Golden Retriever Owner Guide
Golden Retriever ear infections & swimming: care and warning signs
TL;DR
Golden Retrievers’ coated, floppy ears can hold moisture, so swimming and bathing deserve an ear-check routine. Redness, odor, discharge, head shaking, scratching, swelling, or pain need veterinary evaluation; they can have several causes, including allergies, parasites, yeast, bacteria, or an object in the canal. Do not try to diagnose or treat an infection at home.
- After water time, gently dry the visible ear area and check for changes.
- Do not put cotton swabs or home remedies into the canal.
- Ask your veterinarian which cleaner or drying product, if any, is right for your dog.
AKC notes that Golden Retrievers’ coated, floppy ears can be susceptible to infection and that swimmers need extra checks. Moisture, ear shape, skin disease, allergy, parasites, and foreign material can each contribute to otitis externa. The correct treatment depends on the cause, so a familiar-looking ear problem may still need a different plan.
| After swimming or bathing | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Rinse pool chemicals as needed and dry through the coat | Leaving a wet undercoat against the skin |
| Ear flap and visible opening | Gently dry with a towel or cotton ball | Pushing anything deep into the canal |
| Routine care | Follow veterinary instructions for a cleaner or drying agent | Vinegar mixtures, peroxide, or leftover prescription drops |
| Changes | Book an exam promptly | Waiting through pain, odor, or discharge |
- Often normal. A clean, dry ear with its usual mild wax and no discomfort.
- Concerning. New odor, redness, swelling, discharge, scaly skin, head shaking, scratching, rubbing, or pain when touched.
- Urgent. Severe pain, a head tilt, loss of balance, marked swelling, or a dog that seems unwell needs prompt veterinary advice.
Check ears regularly, reduce unnecessary water in the canal during baths, and follow a veterinarian’s advice for a frequent swimmer or a dog with recurring infections. If infections recur, ask about underlying causes such as allergic skin disease instead of repeatedly treating only the flare.
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Frequently asked questions
- How do I dry my Golden Retriever’s ears after swimming?
- Gently dry the visible ear area with a towel or cotton ball and ask your veterinarian whether a dog-specific cleaner or drying product is appropriate. Do not insert swabs into the canal.
- Can I use leftover ear drops?
- No. Ear problems have different causes and old medication may be inappropriate or harmful. A veterinarian should examine a painful, red, smelly, or discharging ear.
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Last reviewed October 2, 2026. This is general education, not veterinary or behavior-professional advice for an individual dog.