Boykin Spaniel Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

Boykin Spaniel owners tend to describe their dogs the same way: small enough to fit in a duck boat, tough enough to work a swamp all morning, and happy to curl up on the couch afterward. Bred in South Carolina to flush and retrieve, the Boykin is now that state's official dog. It is also a breed that spends a lot of time wet, muddy and nose-deep in brush, which is hard on a pair of feathered spaniel ears.

Below, we look at what makes Boykin ears vulnerable, the warning signs, common causes, when to get your vet involved and a simple routine for an energetic water and field dog.

What makes Boykin Spaniel ears vulnerable

The Boykin was built for work in warm, wet country. A few traits matter most for ear health.

• Feathered drop ears. Boykin ears hang close to the head and are covered in wavy to curly liver-colored hair. That feathering cuts down airflow to the canal and holds onto water.
• A dense, wavy coat. The coat sheds water reasonably well on the body, but around the ears it stays damp long after the dog leaves the water.
• Swamp, pond and lake work. Boykins were developed to retrieve ducks and turkey from rivers and swamps. Many still swim almost daily, and murky water carries plenty of debris.
• Burrs and seeds. Feathered ears act like Velcro in tall grass and brush. Burrs, stickers and grass awns can tangle in the hair and work toward the opening.
• Warm, humid climate. Many Boykins live in the Southeast, where heat and humidity keep ears warm and moist for much of the year.
• High energy. A busy Boykin would rather be retrieving than sitting for an ear check, so routine care takes a bit of planning.

Boykins are often compared with other spaniels. Our Cocker Spaniel ear guide covers a heavier-coated companion spaniel, and the English Springer Spaniel ear page looks at a larger field spaniel with a different coat.

How to tell your Boykin's ears are bothering it

Because Boykins are so busy, ear discomfort often shows up as behavior during downtime. Look for:

• Head shaking after swimming that continues long after the dog is dry
• Sudden, frantic shaking or pawing at one ear after time in grass or brush
• Scratching at the ear or rubbing the face on the ground
• A sour, musty or swampy smell that lingers in the ear
• Brown or yellowish wax inside the flap
• Redness, swelling or warmth in the canal
• Matted, tangled hair at the base of the ear or burrs caught in the feathering

Common causes in Boykin Spaniels

Water left in the canal. Repeated swimming keeps the ear lining soft and damp. Combined with warm weather, this creates good conditions for yeast and bacteria to overgrow.

Grass awns and burrs. Seeds from field grasses can slide down the ear canal and cause sudden, intense irritation, usually on one side. Your vet needs to find and remove them.

Allergies. Pollen, grasses and some foods can trigger itchy skin and ears. Spring and summer flare-ups, or year-round itching with paw licking, often point to allergies.

Wax and dirt. Mud and plant debris from ponds and swamps mix with wax in the feathered ear and can build up quickly.

Ear mites in puppies. Young dogs can pick up mites from littermates. They cause strong itch and a dark, crumbly debris in the ear.

For a look at other breeds that share the Boykin's ear challenges, see our list of high-risk breeds for ear infections.

When to see your vet

Home cleaning helps keep healthy ears clean. A sore, smelly or discharging ear is a job for your vet, who will look at the eardrum and usually check a sample under the microscope before choosing medication. Call your vet if you notice:

• Pain: your Boykin yelps, flinches or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (this can be a blood blister called an aural hematoma)
• A bad smell together with discharge
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse
• Symptoms that have not improved after a few days, or keep coming back

Sudden one-sided head shaking after a day in the field is worth a prompt call, since a seed left in the canal can cause more damage over time.

Avoid vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and homemade oil mixtures. These can sting and may cause harm if the eardrum is damaged. Never put cotton swabs into the canal.

Ear care for a swamp-loving spaniel

A healthy Boykin usually does well with a weekly ear clean, plus a clean and thorough dry after every swim or hunt. During hunting season or a hot, wet summer, you may be cleaning several times a week. Ask your vet to help you set the right frequency for your dog.

1. Let your dog settle. Ear care goes much better after a retrieve session than before one.
2. Comb the feathering. Work out burrs, stickers and tangles from the ear hair with a comb or your fingers.
3. Look inside. Flip the flap back and check for redness, swelling, odor or discharge. If you find any, call your vet instead of cleaning.
4. Fill the canal. Hold the ear up and fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner.
5. Massage for 60 to 90 seconds. Gently rub the base of the ear.
6. Let your dog shake. Most Boykins are happy to oblige.
7. Wipe and dry. Use cotton or gauze on the inner flap and visible opening, then towel the feathering until it is just damp.

Grooming tip: Some owners ask a groomer to thin or tidy the hair on the underside of the ear so it dries faster. Talk with your groomer about what suits your dog's coat and work.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. As directed on the label, fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your dog shake, and wipe away loosened debris. Use it twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Boykin Spaniel ear FAQ

Should I clean my Boykin's ears after every swim?

For most Boykins, a quick clean and good drying after swimming is a sensible habit. If the ears start to look red or irritated with frequent cleaning, ask your vet whether to adjust the schedule.

How do I keep burrs out of my Boykin's ears during hunting season?

Check and comb the feathering after every outing. Keeping the ear hair tidy and a bit shorter can make burrs easier to spot and remove.

Is a swampy smell from my Boykin's ears normal after a swim?

A faint pond smell on the coat usually fades once the dog dries. A smell that stays in the ear itself, especially with wax or discharge, should be checked by your vet.

Are Boykin Spaniels more prone to ear problems than other spaniels?

Like most spaniels, Boykins have feathered drop ears that limit airflow. Their love of water and work in warm, humid places adds to that, so regular checks are important.