Introduction
Wet, floppy dog ears can be a nuisance for dogs and their owners. Excess moisture in a dog’s ears can lead to irritation, infection, and other health issues if left untreated. Floppy ears that don’t stand upright are prone to collecting dirt, debris, and moisture. This provides an ideal environment for bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms to grow and cause infection.
Ear infections in dogs are painful and can even lead to hearing loss or damage if ignored. In addition, the inside of a dog’s ears has little airflow, making moisture more likely to accumulate. Dogs with pendulous ears like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds are especially susceptible.
Keeping your dog’s ears clean, dry, and upright not only improves their appearance but protects their health. This article provides tips for drying your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing and how to train ears to stand. Preventing and managing wet, floppy ears can help avoid frustrating and expensive ear infections.
Causes of Wet Ears in Dogs
There are several common causes of wet ears in dogs:
Swimming or bathing can get water trapped in a dog’s ear canal. Dogs that love to swim or play in water are especially prone to getting water in their ears that can lead to moisture and irritation. Heavy rain or snow can also have the same effect.
According to vetericyn.com, moisture trapped in the ears from water exposure can cause infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal, known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. This allows yeast and bacteria to grow and fester.
Excessive head shaking from common ear conditions like ear infections, mites, or allergies can also lead to wet ears. As the dog shakes its head, discharge gets flung out of the ear and moistens the surrounding fur and skin. Treating the underlying condition is key to stopping the head shaking and moisture.
Foreign material trapped in the ear canal, like grass seeds, dirt, or debris, can irritate the lining of the ear and stimulate discharge as well. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears can help prevent foreign material buildup.
Drying Your Dog’s Ears
It’s important to dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to infections. Here are some tips for properly drying your dog’s ears:
Use a towel or cotton balls to gently blot excess moisture from the inside and outside of the ear. Be careful not to rub vigorously, as this can irritate the sensitive skin inside the ear. Gently patting the outside of the ears dry is safer than rubbing.
Apply a dog ear drying solution inside the ears after bathing or swimming. These solutions contain drying agents like acetic acid, isopropyl alcohol, or propylene glycol that help evaporate moisture. You can find commercial ear drying solutions made specifically for dogs at pet stores or online. Some examples are Vetricyn Ear Rinse and Pro-Sense Ear Drying Solution.
If your dog has very floppy ears, you may need to hold the ear flap open and up against their head while drying to allow airflow into the canal and help evaporate residual moisture.
Be sure to dry thoroughly before letting your dog shake their head, which can trap moisture deeper in the ear canal.
Keeping Your Dog’s Ears Upright
Some breeds of dogs, like German Shepherds and Corgis, are known for having erect, pointed ears. However, it’s common for puppies of these breeds to have floppy ears when they are young. There are a few techniques you can try to help keep your puppy’s ears upright as they develop:
Taping: One method is taping the ears together in an upright position using special tape made for dogs. According to this WikiHow article, you can place a popsicle stick behind both ears to stabilize them, then tape the ears to the stick. It’s important not to tape too tightly or leave the tape on for more than a few days at a time.
Ear forms: You can also insert ear forms made of plastic, foam, or other materials into the ears to help them stand upright. The forms work by providing gentle support to the ear cartilage as it develops. Make sure to follow product instructions carefully.
Medical solutions: For very stubborn ears, your veterinarian may recommend injections or surgery to stiffen the cartilage. However, these should only be considered after trying less invasive methods. Most puppies’ ears will stand on their own by 5-6 months of age.
No matter what method you try, be very gentle, only use reputable products, and follow your veterinarian’s advice. With time and patience, your puppy’s ears should stand upright on their own.
Preventing Ear Infections
One of the most important ways to prevent ear infections in dogs is to keep their ears dry. After activities like swimming or bathing, it is crucial to gently dry your dog’s ears, especially the inner ear canal. Use a soft towel or cotton balls to absorb excess moisture.
You can also use drying agents after water activities. Putting a sprinkle of baby powder or corn starch in your dog’s ears can help absorb moisture (source). Just lightly dust the powder in and massage the base of the ear gently. Be careful not to pack the powder into the ear canal.
Regularly check your dog’s ears for signs of infection like odor, redness, discharge or head shaking. Catching an infection early makes treatment easier. Keeping ears clean and dry is the best prevention.
Home Remedies for Wet Ears
There are several homemade and natural remedies that can help dry out a dog’s wet ears at home without a trip to the vet. Some popular home remedies include:
- Rice – Uncooked white rice can absorb moisture in a dog’s ears. Place a few tablespoons of rice in some cheesecloth or a sock and tie it closed. Warm the sock in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and let it cool before gently placing on the affected ear.
- Vinegar – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use a dropper to put several drops in your dog’s ears. The acidic vinegar will help kill bacteria and dry excess moisture. Be sure to rinse afterwards with clean water (Source).
- Isopropyl alcohol – A 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water can be used to dry wet ears and prevent infection. Dampen a cotton ball with the solution and gently wipe out the ear canal (Source).
- Homemade drying agents – Mixing equal parts white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol and water makes an effective drying agent for wet ears. You can also make a drying powder by combining boric acid powder, acetaminophen powder and zinc oxide in equal portions.
It’s important to be very gentle when using home remedies inside your dog’s ears. Consult your vet if symptoms persist or get worse.
When to See a Veterinarian
It’s important to take your dog to the vet if you notice signs of an ear infection. According to Leo’s Pet Care, you should take your dog to the vet if you notice head shaking, scratching at the ears, odor or discharge from the ears, swelling or redness of the ears or skin around the ears, or changes in behavior like depression or lethargy.
Chronic wet ears that don’t seem to dry out can also indicate an underlying problem that requires veterinary attention. Certain medical conditions like allergies, hypothyroidism, or autoimmune diseases can cause recurring ear infections. Getting to the root cause with your vet can help prevent future problems.
It’s essential to have your vet examine your dog’s ears at the first sign of infection. As Mahjax Pets notes, prompt treatment is key to clearing up an infection quickly and avoiding complications. Your vet can prescribe medications to treat the infection and recommend any follow-up care needed to fully resolve the problem.
Tips for Bathing Your Dog
When bathing your dog, it’s important to take steps to keep water out of their ears to prevent infections. Here are some tips:
Use ear plugs specifically designed for dogs before bathing. These plugs are made of soft foam or silicone that gently blocks water from entering the ear canal. Popular options include Mack’s Ear Plugs and Happy Hoodie Ear Plugs.
Avoid spraying water directly into your dog’s ears. Instead, spray their body and use a washcloth to gently clean around the outer ear.
Thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after bathing. Gently wipe inside the ear flap and canal with a soft towel or cotton ball. Allow your dog to shake their head to remove excess moisture.
Check your dog’s ears after bathing and over the next few days. Look for signs of infection like redness, swelling, odor, and discharge. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
With some simple precautions, you can successfully bathe your dog while keeping their ears clean, dry, and healthy.
Grooming Tips for Floppy Ears
Regular grooming and cleaning are important for dogs with floppy ears. The floppy shape of the ears prevents proper air circulation, making the ear canal prone to infection. Follow these tips to keep your dog’s floppy ears clean, dry, and healthy:
Clean your dog’s ears weekly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Gently wipe out any dirt or wax buildup with cotton balls (Cowboy Magic). Make sure to only clean the areas you can see and reach. Never insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal.
Trim the hair around and inside the ears regularly. Long hair traps moisture and debris. Use blunt tip scissors made for dogs and carefully snip long hairs growing inside and around the ear (Cowboy Magic). Avoid cutting the skin or poking inside the canal.
After baths or swimming, gently pat your dog’s ears with a towel. You can also apply a drying product made for dog ears to wick away moisture. Let your dog shake their head to increase air circulation and speed up drying.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is essential for preventing painful ear infections. Make sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing using a soft towel or cotton balls. Check their ears regularly for any signs of moisture, redness or irritation. Use home remedies like vinegar rinses to combat wetness, and keep their ears upright with hair clips or headbands to allow for better air circulation.
If you notice any concerning symptoms like head shaking or scratching, foul odor or discharge, take your dog to the veterinarian right away. Catching and treating an ear infection early is key. While floppy, wet ears may seem cute, it’s best for your dog’s health and comfort to keep their ears clean, dry and upright whenever possible.
With some simple preventative steps and care, you can help your dog avoid frustrating ear troubles. Keeping their ears dry will save your pet discomfort, prevent infections, and allow them to hear and feel their best.