Preventing Ear Infections: What to Do After Your Dog’s Swim
There is nothing quite like taking your furry best friend for a swim on a hot day. Whether it is at the beach, a lake, or a pool, jumping into the water can be a refreshing way to cool down and bond with your pup.
However, as much fun as it can be, it is important to remember that swimming can come with some potential health risks for your dog. One of the most common problems after swimming is ear infections. But fear not- there are plenty of preventative measures you can take to keep your pup’s ears healthy and happy.
In this blog post, we will go over some tips and tricks for preventing ear infections after your dog’s swim.
Dry those ears:
One of the most important things you can do after your dog’s swim is to make sure their ears are totally dry. Water in the ear canal can create a moist environment that is ideal for bacteria and yeast to grow- leading to an infection.
Use a clean dry towel to gently pat your dog’s ears dry after they get out of the water, and do not forget to pay extra attention to the ear flap and the areas around the ear canal.
Use a drying solution:
If you are really concerned about preventing an ear infection after swimming, consider investing in a drying solution specifically designed for pets.
These solutions contain ingredients that help to evaporate excess moisture from the ear canal and can reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and only use a product that is formulated for dogs.
Keep those ears clean:
Regular ear cleaning can help to preventative ear infections, especially after your dog takes a dip in the water.
To clean your dog’s ears, apply a pet-approved ear cleaning solution to a cotton ball or pad and gently wipe out any debris and excess wax.
Just be careful not to insert anything deep into the ear canal, as this can cause damage and discomfort.
Avoid water with high bacteria levels:
Certain bodies of water can carry a higher risk of bacterial or fungal infections than others.
It is a good idea to avoid letting your dog swim in stagnant ponds or lakes with green or murky water, as these tend to harbor more bacteria.
Stick to cleaner sources of water like swimming pools or ocean beaches with good water quality.
Visit the vet:
If you notice any signs of an ear infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, it is important to seek veterinary care right away.
Early treatment is key to avoiding complications and getting your furry friend back to feeling their best.
Prevent Ear Infections
Preventative measures are key to keeping your dog’s ears healthy and happy after a swim. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this blog post, you can help to prevent ear infections and keep your canine companion comfortable and carefree all summer long.
Remember to always be vigilant about drying your dog’s ears after swimming, use preventative products like ear drying solutions, keep their ears clean, avoid high-bacteria environments, and visit your vet if you notice any signs of an infection.
With a little bit of extra care, you and your furry friend can enjoy all the fun and benefits of swimming without worrying about any negative side effects.
Louie Montan
Meet Louie Montan, the dog-loving, beer-drinking, travel-writing extraordinaire behind Great White Website Services. As a full-time blogger, Louie’s passion for all things canine shines through in every post he creates. But don’t let that fool you, this creative mind is also well-versed in the art of travel and knows how to appreciate a good glass of cold beer with friends. When he’s not busy exploring new destinations or tasting different brews, you can find him jamming out to some tunes or indulging in his love for good food. And of course, no writing session is complete without his best friend, Sage by his side, providing invaluable insights and snuggles as Louie crafts his witty and engaging content from the comfort of his home office.
