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Why Does My Border Collie Keep Getting Ear Infections? Causes & Prevention

Border Collies have standard ear infection risk. Humid summer months and swimming increase risk for all breeds.

Why Border Collies Are Affected

Dog ear infections spike in summer (June-September) when humidity traps moisture in ear canals. Border Collies' ear structure provides reasonable airflow, but swimming, bathing, or humid conditions can still introduce enough moisture to cause problems. 80% of dogs with seasonal allergies develop ear infections.

What to Do

  • 1.Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or rain walks
  • 2.Check ears weekly — redness, head shaking, or scratching are early signs
  • 3.Use a vet-approved ear cleaner weekly during humid months
  • 4.Avoid getting water in ears during baths
  • 5.Don't use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal — you can cause damage

Risks to Watch For

  • Head shaking, ear scratching, rubbing ear on floor
  • Brown or yellow discharge, strong odor from ear
  • Redness and swelling of the ear canal
  • Chronic recurring infections if underlying allergies aren't treated
  • Occasional infections during peak humidity

Border Collie-Specific Note

Border Collies aren't especially ear-infection-prone, but keep ears dry after water exposure.

Ear Infections Risk by Month

0255075100JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Risk score by month (0-100). Based on typical US climate patterns.

Other Breeds: Ear Infections

French Bulldog

Higher Risk

French Bulldogs are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria.

Chihuahua

Standard Risk

Chihuahuas have standard ear infection risk.

Doberman Pinscher

Standard Risk

Doberman Pinschers have standard ear infection risk.

Pug

Higher Risk

Pugs are at higher risk for ear infections, especially in summer when heat and humidity create ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria.

Border Collie: Other Environmental Guides

💨

Air Quality

☀️

UV Exposure

🌿

Pollen

🤧

Seasonal Allergies

🐕

Shedding Season

✂️

Skin & Coat Care

🪲

Flea & Tick Risk

🦟

Mosquito & Heartworm

⛈️

Thunderstorm Anxiety

❄️

Cold Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Border Collie keep getting ear infections?▾
Border Collies have standard ear infection risk. Humid summer months and swimming increase risk for all breeds. 80% of dogs with seasonal allergies develop ear infections because allergic inflammation swells the ear canal, trapping moisture. Summer humidity and swimming are the most common triggers for Border Collies. If infections recur, treat the underlying allergy — not just the infection.
What months are worst for Border Collie ear infections?▾
June through September — peak humidity months. September is especially bad for allergy-prone breeds because ragweed triggers ear canal inflammation. Swimming in summer also introduces water and bacteria. Winter is lowest risk unless your dog has year-round allergies.
How to prevent ear infections in Border Collies?▾
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or rain walks. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner weekly during humid months. Avoid getting water in ears during baths. Never use cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.
Signs of ear infection in Border Collies?▾
Head shaking, ear scratching, rubbing ear on floor/furniture, brown or yellow discharge, strong odor from ear, redness and swelling. Border Collies may also tilt their head or seem off-balance with severe infections. Catch it early — chronic infections can cause hearing damage.

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