How to Tell if Your Dog Has an Ear Infection and Prevent Problems in Wet Weather
Walking your dog is essential for their physical and emotional well-being. However, wet weather can create the perfect conditions for ear infections, especially if your dog loves splashing in puddles or frolicking in fresh snow. Knowing how to tell if your dog has an ear infection—and how to prevent one from developing in the first place—can help keep dogs healthy and comfortable year-round.
Signs of Ear Infections in Dogs
Watch for these symptoms that can be telltale signs of an ear infection:
- Excessive scratching or pawing at the ears
- Redness inside the ear
- An unpleasant odor
- Frequent head shaking
- Discharge from the ear
Why Wet Weather Can Lead to Ear Infections
Dogs love to explore, and rainy or snowy weather may add a new layer of exciting scents and experiences. But when a dog’s ears become wet, moisture can be trapped and lead to an infection, particularly in breeds with floppy ears.
Cocker spaniels are especially prone to severe ear infections, which can become so serious that surgically removing the ear canal becomes the most humane option. Other breeds at high risk for ear infections include golden retrievers, basset hounds, and beagles, all with long ear flaps that trap moisture and reduce airflow. Shar-peis have small ear canal openings that make it hard for air to circulate and are also susceptible to infection.
Tips for Preventing Ear Infections in Wet Weather
These safety measures can help keep dogs healthy and comfortable when they walk or play in the rain or snow:
- Invest in a waterproof coat. Hooded raincoats keep your dog warm and their ears dry.
- Protect those paws. Consider using dog boots to protect dogs’ paws from snow, ice, and salt. If boots aren’t an option, apply paw balm before and after a walk to provide a protective barrier.
- Dry your dog thoroughly with an absorbent towel after a wet walk, paying special attention to their ears. A hairdryer on a low, cool setting can be helpful, especially for dogs with longer hair. Note: Do not blow air directly into their ears.
All-Weather Ear Care Checklist
- Keep the hair around dogs’ ears neatly trimmed to reduce the chances of moisture getting trapped inside the ear canal. It’s best to have a professional groomer handle the trimming to avoid any accidental nicks. Be sure to choose a reputable groomer who lets you stay with your dog—or at least watch through a window—during the grooming.
- Cleaning dogs’ ears can help prevent infections. Only use ear cleaners made specifically for dogs, and never use cotton swabs or insert anything deep into an ear canal. Cotton balls and gauze squares work best.
- Plug their ear canals with cotton balls during bath time. The number one rule of bathing a dog or cat is never to get water in their ears. Remember to remove the cotton balls once bath time is over!
- Regular veterinary checkups are important to ensure your dog’s ears stay healthy. Monitor their ears for any signs of infection or inflammation between visits.
By being attentive to your dog’s ear health, you can prevent painful infections and make rainy or snowy adventures something to look forward to. So grab that raincoat, leash up your pup, and enjoy the great outdoors—no matter the weather!
