How to Groom a Dog After Swimming: Coat, Ears and Skin

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Swimming is great exercise, but a wet dog needs follow-up care. A few minutes of rinsing and drying prevents hot spots, odor and ear infections.

Why aftercare matters

Seawater leaves salt on the skin, chlorine dries the coat and ponds and lakes may contain bacteria, algae and parasites. Damp fur against the skin creates the ideal environment for yeast, bacteria and hot spots. See dog hot spots.

Step by step

1. Rinse the coat with lukewarm fresh water, ensuring water reaches the skin. A hose or shower works.
2. Rinse ears gently, avoiding pouring water directly in the canal.
3. Towel dry thoroughly, pressing rather than rubbing.
4. Dry the ears. Wipe the outer ear and, if your vet advises, use a drying ear cleaner. See how to clean a dog's ears.
5. Use a dryer on a cool setting for thick coats. See how to dry a dog after a bath.
6. Brush once dry to prevent tangles. See how to brush a dog properly.
7. Check the skin for redness, scrapes and parasites.

Swimming environment

• Sea: rinse salt, which dries skin and can be harmful if ingested in quantity.
• Pool: rinse chlorine and keep your dog from drinking pool water.
• Lakes and ponds: rinse thoroughly. Avoid water with blue-green algae, which can be fatal. See dog hot weather safety.
• Rivers and streams: watch for currents, debris and contamination.

Shampoo

You do not need shampoo after every swim, but use a gentle dog shampoo if the water was dirty or smelly. See how often to bathe a dog.

Ears

Wet ears invite infections. Dry them well, and speak with your vet if your dog is prone to ear problems. See grooming routine for floppy-eared dogs.

Paws

Check pads for cuts from rocks, shells and hot sand. See dog paw pad care guide.

Coat care

Curly and long coats tangle after swimming. Brush out and consider a shorter clip for swimming dogs. See curly-coat grooming.

Odor control

A musty smell suggests the coat has not dried fully. Dry thoroughly and wash if needed. See how to get rid of dog smell.

Warning signs

See your vet if your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing, red skin or ear discharge after swimming. Emergency care is needed after suspected algae exposure.

Safety

Never leave swimming dogs unsupervised. Use a life vest for weaker swimmers and keep your dog from drinking untreated water.

A five-minute post-swim routine

1. Rinse the coat with fresh water, including the belly and legs.
2. Squeeze water from the tail and ears.
3. Towel dry vigorously but gently.
4. Wipe ears and check for debris.
5. Offer fresh water and a rest in the shade.

Dogs that swim often

If your dog swims several times a week, consider a shorter clip, regular ear checks and a vet-approved ear drying product. Frequent swimmers also benefit from a gentle moisturizing shampoo once in a while to restore the coat's natural oils.

Water safety

Blue-green algae blooms look like pea soup or paint on the surface and can be deadly. If you see one, keep your dog out and call your vet if your dog has been exposed. Avoid stagnant water and watch for strong currents and cold temperatures.

The takeaway

Rinse, dry thoroughly, check ears and skin and brush out the coat. A short routine protects your dog after every swim.