Should You Remove Hair From Your Dog's Ears?

For years, ear hair plucking was considered essential grooming for breeds like Poodles, Doodles, and Schnauzers. The reasoning seemed simple: remove the hair, allow better airflow, and prevent infections. But here’s the truth—modern veterinary science no longer fully agrees with that old-school advice.

The modern consensus? Routine ear hair plucking is generally discouraged. Research now shows that unnecessary plucking can do more harm than good. Instead, the focus has shifted to when and how to manage ear hair safely—only when it truly becomes an issue.

Understanding Your Dog's Ear Hair: Protection or Problem?

Dog ear hair isn’t just a nuisance—it actually serves important purposes:

• Filters debris from entering the ear canal
• Traps dirt and foreign particles before they reach sensitive inner ear structures
• Provides natural protection against environmental irritants

However, excessive hair growth can create problems when it:

• Traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for bacteria
• Becomes matted and blocks proper air circulation
• Interferes with your dog's hearing
• Makes routine ear cleaning difficult

Which Dogs Need Ear Hair Management?

Dog breeds that commonly grow excessive, long hair in their ear canals include Poodles (and crosses), Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, Lhasa Apsos, Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels. If you have a Doodle, Maltipoo, or similar mixed breed, you'll likely need to monitor their ear hair throughout their life.

Important: Certain breeds, such as the Irish Water Spaniel and Portuguese Water Dog, have ear hair that serves specific purposes and should not be trimmed.

Signs Your Dog’s Ear Hair Needs Attention

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your dog's ear hair needs professional attention:

Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:

• Strong, foul odor from the ears
• Yellow, green, or bloody discharge
• Excessive head shaking or ear scratching
• Redness, swelling, or visible irritation
• Signs of pain when ears are touched

Routine management indicators:

• Hair appears matted or tangled in the ear canal
• Visible wax buildup around hair strands
• Difficulty cleaning ears during routine maintenance

How to Remove Dog Ear Hair Safely

Option 1: Professional Trimming (Recommended)

Why it's preferred: Trimming avoids the micro-tears and inflammation associated with plucking, making it the safest option for most dogs.

How it works: A professional groomer or veterinarian uses electric clippers with guards or small, sharp scissors to trim hair at the ear canal entrance.

Best for: Routine maintenance and dogs with moderate hair growth.

Option 2: Selective Plucking(Only in Special Cases)

Current veterinary recommendation is to remove hair in the case of an ear infection but to avoid plucking in dogs with otherwise normal ear canals and no history of ear infections.

When it's appropriate:

• Active ear infections requiring treatment
• Severely matted hair blocking the ear canal
• Under direct veterinary supervision

Why we're cautious: Plucking creates microscopic tears that can increase infection risk and cause unnecessary discomfort.

Option 3: At-Home Maintenance (Proceed with Caution)

If you choose to manage ear hair at home, follow these safety guidelines:

Tools you'll need:

• Electric clippers with guards
• Pet-safe ear cleaning solution
• Cotton balls or gauze
• High-value treats

Safety first:

• Never insert tools deep into the ear canal
• Work only on hair visible at the ear opening
• Stop immediately if your dog shows distress
• Have someone help hold your dog if they're fidgety

Aftercare: What to Do Post-Removal

After any ear hair removal:

1. Clean gently with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution
2. Wipe away debris with cotton balls or soft cloths
3. Monitor for signs of irritation or infection
4. Reward your dog with treats and praise
5. Follow up with your veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes

Conclusion

Here's what every dog parent should remember: that adorable Golden-doodle at the dog park might need regular ear trimming, while your Poodle could be perfectly fine with Mother Nature's design. Your dog's ears are as individual as their personality, and there's no universal playbook that works for every pup. Whether your furry friend is a weekend swimmer, lives in muggy Florida, or has a squeaky-clean ear track record, the right approach is the one that keeps your dog comfortable, healthy, and tail-wagging happy. Sometimes the best care means doing less, not more—and that's perfectly okay.

FAQs

1. Should I pluck my dog’s ear hair?

No, most veterinarians now recommend against routine ear hair plucking because it can cause irritation and increase infection risk. Trimming is a safer option.

2. How do I know if my dog’s ear hair is a problem?

Look for signs like foul odor, discharge, redness, head shaking, or matted hair in the ear canal.

3. What is the safest way to remove dog ear hair?

Professional trimming with clippers or scissors is the safest method. Plucking should only be done under veterinary supervision in special cases.