What does it mean to Pluck Dog Ear Hair?
Plucking a dog’s ear is when we gently pull or tweeze the hair from the inside of a dog’s ear. The theory is that removing the hair will keep it from blocking the canal, allowing more air to circulate, which helps prevent ear infections and moisture build-up. Sounds awful though, doesn’t it?
Generally, the small fluffy dogs are the ones that get their ears plucked… the Shih Tzu’s, Lhasa Apsos, Schnauzers, Maltese, even the larger Cocker Spaniel. You would be amazed at how much hair can be growing in there. Sometimes it’s a wonder they can even hear! Years ago, a proper groom always included an ear plucking for these types of breeds. Now-days it’s not done as regularly, even discouraged by many. In fact, our Grooming Manager, Caroline, says, “I only pluck ears if the client requests it, or if there is matting and/or extreme build-up”.
As Preventive Vets dog behavior expert and lead trainer at Pupstanding Academy, Cathy focuses on helping humans and their pets build a strong relationship based on trust, clear communication, and the use of positive reinforcement and force-free methods. With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization.
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Cathy is certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, holding both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA designations. Cathy is a Fear Free Certified Certified Professional, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Dog Writers Association of America.
When shes not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding.
A note for our readers: If you have an urgent question and are unable to ask your veterinarian, you can use the Ask a Vet service that will give you access to a veterinarian for 7 days for $1.
Other Side Effects of Dog Ear Plucking
So we already discussed irritation that can lead to head shaking, which could lead to aural hematomas.
Ironically, another potential side effect could actually be the thing that dog ear plucking aims to prevent in the first place: ear infections.
Gordon’s Grooming continues to say:
There is some truth to that statement. It’s been found that ripping the hair out can cause microscopic tears in the ear canal. If bacteria are present, it’s possible for a dog ear infection to occur in an injured ear. (Source)
WHAT is in this dogs EAR?!
Say Hello to Oscar. He’s a 12-pound mini long-haired dappled dachshund who has been coming to Get Your Groom On Dog Salon every week for his grooming appointments since he was a puppy. He Loves seeing Anna and her staff but most of all he loves socializing with his canine friends. Oscar loves everyone and everything. He is a snuggler who loves fetch with his hotdog toy and car rides.
We hope you love Oscar the dappled dachshund’s pictures as much as we love grooming him!
Say Hello to Oscar. He’s a 12-pound mini long-haired dappled dachshund who has been coming to Get Your Groom On Dog Salon every week for his grooming appointments since he was a puppy. He Loves seeing Anna and her staff but most of all he loves socializing with his canine friends. Oscar loves everyone and everything. He is a snuggler who loves fetch with his hotdog toy and car rides.
We hope you love Oscar the dappled dachshund’s pictures as much as we love grooming him!