[MelF]

I know this is a silly question, but I'd like to have my almost 1 year old Spoo learn to swim. I have always used the forced air dryer on his coat after a bath, because I worry his coat will tangle if he air dries (although I keep his whole body shaved down with a 3F or 4F blade).

People with dock divers or swimmers - suggestions? Am I being ridiculous? Also, do you worry about water in their ears causing infections?

Thank you so much!
Mel and Howie

 

[Starla]

That short, it is fine to air dry. Just make sure to do a thorough comb and pay special attention to the problem areas like armpits. For Phoebe’s longer topknot and tail, I work in a little coconut oil and comb while it’s still wet, but I sure am not drying her most days of the week!
I use Lisa Leady’s Miracle Ear Elixir after swimming and (usually) the next day. We’ve had a very swimmy summer with no issues since starting that regimen.

 

[MelF]

That short, it is fine to air dry. Just make sure to do a thorough comb and pay special attention to the problem areas like armpits. For Phoebe’s longer topknot and tail, I work in a little coconut oil and comb while it’s still wet, but I sure am not drying her most days of the week!
I use Lisa Leady’s Miracle Ear Elixir after swimming and (usually) the next day. We’ve had a very swimmy summer with no issues since starting that regimen.
View attachment 495780

Thank you! That is most helpful!
Mel and Howie

 

[94Magna_Tom]

Elroy just started a beginners Dock Diving class that I consider as Swimming Lessons. He air dried after class and I combed him out the next day. He didn't have any ear problems this time, but I have some concerns about that too. I'll probably clean them and give him a dose of ear cleaning elixer next time. I already have the exact same ear product that @Starla mentioned (recommended by my groomer).

 

[Yellow]

my mini swims about three times a week in a river that can be gross no ear problems this is her second year of swimming our Lab goes swimming every other day and no ear problems

 

[Starla]

My new vet was excited to hear about the ear elixir too. It came up when she was discussing plucking/not plucking. She said she always recommends it for hairy eared dogs. I started using it because at the very beginning of summer, Phoebe’s ears were getting a bit pink. I noticed after the first few swims. No problems since! Also, I rinse her with tap water when she’s through swimming or her skin does tend to get dry and a little flaky.

 

[MelF]

Elroy just started a beginners Dock Diving class that I consider as Swimming Lessons. He air dried after class and I combed him out the next day. He didn't have any ear problems this time, but I have some concerns about that too. I'll probably clean them and give him a dose of ear cleaning elixer next time. I already have the exact same ear product that @Starla mentioned (recommended by my groomer).

It was your post about Elroy's swimming lessons that precipitated my post - so thank you!
Mel

 

[Apricot mini momma]

I let Beau air dry after swimming and his legs are an inch now. I brush him regularly so I know he doesn't have mats going in, but I haven't noticed that it makes it worse. He just gets really curly!