As families head to the beach with their dogs this summer, vets are reporting a rise in ear infections – and some breeds are at greater risk than others.
According to Dr Tanya Leslie, a veterinary advisor for DOUXO, dogs with longer, floppier ears or narrow ear canals are more susceptible because restricted airflow means their ears take longer to dry after swimming.
“Vets warn dog owners of ear infection rise in breeds with floppy ears or narrow canals”
The tricky thing, Dr Leslie warns, is that early signs of an ear infection can be easy to miss. Occasional head shaking, mild scratching at the ear, or a faint smell are often dismissed as normal post-swim behaviour. But if left untreated, they can progress into a full-blown infection.
"Ear disease is exceptionally painful and can progress quickly if left untreated," Dr Leslie said. "If in doubt, it's always better to have your vet check it early; a mild infection is far easier and less costly to treat than one that's been left to develop."
She advises drying the outer ear and the entrance of the ear canal gently with a soft towel after every swim. A vet-approved ear cleaner can help remove excess debris and wax. But she warns: "Never use cotton buds, as they push debris and moisture further into the canal and risk damaging the eardrum. Never use home remedies, regardless of how natural they claim to be, as they may cause lifelong issues if used in the wrong situations."