Do dogs get more ear infections in the summer

Do dogs get more ear infections in the summer? It’s a question that starts popping up in June, especially when you notice your floppy-eared Cocker Spaniel shaking his head like a metronome after a trip to the lake. Last week, my neighbor in Florida showed me her vet bill—$180 for treating her Golden Retriever’s summer ear infection, and she swore it never happened in winter. Let’s dig into why.

Summer brings perfect conditions for ear infections: heat, humidity, and water. A dog’s ear canal is shaped like an L, which traps moisture—think of a damp towel left in a closet. When your Lab splashes in the pool or your Beagle gets caught in a summer rainstorm, water lingers inside, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Vets in Texas call this “swimmer’s ear,” and it’s twice as common in July as in January. Breeds with floppy ears, like Basset Hounds, are more prone because their ears block air flow, keeping things moist. My cousin’s Dachshund, who loves chasing sprinklers in Colorado, gets an infection almost every August—those long ears act like little water traps.

Preventing it starts with drying ears after water exposure. Use a soft towel to gently wipe the outer ear—never stick anything inside, not even cotton swabs (they can push gunk deeper). For floppy-eared dogs, a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting held 12 inches away works; it circulates air without burning. If your dog swims a lot, ask your vet about ear-drying drops—my neighbor’s Pug hasn’t had an infection since she started using them. And avoid over-cleaning—too much wiping removes the ear’s natural protective oils, making infections more likely.

Let’s cover responsible ownership basics. First, keep vaccines current. Groomers in California won’t take your dog without rabies proof, and it’s the law in all 50 states. When out walking, always carry poop bags—I saw someone in Portland fined $120 last month for skipping this, and it’s just common decency. Remember, if your dog hates ear cleaning, never force them. Try treats before and after—trainers in Florida swear by positive reinforcement. My friend’s Shih Tzu now comes running when she sees the ear drops, thanks to tiny liver treats.

Community living means being considerate. If your dog has an ear infection, keep them away from community pools—no one wants shared water contaminated. Clean up any ear wipe trash at the park; litter bugs everyone in Chicago. And if your dog shakes their head a lot, apologize to neighbors—ear infection discomfort can make them noisy, and a little courtesy goes a long way. A guy in Seattle once left a note for his neighbors explaining his dog’s temporary head-shaking—it made everyone more understanding.

So, yes, dogs get more ear infections in summer, but with quick drying and gentle care, you can cut the risk way down. Your pup will thank you with fewer head shakes—and more summer fetch sessions.