Does your dog grow a crazy amount of hair in their ear canal? If so, you’ve probably been researching what to do about it. Chances are, you’ve come across the recommendation to pluck your dog’s ear hair.
We’ve reached out to several veterinary and pet care professionals and the consensus on ear plucking is NO. Plucking ear hair in dogs can lead to a whole host of problems with very little benefit. In fact, pulling ear hair may actually contribute to your dog developing a painful ear infection. Keep reading to learn more about ear plucking, how it can harm your pet, and what you can do instead to ensure your dog’s ears stay clean and healthy.
Is it Bad to Pluck My Dog’s Ears?
Many dog breeds, such as Poodles and Shih Tzus, have traditionally had their ears plucked. Originally, veterinarians and groomers alike thought plucking the hair from a dog’s ear canal would benefit them by increasing airflow and preventing moisture and bacteria buildup.
However, more recently they’ve discovered that ear plucking causes damage to the delicate tissue of the ear canal called microtrauma. While generally invisible to the naked eye, these tiny tears are painful and cause inflammation. When the ear canal becomes inflamed, the natural bacteria and yeast on the skin can flourish and cause an infection.
What Do Vets Say About Ear Plucking?
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a UK-based veterinarian, told us, “Plucking the ears causes inflammation and disrupts the ear’s normal biology. It should never be done preventatively in a normal dog. In dogs with severe allergies combined with a close hair coat, plucking is sometimes considered, but it’s usually best to trim the hair to allow wax to move out of the ear, easier cleaning, and increased airflow.”
Another expert, Dr. Aimee Warner, the resident veterinarian at Waggel warned, “Ear plucking has the potential risks of irritation, inflammation, and infection of the ears if not done with caution. This is harmful to the dogs and is a stressful activity for them, which makes the grooming process even more something that the dogs dread or detest.”
While ear plucking may occasionally be recommended by vets due to chronic ear infections in some dogs, it’s largely no longer advised. But, there are things you can do instead to help your pup keep their ears healthy.
Alternatives to Ear Plucking for Dogs
Now that you know ear plucking can be both dangerous and painful for your dog, you’re probably wondering what else you can do. Let’s discuss your options for protecting your dog’s ears and preventing infections.
Trimming or Shaving
If your dog has long ear hair, you can trim it shorter with a pair of blunt-tipped scissors. Not comfortable doing so? You can always ask your vet or your dog’s groomer to handle it for you! They have the expertise and knowledge to do the job safely.
Amber Deming, a veterinary pet groomer with over 20 years of experience, told us she prefers to shave the ear hair. Deming said, “I use a #15 blade with a very light hand to trim the hair flush with the rim of the ear canal. Then, I shave the hair short around the outside of the canal to provide better airflow without damaging the skin.” She also takes care to only use vet-approved ear cleaners to gently clean the ears.
Regular Ear Cleaning
Whether your dog is prone to ear infections or not, regular cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaner can help keep their ears healthy. If you’re concerned about an infection, take your dog to the vet and work with them to find a suitable treatment. Once the infection clears, your vet may recommend weekly cleaning with a non-medicated ear wash.
Top recommendations include Epiklean by Ddechra and Zymox Enzymatic Ear Cleanser by PKB Animal Health Inc. Both options are available over the counter without a prescription. While you’re at it, consider brushing your dog’s teeth, too!
Monitoring Ear Health
Keeping an eye on your dog’s ear health is key to preventing problems before they start. Regularly check your dog’s ears for signs of irritation, redness, or foul odors, which can indicate an infection. Watch for scratching at the ears and shaking the head excessively. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your vet right away for an evaluation and proper treatment.
Ear infections left untreated can lead to serious complications such as a ruptured eardrum and permanent hearing loss. Continuous head shaking and scratching at the ears can result in an aural hematoma—a collection of blood in the ear flap caused by a burst blood vessel, which may require a costly surgery to correct.
Should I Remove My Dog’s Ear Hair?
When it comes to ear hair in dogs, plucking is more harmful than helpful. While it was once considered a standard grooming practice, experts now know that ear plucking can lead to painful inflammation, infections, and other complications.
Fortunately, there are safer and more effective alternatives to keep your dog’s ears healthy.
Trimming or shaving the hair, regular ear cleaning, and closely monitoring ear health are all great ways to prevent issues before they start. By taking these steps, you can ensure your pup’s ears remain comfortable and infection-free without the risks associated with plucking. Always consult your vet for personalized advice to keep your dog’s ear care routine tailored to their specific needs.