Those beautiful floppy ears seal warmth and moisture into the ear canal — add lake water and you have an incubator. Ear infections are one of the most common golden vet visits, and the most preventable one.

The 60-second post-swim routine

After every swim: lift the ear, blot the opening and inner flap with a dry cotton pad or soft towel, and let the dog do their big shake before the car. Many vets recommend a dog-specific ear drying/cleaning solution after water days — it changes the canal’s environment so yeast and bacteria can’t take hold. Ask yours what they like; do not use rubbing alcohol or vinegar recipes from the internet without checking, and never push anything into the canal.

Know the early signs

Head shaking that continues into the evening, ear scratching, a sour smell, redness, or brown discharge mean the window for prevention has closed — book the vet. Early infections are a quick fix; ignored ones become chronic and miserable.

General guidance from golden retriever owners, not veterinary advice. If your dog is sick or hurt, call your vet.