How to Keep Your Pet’s Ears Dry (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Keeping your pet’s ears dry isn’t just a grooming detail — it’s one of the most important steps in preventing irritation, infections, and long-term ear issues.

For Australian pet parents, this matters even more. With warm weather, beach days, backyard hose-downs, and frequent baths, moisture in ears is incredibly common — and often overlooked.

Here’s how to keep your pet’s ears dry, healthy, and comfortable year-round.

Why Wet Ears Are a Problem

Moisture trapped inside the ear creates the perfect environment for:

  • Bacteria

  • Yeast

  • Inflammation

  • Odor

  • Painful ear infections

Pets with floppy ears, thick coats, or narrow ear canals are especially prone — but any pet can develop issues if ears stay damp.

Prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than treatment.

When Pets’ Ears Commonly Get Wet

Most ear problems start after everyday activities, such as:

  • Bath time - try our bath buddy for faster baths

  • Swimming (beach, pool, lake, dam)

  • Rainy walks

  • Grooming appointments

  • Playing with sprinklers or hoses

Even a small amount of trapped moisture can cause problems if it doesn’t dry properly.

Step-by-Step: How to Keep Your Pet’s Ears Dry

1. Gently Dry After Baths or Swimming

After any water exposure:

  • Use a clean, dry towel

  • Gently wipe the outer ear flap only

  • Never insert towels or fingers deep into the ear canal

Patience matters — rough drying can cause irritation.

2. Avoid Blocking Airflow

Good airflow helps ears dry naturally.

Tips:

  • Avoid tight head coverings

  • Let pets rest in a well-ventilated area

  • Don’t trap ears under damp towels

This is especially important in warm Australian climates.

3. Skip Cotton Buds & DIY Tools

Cotton buds, tissues, and makeshift tools can:

  • Push moisture deeper

  • Damage delicate ear tissue

  • Increase infection risk

If you’re unsure — less is more.

4. Use Treats to Encourage Calm Handling

Drying ears can feel strange for pets. High-value treats help:

  • Keep pets still

  • Reduce stress

  • Create positive associations with ear care

Freeze-dried treats are ideal because they’re:

  • Mess-free

  • Fast to reward

  • Highly motivating 


Shop our Freeze-Dried Australian Treats for rewarding and positive reinforcements 

5. Check Ears Regularly

Early detection is key.

Healthy ears should be:
✔ Dry
✔ Clean
✔ Odour-free
✔ Free from redness or discharge

If you notice strong smells, head shaking, redness, or sensitivity, consult your vet.

Extra Care for Australian Conditions

Australian pets often deal with:

  • Heat and humidity

  • Coastal swimming

  • Farm environments

  • Outdoor adventure lifestyles

That combination makes ear care a routine necessity, not an occasional task.

Building ear checks into your regular grooming routine can prevent recurring issues and expensive treatments later.

Common Ear Care Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Letting ears air-dry while still damp
❌ Using human products not designed for pets
❌ Ignoring early signs of irritation
❌ Over-cleaning sensitive ears

Simple, gentle care is best.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pet’s ears dry is one of the easiest ways to protect their comfort and long-term health. With a calm approach, the right routine, and positive reinforcement, ear care becomes quick, stress-free, and effective.

Your pet’s ears do a lot for them — returning the favor starts with keeping them dry.