Half Dog Half Fish: How to Keep your water-loving dog clear of ear and yeast infections
Written by Dog Enthusiasts
Updated May 10, 2024
Hey there fellow dog lovers! If you're anything like me, you adore spending sunny days by the lake with your furry friend. But if your dog, like my Golden Retriever Calvin, is prone to ear infections and yeast infections, those post-swim worries can really put a damper on the fun. Fear not, though, because I've gathered some tips and tricks to help keep your canine companion stay happy, healthy, and infection-free after a dip in one of our Minnesota lakes.
Calvin, my beloved 10-year old puppy has always been a water-loving dog who can't resist jumping into any lake he sees. But with his proneness for ear and yeast infections, our lake adventures used to result in more trips to the vet than I'd like to admit. After some research, I've learned a few valuable lessons that have made all the difference.
1. Keep Those Ears Dry:
The primary culprit behind ear infections in dogs is moisture. After a swim, it's crucial to dry your pup's ears thoroughly. This is especially important for those dog breeds with floppy ears like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. I keep a few clean, dry towels near the lake and in my car specifically for this purpose. After Calvin's done with his time jumping off the dock and splashing around, I gently pat his ears dry, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. If your dog has particularly floppy ears, consider using a gentle ear-drying solution recommended by your vet.
2. Cleanse and Protect:
Regular ear cleaning is essential, especially for water-loving pups. Invest in a good quality dog ear cleanser (check with your vet for recommendations) and make it a habit to clean your dog's ears after every swim. This helps remove any dirt, debris, or excess moisture that could lead to infections. Just be sure to use a product specifically designed for dogs, as human ear cleaners can be too harsh for our furry friends' delicate ears.
3. Dry Off Completely:
After a day of swimming, it's essential to ensure your dog is completely dry. Moisture trapped in their fur can create the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. A portable pet hair dryer can expedite the drying process, especially if you're planning multiple swims in a day. If you don't have access to a hair dryer, a good old-fashioned towel rub-down works just fine. Then once you finally get your dog all dried off and ears cleaned try to keep them out of the water until you’re ready for another swim (much easier said than done!).
4. Monitor your Dog for Symptoms and Act Quickly:
Finally, keep a close eye on your pup for any signs of discomfort or irritation and when in doubt immediately seek out the advice of a veterinarian.
A dog with an ear infection may exhibit any one of these symptoms:
Scratching and digging at the ear
Rubbing the head on the floor, walls, or furniture
Excessive shaking of the head
Musty odor
Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
Crusted skin or fur on the ear flap
Swelling and redness
Hair loss around the base of the ear
A dog with a yeast infection on their skin or paws may exhibit any one of these symptoms:
Brown discharge in nailbeds
Pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws
Hair loss
Intense itching
Red, irritated, inflamed skin
Greasy, crusty, or flaky patches
Thickening (elephant-like) skin
Darker skin color
Musty smell
If you notice any of these symptoms or your dog displaying any other unusual behavior, it's crucial to act quickly. Ear infections can escalate rapidly, so don't hesitate to schedule a vet visit at the first sign of trouble. For an ear infection, your dog’s vet may prescribe an anti-fungal cream, drops, or oral medication. In the case of an infection on your dog’s paws or skin your vet may prescribe a disinfectant spray, medicated antifungal shampoo, or some other antifungal medication.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can help keep your dog's ears and skin healthy and infection-free. Allowing you both to enjoy countless carefree days by the lake. With a little proactive care and attention, Calvin and I have been able to minimize his post-swim woes, leaving us free to focus on making memories together in Minnesota's beautiful outdoor playgrounds. Here's to many more splashes and smiles with our furry companions!
Source:
Meyers, H. (2023a, June 5). Yeast infections in dogs: Everything you need to know. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/yeast-infections-in-dogs-what-to-know/
