Swimmer’s ear in dogs happens when water and summer humidity leave the ear canal warm and damp, creating the perfect setting for yeast and bacteria to grow. Watch for head-shaking, odour, redness, and scratching after swims at local beaches, dry the ears gently after every dip, and book a veterinary ear exam if signs appear.
Why Swimming and Humidity Cause Ear Infections
A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an L, with a long vertical section that traps moisture far more easily than a human ear. When your dog swims at Kits Beach, paddles along the seawall, or splashes through Jericho on a warm afternoon, water can pool deep in that canal. Add Vancouver’s humid summer air, and the ear stays damp for hours. Yeast and bacteria that normally live in small numbers on the skin thrive in this warm, moist, low-oxygen environment, and an overgrowth can quickly turn into an uncomfortable infection often called swimmer’s ear.
Humidity alone can be enough to tip the balance, even for dogs who never go near the ocean. Long, muggy stretches keep the skin inside the ear from drying out between grooming sessions and walks. Dogs with a history of allergies, excess ear wax, or narrow canals are especially prone to trouble during these months, because their ears already struggle to stay clean and dry.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk
Any dog can develop a summer ear infection, but floppy-eared breeds top the list. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, and Poodles have ears that fold down over the canal, sealing in warmth and moisture like a lid. Dogs with hairy inner ears, including many doodles and terriers, trap water even more readily.
Water-loving dogs of any breed are also high risk simply because of how much time they spend swimming. If your dog lives for the water and heads straight into the surf on every outing, their ears rarely get a chance to fully dry. Dogs with underlying skin allergies or previous ear infections face the highest odds of all, since inflammation makes the canal more reactive and harder to keep healthy through the summer.
Signs of a Summer Ear Infection
Ear infections tend to make dogs visibly uncomfortable, and the earlier you notice the signs, the easier the problem is to address. Common things to watch for include:
Frequent head-shaking or tilting the head to one side. A noticeable odour coming from the ear, sometimes yeasty or sour. Scratching or pawing at the ear and rubbing the head along the floor or furniture. Redness, swelling, or warmth on the inner ear flap. Dark, waxy, or discharge-like buildup inside the canal. Sensitivity or yelping when you touch the ear, and in some cases a reluctance to be petted around the head.
If your dog shows one or more of these signs, avoid poking around inside the canal or reaching for leftover medication. The ear needs to be examined so the underlying cause can be identified before any treatment begins.
Safe Ear-Drying Habits After Swimming
The single best defence against swimmer’s ear is a simple after-swim routine that keeps the canal dry. Build these habits into every beach or lake day this summer:
After your dog gets out of the water, use a clean, soft towel to gently dry the outer ear and the visible part of the canal. Never push cotton swabs deep into the ear, as this can pack debris down and injure the delicate tissue. For floppy-eared dogs, lift the ear flap and let air circulate, and give the head a light massage at the base of the ear to help your dog shake out trapped water naturally.
Keep the hair around the ear opening trimmed and tidy so air can flow and moisture can escape. Regular medical grooming services can help manage hairy ear canals in breeds that are prone to buildup. On very humid days, limit repeated swims and give the ears a chance to dry out between dips. If you want to use an ear-drying product, ask your veterinary team first, since the right choice depends on your dog’s ear health and any history of infection.
When to See the Vet
Some level of moisture and the occasional head-shake after a swim is normal, but certain signs mean it is time for a professional exam rather than home care. Book an appointment if you notice a persistent odour, ongoing head-shaking, redness or swelling, dark discharge, or if your dog seems to be in pain when the ear is touched. A head tilt that does not go away, loss of balance, or any change in hearing also warrants prompt attention.
During an exam, the veterinary team can look deep into the canal, check that the eardrum is intact, and identify whether yeast, bacteria, or another factor is driving the problem. Because different causes need different care, having the ear examined and, when needed, supported by diagnostic testing is far safer than guessing at home. This is especially true for dogs with recurring infections, where an underlying allergy or ear structure may need a longer-term plan through our veterinary medical services.
Keeping Summer Fun and Ear-Trouble Free
Summer on the West Side is made for water, and there is no reason your dog should sit on the sidelines. With a towel in your beach bag, a quick ear-drying routine after every swim, and a little extra attention to floppy-eared and water-loving dogs, most summer ear infections are entirely preventable. Pay attention to the early signs, keep the canal dry, and do not wait to have a sore or smelly ear checked. If your dog develops sudden pain, severe head-shaking, or signs of distress, our urgent veterinary care is here to help through the busy summer season.
For more warm-weather tips, see our guide to beach and seawall safety for dogs and our overview of how weather changes affect your pet’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use human ear drops or leftover medication on my dog’s ears?
No. Human products and old prescriptions can be the wrong strength or type for your dog, and using drops when the eardrum is damaged can cause harm. Have the ear examined so the right approach can be chosen for your dog’s specific situation.
How soon after swimming should I dry my dog’s ears?
As soon as your dog is out of the water. Gently towel-dry the outer ear and let the flap lift so air can reach the canal. The faster the ear dries, the less chance yeast and bacteria have to overgrow.
My dog only swims occasionally. Can they still get swimmer’s ear?
Yes. Even one long swim, a bath, or a stretch of very humid weather can leave the canal damp enough for an infection to start, especially in floppy-eared or allergy-prone dogs. Drying routines help regardless of how often your dog swims.
How can I tell a minor irritation from an infection that needs a vet?
Occasional head-shaking right after a swim is usually fine. Persistent odour, redness, dark discharge, ongoing scratching, or signs of pain point to an infection and should be examined by your veterinary team rather than treated at home.