{"id":618,"date":"2026-01-09T12:26:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T12:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/?p=618"},"modified":"2026-01-09T12:31:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T12:31:18","slug":"how-to-remove-water-from-your-dogs-ears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-water-from-your-dogs-ears\/","title":{"rendered":"Water in Your Dog\u2019s Ears? Here How to Remove Water From Your Dog\u2019s Ears Safely &amp; Easily"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If your dog charges toward water like it\u2019s the best part of their day, you\u2019re not alone. From beach-loving retrievers to sprinkler-chasing puppies, many dogs live for splash time. But once the fun is over, water hiding inside the ears can quietly cause discomfort\u2014and sometimes infections\u2014if it\u2019s ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-5ef75714      \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTable Of Contents\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#signs-your-dog-may-have-water-trapped-in-their-ears\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Signs Your Dog May Have Water Trapped in Their Ears<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#how-to-remove-water-from-your-dogs-ears-safely\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">How to Remove Water From Your Dog\u2019s Ears Safely<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-not-to-do-when-drying-dog-ears\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">What NOT to Do When Drying Dog Ears<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#common-dog-ear-care-mistakes-to-avoid\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Common Dog Ear Care Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#extra-ear-care-tips-for-water-loving-dogs\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Extra Ear Care Tips for Water-Loving Dogs<\/a><li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#healthy-ears-mean-more-fun-adventures\" class=\"uagb-toc-link__trigger\">Healthy Ears Mean More Fun Adventures<\/a><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<p>The good news is that keeping your dog\u2019s ears dry and healthy doesn\u2019t require complicated routines or aggressive cleaning. With a few smart habits, you can prevent most ear issues before they start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide explains how to remove water from your dog\u2019s ears safely, what warning signs to watch for, and how to build an easy ear-care routine\u2014especially if your dog loves water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Signs Your Dog May Have Water Trapped in Their Ears<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs can\u2019t say, \u201cHey, my ear feels weird,\u201d but they communicate discomfort in other ways. After swimming or bath time, these behaviors often answer the question: <em>what are the signs of water in a dog\u2019s ear?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Repeated Head Shaking or Pawing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick shake is normal. Constant head shaking or scratching one ear long after drying off is not. This usually means moisture hasn\u2019t fully drained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Redness, Swelling, or Bad Smell<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look inside the ear flap. Red skin, swelling, or a musty or sour odor may signal irritation or early infection caused by trapped moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sudden Ear Sensitivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog pulls away, whines, or seems defensive when you touch their ears, water inside the ear canal may be causing pressure or inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catching these signs early can prevent a simple issue from turning into a painful dog ear infection from swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Remove Water From Your Dog\u2019s Ears Safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/veterinarian-checking-the-ear-of-the-dog_Sathmini-Wijethunga_Shutterstock.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-625\" srcset=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/veterinarian-checking-the-ear-of-the-dog_Sathmini-Wijethunga_Shutterstock.webp 1000w, https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/veterinarian-checking-the-ear-of-the-dog_Sathmini-Wijethunga_Shutterstock-300x180.webp 300w, https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/veterinarian-checking-the-ear-of-the-dog_Sathmini-Wijethunga_Shutterstock-768x461.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to dog ear care after a bath or swim, less is more. The goal is to help water escape\u2014not to clean deep inside the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Let Nature Do Its Job First<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your dog\u2019s instinct to shake their head is the fastest way to clear moisture. Let them shake freely, then gently tilt the head to the side and massage the base of the ear to help trapped water move out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dry the Outer Ear Only<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a soft, absorbent towel to pat the ear flap and visible outer ear. Avoid rubbing hard or pushing fabric into the ear canal. This step alone helps with drying dog ears after swimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use Dog-Safe Ear Drying Solutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vet-approved ear drying solutions are designed to evaporate leftover moisture safely. Add a few drops as directed, massage gently, and allow your dog to shake again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid homemade remedies\u2014what works for humans can sting and irritate a dog\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Improve Airflow Naturally<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hold the ear flap open for a minute or two in a calm, well-ventilated space. This allows dampness to dry without noise or force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog shows pain or the ear remains wet despite these steps, it\u2019s time to stop and consult your veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What NOT to Do When Drying Dog Ears<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trying to fix things too quickly can backfire. Avoid these common mistakes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cotton swabs:<\/strong> They push moisture deeper and risk injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Household liquids:<\/strong> Alcohol or vinegar can burn sensitive tissue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hair dryers or forced air:<\/strong> Loud noise and pressure can hurt and frighten your dog.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digging inside the ear:<\/strong> Fingers or tools can scratch the canal and worsen irritation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Gentle care always beats aggressive cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Dog Ear Care Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"615\" src=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-03-1024x615.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-621\" srcset=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-03-1024x615.webp 1024w, https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-03-300x180.webp 300w, https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-03-768x461.webp 768w, https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-03.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even experienced dog owners make these errors without realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cleaning Too Often<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Daily cleaning removes natural oils that protect the ear canal, making it more prone to irritation. Only clean when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Skipping Weekly Ear Checks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick look once a week helps catch redness, odor, or swelling early\u2014before treatment becomes expensive or stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Using the Wrong Products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all ear cleaners are dog-friendly. Stick to mild, vet-approved options specifically made for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ignoring Breed-Specific Needs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs with floppy ears or thick ear hair trap moisture more easily. These breeds need extra attention after water exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Extra Ear Care Tips for Water-Loving Dogs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog swims often, prevention is your best defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>After Pool, Lake, or Beach Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rinse the outer ears with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, or bacteria. Dry thoroughly with a towel to prevent irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Grooming That Supports Ear Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Trimming excess hair around the ears improves airflow and reduces moisture buildup. Combine grooming with regular ear checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Prepared on Trips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s a hike, road trip, or camping adventure, pack a towel and dog-safe ear solution. You\u2019ll be ready for surprise swim sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Healthy Ears Mean More Fun Adventures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Water doesn\u2019t have to be the enemy of your dog\u2019s ears. By learning how to remove water from your dog\u2019s ears properly, spotting early warning signs, and avoiding common mistakes, you can protect your pup from discomfort and infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more tips on dog care and gear, check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-collars\/\">The Ultimate Guide to Dog Collars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/best-dog-collars-for-different-breeds-and-sizes\/\">Best Dog Collars for Different Breeds and Sizes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/top-10-smart-dog-collars-in-2025\/\">Top 10 Smart Dog Collars in 2025<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-dog-collars\/\">How to Clean Dog Collars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-dogs-warm-in-winter\/\">How to Keep Dogs Warm in Winter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple routine keeps ears healthy\u2014and ensures your dog stays happy, comfortable, and ready for the next splash.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your dog charges toward water like it\u2019s the best part of their day, you\u2019re not alone. From beach-loving retrievers to sprinkler-chasing puppies, many dogs live for splash time. But once the fun is over, water hiding inside the ears can quietly cause discomfort\u2014and sometimes infections\u2014if it\u2019s ignored. The good news is that keeping your &#8230; <a title=\"Water in Your Dog\u2019s Ears? Here How to Remove Water From Your Dog\u2019s Ears Safely &amp; Easily\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-water-from-your-dogs-ears\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Water in Your Dog\u2019s Ears? Here How to Remove Water From Your Dog\u2019s Ears Safely &amp; Easily\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-618","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog"],"modified_by":"furryadminblog","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-300x169.webp",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-768x432.webp",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-1024x576.webp",1024,576,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"authorship-box-avatar":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",150,84,false],"authorship-box-related":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",70,39,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"furryadminblog","author_link":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/author\/furryadminblog\/"},"uagb_comment_info":4,"uagb_excerpt":"If your dog charges toward water like it\u2019s the best part of their day, you\u2019re not alone. From beach-loving retrievers to sprinkler-chasing puppies, many dogs live for splash time. But once the fun is over, water hiding inside the ears can quietly cause discomfort\u2014and sometimes infections\u2014if it\u2019s ignored. The good news is that keeping your&hellip;","rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-300x169.webp",300,169,true],"large":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01-1024x576.webp",1024,576,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",1200,675,false],"authorship-box-avatar":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",150,84,false],"authorship-box-related":["https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dogs-Ears-01.webp",70,39,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"furryadminblog","author_link":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/author\/furryadminblog\/"},"rttpg_comment":4,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/category\/dog\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Dog<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"If your dog charges toward water like it\u2019s the best part of their day, you\u2019re not alone. From beach-loving retrievers to sprinkler-chasing puppies, many dogs live for splash time. But once the fun is over, water hiding inside the ears can quietly cause discomfort\u2014and sometimes infections\u2014if it\u2019s ignored. The good news is that keeping your&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/618","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=618"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/618\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":626,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/618\/revisions\/626"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=618"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=618"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/furryinswag.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}