Bathing your dog is essential to keep your pet clean and healthy. However, it can be a challenging task. For example, if water gets into your dog's ears, it begins to feel discomfort and will very likely proceed to misbehave during bath time. Water entering your dog's ears can also lead to ear infections, which is obviously something you want to avoid.
The best way to avoid discomfort and ear infections is simply to keep water out of a dog's ears when bathing. We will walk you through what happens when water enters a dog’s ears, as well as how to prevent or fix it, and why a dog grooming station might just be your permanent solution.
What Happens when Water Enters a Dog's Ears?
The main issue with water entering your dog’s ears is that it often stays there unnoticed and can eventually cause health problems in the long run. When moisture is trapped inside a dog's ears for a long time, it can encourage bacterial and fungal growth. Over time, this can cause inflammation of the ear canal, which is known as otitis externa.
Some early symptoms of otitis externa in a dog are constant head shaking, frequent scratching, and redness around the ears. It is not something you want to happen to your precious dog.
If you leave it untreated, the infection can become worse. Your dog may develop a strong odor from the ears, discharge, and swelling. Some dogs even develop balance issues in severe cases. Chronic ear infections can damage the ear canal and eardrum and lead to hearing loss.
How to Protect Dogs' Ears When Bathing: 5 Ways
Fortunately, there are several practical ways you can protect your dog’s ears when bathing: the easiest is to avoid spraying water directly onto the head, and to lower the water pressure so you can better control where it goes. You can also use cotton balls to prevent water from entering the ears. Here are some easy methods you can try:
1. Use Cotton Balls
Before starting to bathe your dog, you can place clean and dry cotton balls into your dog’s ears. These balls will collect any water that tries to enter the ears. However, don’t forget to remove these balls after you’re done bathing your dog.
2. Don’t Spray Water Directly to the Head
When bathing your dog, don’t spray water directly on the head. Instead, pour some water into your hand and then use that hand to gently wash your dog’s head. Don’t let any water enter the ears. Use a wet towel or cloth to wipe around the ears.
3. Lower the Water Pressure
Sometimes, the issue is with the water pressure. Too high water pressure makes it harder to control the water stream, which makes it more likely for water to enter your dog’s ears. So, try to lower the water pressure when bathing your dog.
4. Control Your Dog's Position So the Ears are Safe
Dogs aren’t always standing still when being bathed, and that’s when some water can enter their ears. If possible, try to secure your dog as well as possible. Keep your dog steady and position it so that its head and ears are facing away from the water.
5. Perform Regular Ear Maintenance
After bathing your dog, always check if the ears are wet and try to pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Also, do regular maintenance on your dog's ears. Trim the fur around the ears, as this fur can trap excess moisture.
Check your dog’s ears at least once every 10-15 days. Clean them with a damp cloth, but avoid bringing in too much moisture. Look for any suspicious signs, such as redness, swelling, obvious dirt buildup, and unpleasant smells.
Water In a Dog’s Ears: What To Do
If, despite all your efforts, some water reaches your dog’s ears, do not panic: it’s still a salvageable situation. Here are two measures you can take quickly to avoid further infection:
- Use a soft and absorbent towel to gently dry the ears. Start from the outer ear and move inwards. Let your dog shake its head freely, as it is their way to shake off the excess water.
- If your dog will allow it, use a hair dryer to dry the ears, but keep it on a low setting. Don’t try pushing Q-tips or anything similar into the ear because it can push the moisture even deeper into the ear.
Finally, observe your dog for a few days. If you notice any symptoms of discomfort or infection, take your dog to the vet.
Protect Your Dog with a Dog Grooming Table
One great way to have more control when bathing your dog, as well as to keep water out of your dog’s ears when bathing, is to use a dog grooming table. A dog grooming table provides a secure and elevated surface that helps keep your dog calm and steady.
With better control over your dog, you can manage water flow more precisely and avoid accidental splashes near the ears. Grooming tables also reduce strain on your back and arms. This allows you to focus on gentle and careful handling instead of just trying to keep your dog in place.
For dogs that dislike bath time, a stable grooming table can significantly reduce stress. When dogs feel secure, they move less, which lowers the risk of water entering their ears.
Overall, dog grooming tables are a perfect solution for both dogs and their owners, as they make bathing a much easier and more comfortable experience for everyone involved. It greatly reduces the risk of water getting into your dog's ears and many other complications that could arise during dog washing. And they are not too expensive either, especially if you are getting them from Co-z Palace!
Affordable Co-Z Dog Grooming Tables From Co-Z
1. CO-Z 34" Stainless Steel Dog Grooming Tub
This 34-inch dog bathing station offers a safe, elevated, and well-draining bath experience: it comes with anti-skid stairs, warm water options, and a stainless steel design. This will keep your dog comfortable and secure, while allowing you to bathe it without getting its ears wet:
2. Heavy Duty Electric Dog Grooming Table with Adjustable Height
This adjustable grooming table helps keep dogs’ ears dry by giving you full control over height, positioning, and movement during bath time. You can rinse and clean your dog more precisely, reducing splashing and preventing water from reaching the ears:
Final Thoughts on Keeping Water Out of Your Dog's Ears
If you always fear getting your dog’s ears wet during a bath, use this article as your guide. There are several ways you can keep water out of your dog’s ears when bathing, but even if some water gets in, it isn’t the end of the world. By taking good care of your dog’s ears, you can prevent discomfort and infections, and having a dog grooming table can help with that.
