Course 10 · Ears · Lesson 9 of 12

How do you dry ears after bathing or swimming?

Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026 · About 5 minutes · General information only. This lesson does not diagnose or treat any condition.

Dry ears after bathing or swimming by towel drying the flap, under the flap and the visible entrance gently, lifting the flap briefly to let air reach the ear, and checking the ear once it is dry. Water left in or around the ear, especially under a floppy flap, keeps the ear warm and moist. Drying is not the same as cleaning: it removes water, it does not insert anything into the canal, and it does not use a cleaner or a product unless the ear is dirty and a check shows cleaning is suitable. Careful drying after every water exposure is one of the simplest and most protective ear habits.

Why does water in the ear matter?

Water matters because the ear canal and the skin under the flap dry slowly, especially in floppy, hairy or narrow ears, and moisture held against skin softens it, encourages wax and debris to stay, and creates a warm, damp environment. A dog that swims frequently, or is bathed often, may have ears that are repeatedly damp, and without drying, the ear may stay moist for hours, particularly if the dog lies down with a wet flap folded over the entrance. Water itself does not necessarily cause a problem in a healthy ear that dries quickly, but water that stays, combined with wax, debris and warmth, increases the chance of a problem developing. Drying promptly, gently and thoroughly, after every bath or swim, reduces that chance, without needing any product or deep cleaning.

What is the drying method?

Use a clean, dry towel or a soft, absorbent cloth, and dry in this order: first the outside of the flap, then under the flap, then the visible entrance and folds, using a fresh part of the towel for each ear. Lift the flap gently, pat rather than rub, and let air reach the entrance for a few seconds. For hairy ears, towel dry the hair around the ear, brush it once dry, and check that hair under the flap is not sitting damp against skin. Do not use a hair dryer on a hot setting, do not hold a dryer close to the ear, and do not use a dryer on a dog that fears it, without a gradual introduction. A low, cool setting, kept moving and at a distance, may be used if the dog accepts it and the maker guidance allows it, but towel drying and air are usually enough, and they are safer. Do not insert a towel, cotton wool or any object into the canal to dry it, and do not shake the ear or fold it to wring water out.

How do you check the ear after drying?

Once the ear is dry, check it again, because drying can reveal redness, a sore, debris or a smell that was hidden when the ear was wet. Lift the flap, look at the outer ear and entrance in good light, smell from a normal distance, and feel for heat or tenderness. Compare both ears, and note any change from the pre bath check. If the ear looks healthy and smells normal, no cleaning is needed, and the drying routine is complete. If the ear is dirty, clean the outer ear gently only if the check is clear, as Lesson 3 explains. If there is a warning sign, such as smell, discharge, redness or pain, do not clean, and seek veterinary advice promptly. A post water check, done once the ear is dry, is more reliable than a check done on a wet ear, because water hides and mimics several signs.

What about dogs that swim often?

Dogs that swim often need a drying routine that is part of every swim, not an occasional extra. Keep a dedicated ear towel with the swimming kit, dry ears as soon as the dog leaves the water, and check ears later the same day, once they are fully dry. Rinse the coat with clean water after swimming in salt water, a lake or a chlorinated pool, if the vet or groomer advises it, but keep rinsing water away from the canal entrance, and dry ears afterwards as usual. Watch for a pattern of smell, discharge or head shaking after swimming, and tell the vet about the swimming history if ear problems recur, because the vet plan may need to include a specific drying or checking routine for a swimming dog. Do not use ear drops, cleaners or drying products after swimming unless a vet has recommended them for that dog, because products used routinely can irritate an ear that only needs drying.

Use this drying sequence after every bath or swim:

1. Towel dry the body, then the flap, under the flap and the entrance, patting gently.
2. Lift the flap briefly for air, and dry hairy ears and feathering around the ear.
3. Let the dog shake gently, then wipe the outer ear lightly to remove loosened water.
4. Check the ear once dry, in good light, for redness, smell, discharge or soreness.
5. Brush hair around the ear once dry, and note any change for the next check.

What can drying not do?

Drying cannot remove water that has gone deep into the canal, treat an ear that is already infected, or replace veterinary assessment for a dog that shakes its head, scratches, or shows a warning sign after swimming. If a dog repeatedly develops ear problems after swimming, despite careful drying, seek veterinary advice, and do not increase drying effort, use products, or insert anything to try to solve it at home. A vet can examine the canal, advise on swimming, drying and checking for that dog, and set a plan that keeps swimming enjoyable and ears healthy. Drying is a simple, protective habit, and its limit is the canal entrance, beyond which professional care takes over.

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