Protecting Your Dog’s Ears After Swimming: A Simple At-Home Rinse to Prevent Infections
Regular ear maintenance can help keep infections at bay, but some ears require a little extra attention.
Tips from Two Rivers Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND
There’s nothing better than watching your dog splash, paddle, and play in one of our beautiful local lakes. But as fun as swimming can be, it also comes with a risk many dog owners overlook: ear infections. Water trapped in the ear canal—especially from lakes or rivers—can create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we recommend a simple and effective at-home ear rinse to help protect your dog’s ears and prevent painful infections after swimming.
Why Dogs Get Ear Infections After Swimming
When water gets trapped in your dog’s ears, it creates moisture and warmth—an ideal breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. This risk is especially high for:
Dogs with floppy ears (like Labs, Goldens, or Spaniels)
Dogs with hairy ear canals
Dogs who swim frequently or spend time in natural water (like lakes, rivers, or ponds)
Infections often go unnoticed until the dog begins scratching at the ears, shaking their head, or developing a foul odor.
A Veterinarian-Approved Home Ear Rinse Recipe
To help dry out the ears and kill bacteria or yeast, you can use this simple DIY solution after each swim:
📌 Homemade Ear Rinse Recipe
1 part white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 part clean water
The vinegar helps acidify the ear canal and reduce microbial growth, while the water helps flush out debris and leftover lake water.
How to Use the Rinse
Mix the solution and pour it into a clean, squeezable bottle (like an old ear cleaner or contact solution bottle).
Gently lift your dog’s ear flap and squirt enough solution into the ear to fill the canal.
Massage the base of the ear for 15–20 seconds. You’ll hear a squishy sound — that’s normal!
Let your dog shake their head to help dislodge any debris.
Use a clean cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the outer part of the ear.
🚫 Do NOT use Q-tips inside the ear canal, as this can push debris deeper or cause injury.
When to Avoid At-Home Cleaning
While this rinse is great for healthy ears, do not use it if your dog’s ears are:
Red or inflamed
Smelly or full of discharge
Painful when touched
Already diagnosed with an ear infection
If your dog shows any signs of ear discomfort, schedule a visit with your vet instead. Infected or inflamed ears may need prescription medication, and home treatments could make things worse.
Keep Swimming Safe and Fun
Using a vinegar-water rinse after swimming can help your dog avoid chronic ear issues and keep lake days fun for everyone. This simple step can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and long-term ear health.
Have questions about your dog’s ears or want a vet-recommended commercial ear cleaner? Call us at 701-356-5588 or stop by Two Rivers Vet Hospital in Fargo, ND!
