Swimming is a common recreational activity for dogs during the warmer months. However, repeated exposure to seawater, lakes, pools and other water sources can contribute to the accumulation of moisture and organic debris within the external ear canal.

For veterinary professionals, dog ear care after swimming can therefore be an important seasonal topic to discuss with owners, particularly where dogs swim frequently or are predisposed to ear problems.

Why Ear Care After Swimming Matters

Moisture retained within the external ear canal can affect the local ear environment. Dogs that swim regularly may therefore benefit from appropriate routine ear cleansing as part of their general ear hygiene programme.

Patients that may warrant closer monitoring include frequent swimmers and dogs with a previous history of ear problems or other predisposing factors.

Veterinary teams can support owners by reinforcing the importance of regularly checking their pet’s ears and recognising signs that may warrant further investigation.

Clinical Signs to Look Out For

Dogs that swim regularly, particularly those with a history of ear disease or other predisposing factors, should be monitored for signs of external ear irritation or inflammation.

Typical clinical signs may include:

• Frequent head shaking
• Persistent scratching or rubbing of the ears
• Erythema of the external ear canal
• Irritation or discomfort
• Changes in the appearance, odour or condition of the ear canal

Where these signs are present, appropriate veterinary assessment should be undertaken to determine the underlying cause and guide management.

Routine ear cleaning for dogs is intended to support the maintenance of healthy ears and should not replace clinical investigation where signs of ear disease are present.

Routine Ear Cleaning for Dogs That Swim Regularly

For dogs exposed to water regularly, establishing a consistent post-swimming ear care routine can help support external ear canal hygiene.

Auraleze is an ear cleanser specifically formulated to deodorise, gently clean, dry and acidify the external ear canal.

For the routine cleansing and maintenance of healthy ears, Auraleze can be used once or twice weekly, or as recommended by a veterinary surgeon.

For dogs that swim, Auraleze should be applied following swimming as part of their routine ear care.

Auraleze is available in 125 ml and 250 ml bottles, providing veterinary practices with a practical non-prescription option for routine ear care recommendations.

For further information go to Auraleze.