What is Ear Plucking?
If you’ve ever taken your dog to the groomer and had them ask if you want your dog’s ear hair plucked, you may have wondered about the benefits and if it was really necessary. Some groomers and veterinarians recommend it for certain breeds, while others believe unnecessary ear hair removal can actually irritate the ear canal.
So what’s the truth? Let’s break down what dog ear plucking is, which dogs may need it, the potential risks, and how to tell if your dog’s ears should be professionally maintained.
First of all, what is ear plucking? And why do we do it?
Ear plucking is the process of removing excess hair from the ear canal. The reason we do it is to remove trapped moisture, improve airflow, and remove debris and wax build up that can contribute to ear infections in dogs.
Not all dogs need ear plucking. Breeds with heavy hair growth inside the ears are the most likely candidates for ear maintenance. Common breeds associated with dog ear plucking include:
Poodles
Goldendoodles
Labradoodles
Cocker Spaniels
Schnauzers
Shih Tzus
Bichon Frises
These breeds are more prone to excessive ear hair growth, which can sometimes trap moisture and create an environment where yeast and bacteria thrive.
So the question that comes up the most for dog owners is:
Is ear plucking good or bad for dogs?
That’s the debate. Some veterinarians believe routine ear plucking can help prevent chronic ear infections in dogs that produce dense hair inside the ear canal. Others argue that excessive ear plucking may cause inflammation, irritation, or microtears that make infections more likely.
Current grooming and veterinary opinions generally agree on one thing: healthy ears should be evaluated individually.
If a dog has:
recurring ear infections
compacted hair deep in the canal
trapped debris or wax
poor airflow inside the ear
then professional ear plucking may help.
However, if the ears are healthy and not causing problems, aggressive plucking may be unnecessary.
You should talk to your groomer or veterinarian if your dog shows signs like:
frequent scratching at the ears
head shaking
musty odor from the ears
redness or inflammation
wax buildup
chronic ear infections
visible mats of hair inside the ear canal
These symptoms can indicate that the ears need professional attention.
The best way to decide if your dog needs their ear hair plucked is to talk to a professional like your groomer or your veterinarian. Keeping up with your dog’s ear maintenance at home is also important to decrease the risk of ear infections. Keep your dog’s ears clean and free of moisture, especially if you have a breed that grows hair inside the ear canal
Your Dogology groomer in Ann Arbor is there to answer your questions about coat health and maintenance so utilize them! Learn more and book online at Dogology Grooming or give us a call or text at (734) 717-0083.
