How to Get Water Out of Dog’s Ear: Preventing Ear Infections

Ensuring your dog’s ears are water-free is essential for preventing ear infections and maintaining overall ear health. Whether your dog loves swimming or has just had a bath, taking the right steps to keep their ears dry can make a significant difference. This article provides comprehensive guidelines on how to get water out of dog’s ear and effectively prevent ear infections.

Key Takeaways

• Use ear protection like cotton balls during baths to prevent water from entering your dog’s ears.
• Dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after water exposure using towels and vet-recommended solutions.
• Regularly clean your dog’s ears with appropriate cleaning solutions to prevent infections.
• Identify if your dog is prone to ear infections and take extra preventive measures such as using ear drops and scheduling regular vet check-ups.
• Monitor your dog’s ears for symptoms of water retention or infections and seek veterinary help when necessary.

Preventing Water from Staying in Your Dog’s Ears

Keeping water out of your puppy’s ears entirely can minimize the risk of ear infections, but there are also some additional preventative measures you should consider:

How to Remove Water from Your Dog’s Ears

The best way to prevent ear infections is to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears when exposed to water. While they’ll likely shake their head and body vigorously after a bath or swim, it’s difficult for dogs to get water out entirely. You can step in with a towel and a few supplies by following these steps:

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears Regularly

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing infections. Never underestimate the value of a clean, dry dog ear.

Preventing Water in Dog’s Ears During Baths

Using Cotton Balls

You can prevent water from entering your dog’s ears during a bath by placing a cotton ball in each ear before you turn on the water. This method doesn’t usually work well for swimmers because the cotton balls can easily get dislodged during play, and then you will need to retrieve and dispose of them properly.

Proper Bathing Techniques

Protecting the ears with cotton inserted into them before bath time or a mechanical barrier over them and directing water away from the head and ears will prevent excess water from entering the ear canals and creating an unpleasant sensation and possible health problems. Remember, your dog’s ears contain fragile hearing structures; use caution when working around and in the ear canal so as not to cause damage.

Post-Bath Ear Care

After the bath, check the ears for water. Dry with a cloth and use witch hazel on a cotton ball, cloth, or piece of gauze wrapped around your finger to dry the ear canal gently. If moisture and water remain in the ear after bath time, it can change the pH balance in your dog’s ear and cause bacteria and yeast to multiply, resulting in a nasty ear infection.

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 extra steps. Purchase a dog ear cleanser from your veterinarian or a pet supply store to flush and rinse the ear, followed by dry cotton balls.

Next, place a cotton ball inside the ear and gently squish it. The cotton ball will absorb the water. Repeat with several cotton balls to ensure the ear is dry. If you don’t have cotton balls handy, gauze or a clean towel can do the job in a pinch.

How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs

Preventing ear infections in dogs is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Regular ear hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent ear infections. This involves cleaning their ears thoroughly and frequently to remove debris and wax buildup.

Maintaining Ear Hygiene

To maintain ear hygiene, fill both ear canals with a vet-recommended cleaning solution and massage it into the base of the ear. This helps to dislodge any sludge from the inside lining. Let your dog shake their head to expel the liquid and debris.

Monitoring for Symptoms

Regularly check your dog’s ears for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor. Early detection can prevent more serious issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Diet and Supplements

A balanced diet and appropriate supplements can also help prevent ear infections. Ensure your dog is getting the right nutrients to support its immune system. Some supplements are specifically designed to promote ear health.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean and monitoring for symptoms can save you from frequent vet visits and ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.

Bathe Responsibly

Bathing your dog responsibly is crucial to prevent water from getting into its ears and causing infections. Never dump water over your dog’s head to rinse away shampoo. Instead, wash and rinse the dog’s head with a damp washcloth. Horseplay (aka hose play) should be avoided, as inevitably, water will end up in the dog’s ears.

Using Vet-Recommended Ear Drying Solutions

Types of Drying Solutions

There are a few different solutions for cleaning and drying your dog’s ears. One of the most popular is a veterinarian’s ear drying and cleaning kit. This kit can be pricey but includes a proper dog ear cleaner and ear drying solution. Additionally, you can purchase drying liquids at the pet supply store that are explicitly designed to help dry out the water within the ear.

How to Apply

1. Dry what you can. Start by gently drying the outside of your puppy’s ear with a towel. Opt for soft, comfortable, and highly absorbent fabrics like microfiber.
2. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner. You can apply the cleaner with a cotton ball or gauze but never use cotton swabs (often known as Q-tips), which can damage the eardrum or ear canal.
3. Lift up your dog’s ear and put several drops of the solution directly into its ear canal. Your homemade formula with apple cider vinegar or the veterinarian’s drying formula both work.

When to Use

Vet-recommended ear drying solutions should be used after your dog has been in the water, whether from a bath or swimming. Regular use can help prevent ear infections by keeping the ear canal dry and moisture-free.

Vet’s Best Dry Dog Ear Relief keeps your dog’s ears fresh and dry, while helping to soothe raw, irritated, or greasy ears.

Signs Your Dog May Have Water in Their Ears

When water is trapped in your dog’s ears, it creates a moist environment that allows bacteria and fungi to thrive. This can lead to infections that, when severe, could even cause your pup to lose its ability to hear.

Common Symptoms

Your dog will typically show signs of distress, some of which include shaking their head, rubbing their ears against furniture or the floor, and pawing at their ears. Head-shaking: violent and repeated head-shaking can be your dog trying to get the water out of its ears. Pawing at the ear: Constant pawing at the ear can indicate discomfort. Other symptoms include:

• Red inflamed ear canal
• Carrying one ear lower than the other
• Scratching at their ears
• Crying when you rub their ears
• Foul odors
• Lots of visible discharge

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If you notice any of the above symptoms persisting, it’s crucial to seek veterinary help. Persistent symptoms can lead to more severe infections and complications. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and ensure your dog’s comfort and health.

Home Remedies to Try First

Before rushing to the vet, you can try home remedies to alleviate your dog’s discomfort. These include:

1. Gently dry the ear with a clean towel
2. Using vet-recommended ear drying solutions
3. Ensuring your dog shakes its head to expel water

Always consult your vet before trying any home remedies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your dog’s specific condition.

The Importance of Regular Ear Check-Ups

Regular ear check-ups are crucial for maintaining your dog’s ear health. They can help identify any issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more severe problems. During these check-ups, your vet will thoroughly examine your dog’s ears, looking for signs of infection, wax buildup, or other abnormalities.

Scheduling Vet Visits

It’s essential to schedule regular vet visits for ear check-ups, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections. A good rule of thumb is to have your dog’s ears checked at least once a year, but more frequent visits may be necessary for dogs with a history of ear issues.

What to Expect During an Ear Exam

During an ear exam, the vet inspects the ear canal and eardrum, checking for signs of infection or inflammation. They may also perform a hearing test to ensure your dog’s hearing is not affected. If any issues are found, the vet recommends appropriate treatments or further tests.

Follow-Up Care

After the initial exam, follow-up care is crucial to ensure the health of your dog’s ears. This may include regular cleaning, vet-recommended solutions, and monitoring for any signs of infection. If your dog has a history of ear problems, more frequent check-ups, and follow-up care may be necessary to keep their ears healthy.

Regular ear check-ups are an important part of a dog’s healthcare routine. They can help identify any issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more severe problems down the line.

Conclusion

Ensuring your dog’s ears are water-free prevents ear infections and maintains their overall health. You can significantly reduce the risk of diseases by taking proactive measures such as using cotton balls during baths, thoroughly drying your ears after water exposure, and regularly cleaning your ears with appropriate solutions. For guidance on “how to get water out of a dog’s ear,” following best practices is essential. Remember, a little effort in ear care can go a long way in keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. Always consult your veterinarian for the best practices tailored to your dog’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions