Even though it’s winter now, swimming season is just around the corner, and preparing your dog for a swim is essential. Whether it’s teaching your dog to swim, buying a life vest, ensuring vaccinations and permits are in order, or other considerations, one thing you may not have thought about is how to protect your dog’s ears while swimming. Wondering how your dog’s ears play a role in swimming safety? Let’s dive into that.
Why You Need to Protect Your Dog’s Ears During Swimming
Many dog owners overlook protecting their dog’s ears during swimming, but this simple step can prevent ear infections. Just like humans, dogs’ ears have a natural layer of yeast and bacteria that act as a protective shield. However, unlike human ears, a dog’s ear canal is “L” shaped, making it harder for foreign substances, like water, to exit once they get in.
When water enters the lower part of the ear canal, it can create a moist environment, ideal for yeast and bacteria to grow out of control. This can happen not only from swimming but also from bathing your dog or even melting snow getting into the ears.
External ear infections, known as otitis externa, occur when the skin lining the ear canal becomes inflamed. These infections, often caused by yeast, bacteria, or allergic reactions, can lead to inner ear infections and, in severe cases, hearing loss. Chronic ear infections in dogs can be costly and difficult to treat, leading you to ask, “How can I prevent my dog’s ears from getting infected?”
How to Tell If Your Dog Has an Ear Infection
Ear infections can sometimes be sneaky, with symptoms varying in severity. It’s important to contact your vet at the first sign of a problem. Common signs of ear infections in dogs include:
- Foul odor
- Dark discharge
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pain
- Scratching at the affected ear
- Crusting or scabs on the ear
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Now, you might be wondering, “How can I prevent water from entering my dog’s ears while swimming?” Here’s how.
2 Key Tips to Prevent Water from Entering Your Dog’s Ears
Here are two effective strategies to prevent water from entering your dog’s ears while swimming:
- Dry Your Dog’s Ears After Swimming: After each swim, gently towel dry your dog’s ears. This helps to remove any excess water from the outer part of the ear before it can seep into the ear canal. However, this method doesn’t entirely prevent water from getting inside the ear canal during swimming.
- Use CrittEar Quiet Dog Earplugs: For complete ear protection, consider using CrittEar Quiet dog earplugs. These earplugs are designed to fit snugly into your dog’s “L” shaped ear canal, expanding to form a watertight seal. Not only do they help prevent water from entering the ear canal during swimming or dock diving, but they also provide noise protection from summer sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms.
Enjoy Swimming Without Worrying About Ear Infections
For many dogs, a great summer includes plenty of swimming. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I protect my dog’s ears while swimming?” keeping their ears dry can be as simple as using CrittEar Quiet dog earplugs. These earplugs come in a convenient 3-pack, so you can have a pair for backyard swimming, a pair for the beach, and a pair for travel. Now is the perfect time to start training your dog to get used to wearing earplugs, so both you and your furry friend can enjoy a fun, infection-free summer of swimming.
Prepare for summer and all the fun it brings by protecting your dog’s ears, ensuring they stay healthy and happy all season long!
