If your dog loves splashing in the pool, running through sprinklers, or joining you on beach days, chances are they’ve ended up with water in their ears at some point. It may not look like a big deal, but that leftover moisture can quickly turn into irritation or even an ear infection.
Knowing how to remove water from your dog’s ear safely helps keep them comfortable and lets them keep enjoying the water. Instead of worrying, you’ll know exactly what signs to look for and the simple steps that keep ear troubles away.
Early Signs Your Dog May Have Water in Their Ears
Sometimes it’s easy to tell when your dog is uncomfortable after swimming or a bath. Other times, the signs are subtle, and spotting them early can save you from a trip to the vet. If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the signs my dog has water in his ear?” the answer often shows in their behavior.
Head Shaking and Constant Scratching
Dogs often try to shake or paw at their ears when something feels off. If the behavior doesn’t stop shortly after playtime in the water, it could be a clue that moisture is stuck inside.
Redness, Swelling, or a Foul Odor
Take a quick look inside your dog’s ears. If you notice redness, puffiness, or an unpleasant smell, it may be more than just water. These indications are often early signs of infection that need veterinary attention.
Sensitivity When Touching the Ears
If your easygoing pup pulls away or whines when you touch their ears, it could mean there’s trapped water or developing irritation inside, making the area sensitive.
Safe Ways to Remove Water from Your Dog’s Ears
Your furry friend’s ears need a little extra care after a swim or bath. The goal isn’t to scrub, but to gently help any trapped water escape so your pup can get back to feeling like themselves. Here are some safe, vet-approved methods you can try at home:
1. Let Gravity Help
Start by letting your dog shake their head, as that is their natural way of getting rid of moisture. You can also tilt their head gently to the side and massage the base of the ear to encourage water to drain out.
2. Use a Soft, Absorbent Towel
Reach for a dog drying towel to soak up moisture around the ear flap and outer ear. Pat gently instead of rubbing, and never try to push the towel into the ear canal.
3. Try Vet-Approved Ear Solutions
Veterinarian-approved ear cleaning or drying solutions are made to flush out water safely. Add a few drops as directed, then let your pup shake their head to help clear it out. Stick to products designed for dogs and skip DIY mixes that might sting.
4. Create Airflow
If your dog tolerates it, gently hold the ear flap open for a few minutes in a well-ventilated area. Airflow helps any remaining dampness evaporate naturally. If your pup seems uncomfortable or you can’t get the water out, don’t force it, as that’s a sign it’s time to let your vet take a look.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
When you see your dog shaking or scratching, it’s natural to want to fix the problem quickly. But some well-meaning attempts can actually make things worse. Keep these in mind to protect your pup’s sensitive ears:
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Skip the Cotton Swabs: While they may be convenient, cotton swabs can actually push deeper into the ear canal and even cause injury.
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Don’t Reach for Household Remedies. Household products like alcohol or vinegar might seem like strong cleaners, but inside your dog’s ears, they can sting and cause irritation.
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Avoid Blasting Air into the Ear: It might be tempting to speed things up with a hair dryer or compressed air, but the force can be overwhelming for your dog and may hurt their sensitive ears. A little patience and gentle drying are much safer.
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Never Dig Inside the Ear Canal: No matter how tempting it is to try to help, don’t dig inside your dog’s ear. Fingers, swabs, or other objects can scratch the canal and cause more problems than they solve.
When it comes to cleaning, the gentle approach is always the safest. If your dog still seems bothered after you’ve tried the safe methods, that’s your cue to call the vet for extra support.
Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make with Ear Care
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to slip into habits that don’t actually support your dog’s ear health. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
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Cleaning Too Often. Keeping ears clean is great, but always in moderation. Doing it every day or after every splash can actually strip away the natural oils that protect your dog’s ears, thus leaving the ear canal dry and prone to irritation.
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Skipping Routine Checks: It’s easy to forget about ear health until your pup starts shaking or scratching, but by then, a problem might already be brewing. Performing a weekly check inside the ears can help you catch redness or odor early, before it turns into a bigger issue.
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Using the Wrong Products: Not every product with the word ‘cleaner’ on the label is safe for dogs. Household solutions or harsh chemicals may burn or irritate delicate tissue. Stick with gentle, vet-approved cleaners as they are the safest ways to keep your pup’s ear clean and healthy.
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Ignoring Breed Differences: Dogs with floppy ears, like retrievers or spaniels, or breeds with lots of ear hair, often trap more moisture than others. These pups may need more frequent checks and a little extra attention to keep their ears dry and comfortable.
Extra Care Tips for Active or Water-Loving Dogs
Got a water-loving pup who thinks the pool, lake, or even the sprinkler is their personal playground? Then, a little extra ear care is a must, such as doing the following:
Best Practices After Beach Trips or Pool Days
Salt, chlorine, and even lake water can linger in your dog’s ears. After water play, rinse the outer ears gently with fresh water and dry thoroughly. If you’re wondering how to get rid of water in your dog’s ear after a swim, start with a soft towel to soak up moisture and prevent irritation from turning into something more serious.
Grooming Habits that Help Keep Ears Healthy
Regular grooming around the ears—like trimming long hair near the ear canal—helps improve airflow and keeps moisture from getting trapped. Pair grooming with routine ear checks so you catch any redness or odor early.
Travel and Outdoor Safety for Your Dog’s Ears
Heading out on a road trip, camping adventure, or a long hike? Be sure to pack supplies like a gentle ear cleaner and a soft towel. That way, you’re prepared if your pup needs a swim in the nearest pond or a quick little roll around in wet grass.
Healthy Ears, Happy Tail-Wags
Water play is fun for your dog, and with the right routine, you don’t have to worry about it leading to ear trouble. By learning the signs of trapped water, using gentle techniques to help it escape, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll make ear care part of a simple routine. The result? A happy, comfortable pup who’s ready for their next adventure.
One of the easiest ways to stay ahead of ear issues is by drying your dog properly after swims or baths. The Absorber by Dog Lovers Towel is designed to be soft, absorbent, and reusable, making it perfect for quickly soaking up water around the ears and coat. These towels makes post-play cleanup easier for you, and keeps your furry friend’s ears healthy for all the future fun.