poodle ear hair

[capersuasion02]

Does anyone know whether you should pull the hair out of the ear or just use some kind of small clippers to get it out? The reason I'm asking is because some vets recommend pulling and some say that actually causes more problems and infections??? Help please!!!

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I have two Poodles and think it's a good idea to get the hair out. You can ask the groomer to do it, assuming you have them groomed regularly. Sometimes, I pull it myself with round hemostat tweezers. Some people put ear powder in the ears first since it makes it easier to grasp the hairs with the tweezers. But you must be extremely careful not to go too deep or you could permanantly damage the ear drum.

Also, my vet gave me a bottle of Synotic which is a prescription med that I think is like an anti-inflamatory. Right after I pluck the hairs, I put 1-2 drops in each ear. Then twice a week I put this stuff called Hexarinse in each ear to help keep them clean (since Poodles are so prone to ear infections). This, also, is something you get from your vet.

[MysticRealm]

Deffinately pluck the ear hair, otherwise air can not get in, you also can not clean the ear properly with all that hair in it.

[capersuasion02]

Thanks for your help. I thought that was what you were supposed to do but I wanted to make sure and thanks for the tips on cleaning too!!

[leposhy]

It can be harmful to pull hair out.. being that it is pulled by the roots if there is an on going infection it can make it worse.. I contacted brown university and the vet school at Gainesville over ear hair.. I don't trust know it all's and if I have a question that has too many answers I contact the top universities on the subject in america..The universities informed me the only time it is suggested is when the hair obstructs the ear cannal..Why stupid vets insist groomers which many have zero education.. take instruments and yank hair out of ears and squeeze **** glands externally shocks me.. I have been a pet groomer for 15 years now.. before that I have a total of 27 years in the canine industry..let it be known in many states all it takes to be a pet groomer is to own a pair of scissors and maybe some clippers...Vets know this but still insist these people do things to your dogs that may harm them..IF your dog has chronic ear infections look more at what your feeding them then what hair they have in the ears... or maybe just find a vet that has a clue.. Not all vets are created equal they are just human.. I personally do it because all the vets in my area demand it.. I must say very few dogs like it and a large % of them may cry out when its being done.. no matter how gentle.. then you have those that will just bite you.. how most groomers do it is use ear powder then grasp the ear hairs a few at a time and pluck them out.. there are a few dogs that seem to have it stuck in the ear very hard like cement those require hemostats to have the hair removed.. this is why I hate the idea of the mixed breed cockapoo because cockers with hair in the ears is a horrid thing..

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

I don't suggest you do it to a dog who has an infection at that time. But, if there's no infection, and you follow it up with a few drops of synotic, you should be fine as long as you don't go into the ear canal where you can definately do damage. Keeping the hair out of the ears allows the air to circulate. I find I have fewer ear infections or even just wax buildup when I keep the hair cleaned out. Poodles hair comes out very easily and the more you do it the easier it is. I've never had to yank out their hair.