When I wash Bootsie, I try not to get water in his ears. After his wash, he is acting all over the place, taking his head and rubbing on the floor, running wild, and not being himself. Does this mean he cannot get water in his ears at all, and if he does what could happen?

It sounds like bath time has been a bit of a wild ride for Bootsie lately! What you're describing — the head rubbing, the zoomies, and the general "not himself" behavior right after a bath — is actually pretty common in dogs, and it's worth understanding what might be going on.

Why dogs act this way after a bath

Even when you're careful, a little moisture can sneak into the ear canal during a wash. Dogs have a long, L-shaped ear canal, which means water can get trapped deeper than you'd expect. When that happens, it creates a feeling of fullness or tickling — a bit like how your own ears feel after swimming. The head rubbing and shaking is your dog's way of trying to clear that sensation.

The "zoomies" (that wild running around) are also very normal post-bath behavior. It's a mix of relief, overstimulation, and your dog trying to dry off and reset.

What can happen if water regularly gets into the ears

A damp ear canal is a cozy environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Over time, repeated moisture in the ears can contribute to:

• Ear infections — often noticed by redness, odor, dark discharge, or a lot of scratching at the ears
• Irritation and inflammation — the ear canal lining can become sore and swollen

This doesn't mean one splash of water causes immediate harm, but it's a good reason to keep ears as dry as possible during baths.

Some things you can try at bath time

• Place a large cotton ball loosely at the opening of each ear before bathing — this can catch water before it travels deeper (don't push it in)
• Avoid directing the showerhead or hose directly at the head; use a cup or cloth for the face and ears
• After the bath, gently dry around the outer ear with a soft towel
• Let Bootsie shake — it actually helps move moisture out

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When to see your vet:

Keep an eye on Bootsie over the next day or two. If the head shaking and rubbing continues well after he's dried off, or if you notice any of the following, it's time to call your vet:

• Scratching at one or both ears repeatedly
• Redness, swelling, or discharge inside the ear
• An unusual smell coming from the ears
• Head tilting to one side
• Whimpering or sensitivity when you touch near his ears

Any of those signs could point to an ear infection or irritation that a vet should take a look at. Since we don't know Bootsie's age or full history, it's especially worth checking in with a vet if this becomes a pattern after baths. Better to catch anything early!