have swimmer’s ear?
It isn’t hard to tell when your beloved animal doesn’t feel well. You know your baby better than anyone, after all! It’s a little harder to pinpoint the specific ailment, however. Fortunately, signs of swimmer’s ear, or an ear infection, are typically easy to spot. Some common signs include:
Aggressive head shaking
Discharge from ear canal
Odor emitting from the inner ear
Redness or swelling in the inner ear
Refusal of ear inspections
Scratching or pawing at their ears
Some signs aren’t quite so obvious and may also indicate other health problems in addition to ear infections. Less apparent signals that your pup’s ears could be in trouble include:
Fever
Irritability
Lethargy
Whining and avoidance when touched
Any obvious sign of an ear infection is serious enough to head to your veterinarian. Untreated ear infections can lead to ear tissue damage, ruptured eardrums, and other illnesses as the infection runs through the animal’s body. Treating ear infections at home is never a good idea.
The good news is there are a few simple ways to keep your pup from developing a painful ear infection from swimming, bathing, or being out in inclement weather.
How to protect your pup from swimmer’s ear
Approximately 20% of dogs will develop some sort of ear infection, according to the American Kennel Club. Vet visits are expensive, time-consuming, and often troublesome. Prevention is key, and there are several simple ways to protect your pup against swimmer’s ear:
Regular cleaning
Pet parents often underestimate the importance of cleaning their dog’s ears, especially after swimming or bathing. Using a vet-recommended ear cleaner and drying thoroughly with a cotton ball will help prevent bacteria and yeast growth.
If your pup gets skittish when you bring out the ear cleaning accessories, it may be time to call in a pro. Schedule regular trips to routine dog care specialist to get them a bath, a trim, and a thorough inspection of the ears and teeth for signs of infection that aren’t always visible at home.
Weekly inspections
The easiest way to head off ear infections is to check your pup’s ears weekly for any abnormalities. Things like unusual odors, redness, and tiny bumps can be a sign that trouble is brewing and a trip to the vet is imminent.
Always dry their ears thoroughly
A swimming pup is a joyous sight, but it can be a harbinger of infection if their ears don’t completely dry. Simply drying their ears with a cotton ball or absorbent towel after swimming or bathing goes a long way in keeping ear troubles at bay.
Other causes of ear infections in dogs
Water isn’t the only thing that can cause an ear infection in your furry family member. An excess of yeast and bacteria is usually the culprit, but there are several other reasons your pup might experience ear infections, including:
Ear mites – Puppies are at greatest risk for ear mites, which are tiny creatures that feed off ear wax.
Allergies – Food sensitivities and allergic skin disease can lead to ear infections in 50% to 80% of dogs.
Endocrine disorders – Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are the two most common endocrine disorders that result in ear infections for dogs.
Auto-immune diseases – Lupus and other auto-immune diseases cause skin sloughing, bringing scabs that can become infected, especially in the ear flaps.
Ear infections can affect your pup for several reasons, but careful preventative measures can help keep his ears – and the rest of his body – fit as a fiddle.
We’re here to help your pup live their best life
Ear infections can be scary. It’s hard to watch your beloved companion endure the pain and discomfort that accompany them, and the bills that come with emergency vet visits can be difficult as well.
Monthly pet care memberships are an economical way to save time and money while still giving your dog the love and care they deserve. Scenthound is a convenient, affordable solution for routine dog care that transforms how pet parents keep their fur family clean, healthy, and thriving. Our wellness-focused, membership-based routine dog care company is disrupting traditional dog care, offering services focused on routine and preventive care for dogs in five core areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth.
Contact Scenthound today to lavish your dog with the love they deserve.