Ear Care... To Pull Or Not To Pull

[redangel]

ok we are not talking pulling ears, but ear hair. I have owned poodles for 20 yrs and well have always pulled hair from the ear to 'keep them clean'. I had my fair share of irritant ears. With my current poodles (not currently shown) I trim the ear hair to clear them up- less fuss, less ear hassles with inflammation. What is the current opinion (I have had differing vet opinions) do you pluck or less is best?

[Dogsfevr]

We pluck those that need it.With many off the poodles we groom alot dont have extreme hair & scissoring removes it all.

We groom a standard who has the hairiest ears possible.

yes many vets are saying dont pluck & a few of our puppy buyers /clients have followed this advice ,only for them to phone us wondering how to stop the ear infections.Our breed is well known for very hairy ears & plucking is amust

Vets advice knock the dog out & flush .wonder why they say dont pluck .

Obviously any groomer or the likes that pluck MUST also follow good hygiene methods with there tools or else ear infections can be created .

[ellz]

If they are a dog who has naturally "mucky" ears, then I always pluck.

If the ears are relatively clean then I don't bother.

[Rappie]

Generally speaking, I pluck if there is a problem and recommend NOT plucking if there is not.

Similarly, I recommend cleaning if there is a problem or a history of problems and not cleaning if there are no issues.

I feel that it is possible to both over pluck and over clean, ear hair does serve a purpose but sometimes it's a hinderance. However, I've seen a lot of unhappy ears and dogs who have problems from plucking.

[frufru]

Thanks Rappie, nice to know I am on the right track. LOL

[becks]

I've seen more problems in dogs who haven't had the ears plucked. Done correctly, plucking shouldn't cause a problem as it is done little and often, so there is air flow into the ear.

There have been some heated debates on here before on just this question.

[Zug Zug]

I'm not a groomer but...

I pluck my bichon's ears, and he really needs it. When he was young I didn't do it enough and he had several ear infections in his first few years. I've now kept his ears clear for many years, no more infections. In his case it's a clear case - must be done. It also helps to stay on top of any grass seeds etc before they go anywhere bad.

I also lightly pluck my poodle x's ears, having learnt the hard way with my bichon. But to be honest there is a LOT less hair in her ears and she has never had any problems. I do hers as a precaution.

I would say look at your dogs ears often and if they are getting hairy and blocked then pull it out. Ear infections are no fun for the dog.