Dogs have fluffy ears, that’s just a standard fact. It serves an important purpose – helping trap dirt and debris, keeping it from getting further into the ear canal.
However, this hair can also become matted and tangled, which can lead to discomfort for your dog and even cause an ear infection.
That’s why many dog owners choose to pluck their dog’s ear hair on a regular basis. But is this really necessary?
Should you pluck your dog’s ear hair? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you’re concerned about ear infections or keeping your dog’s ears healthy, plucking their ear hair might be a good option for you.
However, if you’re worried about causing your dog discomfort, you might want to skip this grooming step.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of plucking your dog’s ear hair.
Should You Pluck Your Dogs Ear Hairs – Pros & Cons
There are several pros and cons to plucking your dog’s ears. Let’s take a look at a few of the most important ones:
Pros:
-Can help to prevent ear infections by removing dirt and debris
-Prevents ear mites from taking up residence in your dog’s ears
-Keeps the ear canal clear, which can improve hearing (prevents excess ear wax)
-Aids in the prevention of wax buildup
1. Plucking can help to prevent ear infections.
If the hair inside your dog’s ears becomes matted and tangled, it can create an environment that is perfect for an ear infection.
Plucking the hair can help to keep the ears clean and free of debris, which can reduce the risk of infection.
2. Plucking can help to keep your dog’s ears healthy
Ear hair serves an important purpose. However, if this hair becomes matted and tangled, it can actually do more harm than good.
Plucking the hair can help to keep it healthy and free-flowing, which can help to keep your dog’s ears healthy.
3. Plucking can be a bonding experience for you and your dog
Many dog owners enjoy the bonding experience that comes with dog grooming. Plucking your dog’s hair from its ears can be a great way to bond with your furry friend.
Cons:
-Requires regular maintenance to prevent hair from becoming matted and tangled in their ears
-Can be painful for your dog if not done correctly
-Requires special equipment, such as ear plucking scissors or hemostats
1. Plucking can be painful for your dog
If done incorrectly, plucking can be quite painful for your dog. It’s important to be gentle and go slowly to avoid causing your dog any discomfort.
2. Plucking can damage your dog’s canal
If you’re not careful, ear plucking can actually damage your dog’s ear canal. It’s important to only pluck the hair that is visible and to avoid going too deep into the ear canal.
3. Plucking can be time-consuming
Grooming your dog can take a lot of time, and plucking their ear hair can add even more time to the process. If you’re short on time, it might not be the best option for you.
What Does It Mean to Pluck Your Dog’s Ears?
Plucking your dog’s ear hair simply means removing the hair from their ear canal. This can be done with a special pair of ear plucking scissors or hemostats.
Some dog owners choose to do this on their own, while others take their dogs to professional dog groomers.
How To Pluck Your Dogs Ear Hairs – Step by Step
If you’ve decided that plucking your dog’s ear hair is the right choice for you, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
First, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
-Ear plucking scissors or hemostats – these can be found at most pet stores
–Cotton balls – to help keep the area clean
–Dog ear cleaning solution – to help keep the ears clean and free of infection
-Ear Powder –Try plucking the hairs above and below your dog’s ears, rather than in-between. You may avoid pulling blood vessels with this technique because you’re plucking smaller sections of hair instead of all at once. You don’t need to use much and be careful not to get any of it in your dog’s eyes or allow them to smell it.
–Treats – Have some treats on hand to reward your dog for being a good sport during the plucking process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by brushing your dog’s ears with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt and debris, this is best carried out in a quick and gentle motion.
2. Next, use a pair of ear plucking scissors or hemostats to carefully remove the hair from your dog’s ear canal.
3. Be careful not to go too deep into the ear canal – you should only remove the hair that is visible, just leave the hard-to-reach hair in your dog’s ears.
4. Once you’ve finished plucking, use a cotton ball to apply a dog ear cleaning solution to your dog’s ears.
5. Finally, give your dog a treat to reward them for being a good sport!
Breeds Who Need Their Ear Hairs Plucked
There are many dog breeds which need their ear hairs plucked on a regular basis. Some of the most popular breeds include:
-Poodles
-Bichons Frises
-Lhasa Apsos
-Yorkshire Terriers
-Shih Tzus
These breeds all have long, fluffy ear hair that can become matted and tangled if not properly groomed.
How To Soothe Your Dogs Ears After Plucking?
If your dog’s ears are sore after plucking, there are a few things you can do to help soothe them.
First, you can apply a dog ear cleaning solution to their ears. This will help to remove any debris and keep the area clean.
You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to their ears. This will help to lubricate the area and make it more comfortable for your dog.
Finally, give your dog a treat to let them know that they’ve been a good sport!
Check out our guide on how often you should wash your dog, this will help you understand how often you should be checking, plucking and grooming your dog’s ear hairs.
Dog Ear Plucking Products
There are products made specifically for plucking your dog’s ear hair. Some of these products include:
-Ear plucking scissors or hemostats
-Dog ear cleansing solution
-Ear powder
Ear Plucking Scissors or Hemostats
These scissors are designed especially for plucking your dog’s ear hair. They have sharp edges that help to remove the hair follicles without harming your dog’s canal.
Dog Ear Cleansing Solution
This solution is designed to help clean your dog’s ears and remove any debris. It can also help to soothe their ears if they’re sore after plucking.
Ear Powder
This dog ear powder helps to absorb any moisture in your dog’s ears. It can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe their ears if they’re sore.
When To See A Vet About Your Dog’s Ear Hair?
If you’re unsure about plucking your dog’s ear hair, or if your dog has a lot of ear hair, it’s a good idea to see a vet.
They can help you determine if plucking is the best option for your dog and can also give you tips on how to do it safely.
It’s also a good idea to see a vet if your dog’s ears are red, swollen, or if they’re having any discharge. These could be signs of an infection and will need to be treated by a professional.
Alternative Methods For Plucking Dog Ear Hairs
If you’re not comfortable plucking your dog’s ear hair yourself, the only option is to trim, thin, or remove the hairs with clippers or scissors. Both are excellent for removing bulk and cutting hair short without causing any discomfort.
Clippers will be the quickest method, but you run the risk of accidentally cutting your dog if you’re not careful. Scissors will take longer, but they’re much safer to use.
Read Here: Best Dog Grooming Table Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plucking Your Dogs Ear Hairs Hurt?
Plucking your dog’s hair does not hurt them. In fact, it is a very quick and easy process that can be done at home.
The only thing you need to be careful of is to not pluck too deeply into the canal as this can cause discomfort.
How Often Should I Pluck My Dogs Ear Hairs?
There is no set frequency for how often you should pluck your dog’s ear hairs.
However, it is generally recommended that you pluck their ears regularly, so cleaning your dog’s ears weekly would be sufficient to maintain their appearance and keep their ears healthy.
What Happens If You Don’t Pluck Your Dog’s Ears Hair?
If you don’t pluck your dog’s hairs, they can become matted and tangled. This can lead to discomfort and even pain for your dog.
Additionally, it can also cause problems with their hearing. If the ear canal becomes blocked it may be essential to keep your dog’s ears plucked.
Thus, it is essential that you regularly pluck your dog’s hairs to keep their inner ear healthy and free of debris.
My Dog Is Bleeding After I Plucked His Ear Hairs, What Do I Do?
If your dog is bleeding after you plucked their ear hairs, the first thing you should do is clean the area with a dog cleaning solution.
This will help to remove any debris and keep the area clean. You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the area to help lubricate it and make it more comfortable for your dog.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, or if it is excessive, you should contact your veterinarian for further assistance.
Can I Use Human Ear Hair Removal Products On My Dog?
No, you should not use human ear hair removal products on your dog, especially human tweezers.
These products are not designed for use on animals and can cause irritation or even injury to your dog’s ears (including chronic ear infections).
Instead, only use products that are specifically designed for use on dogs. These can be found at most pet stores or online.
Why Is My Dog Shaking After Having Their Ears Plucked?
if you find your dog is shaking after having its ears plucked, there are a few possible reasons why.
The first is that they may be experiencing pain from the plucking process. Another possibility is that your dog is suffering from an ear infection. This can cause discomfort and may require medical treatment.
Finally, your dog may simply be cold. This is especially true if they have long, floppy ears like a basset hound.
In this case, you can try placing a warm towel over their ears to help them feel more comfortable.
When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian to rule out any serious health problems.
Conclusion
Plucking your dog’s ear hair is a personal choice – there are both pros and cons to doing it. It’s important to consider them carefully so that you can decide if it’s right for you and your dog.
If you do choose to pluck your dog’s hair from their ears, be sure to follow the steps outlined above to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.