Dog Ear Hair: To Pull Or Not To Pull?

[@chrissyliberty8117]

Having groomed dogs for 28 yrs, I have found such disasterous conditions in ears that are full of hair. I've pulled literal rocks of solid wax out of an ear where the hair had never been pulled. I think the problem comes in when a groomer grabs the whole wad and twists it out with hemostats. I trim the hair first then ONLY grab the tuft that goes completely down to the base of the canal. If you have an active dog that goes in the water, woods, etc., keeping the ear free of hair is essential to finding ticks and allowing the ear to dry properly. Too much ear hair isn't so much a normal occurrence and we do need to address the side effects from breeding designer dogs. Really love your content! I'm a big proponent of the way you do most everything. Thanks for all you do!

[@Mara-rc6rf]

M Hoping you answer. I have a shih tzu that is keeping ear infections. I've took to the vet so many times. Wondering if plucking will help. Should have asked vet last time we were there. Thanks in advance

[@aroidpapa]

@@Mara-rc6rf I hope you just called your vet and asked them about this.

[@ediebegonia]

I took both of my standard poodles to an animal dermatologist who tested for reactions to a variety of allergens. They both have allergies, but to different things. The veterinarian developed individual treatment plans for them. We went from constantly fighting ear infections to having consistently clean, healthy ears. Zoë's eyes stopped running and she doesn't chew on her paws. Donny doesn't lick his belly. I just wish I'd done this sooner.

[@muddywaters538]

As a new pet groomer, I agree with the seasoned groomer's comments. I have already seen too many dogs with hair so impacted in the ears it looks like pillows sticking out of their ears and plenty of wax buildup, and sometimes redness. I believe in ear plucking, but little by little, and to properly clean the ear afterwards. Maybe not all the hair has be plucked but enough for air circulation and to properly be able to clean the ear.

[@darrylquinn4961]

As a groomer I, too, can relate to the comment above about dogs that have loads of impacted wax & debris from lack of maintenance. Water gets in the ear, there's no air circulation & it's the PERFECT breeding ground for yeast. Stinky, tacky, smelly, itchy yeast. So a careful plucking helps to improve air circulation AND to get an ear solution down into the canal. My favorites: * For weekly cleaning Dechra TrizUltra+Keto * For acute inflammation 7-14 days of Zymox Otic w/ 1% hydrocortisone drops (do NOT clean ears during the treatment period).

[@jgalaxygal]

we trim and only pluck if its a forest. I leave a bit for the ear wax. some wax is normal, protects the canal

[@CH-tv3zr]

Love what you do. I never plucked my poodles ears until he started getting ear infections. He had so much hair and wax in there it was mess. Poodles are a different story. You have to watch them closely and I'm sorry to say you have to pluck them. My boy hates it but he doesn't get infections anymore. Just look on KZbin for real examples of how bad it can get.

[@Taureantiger888]

My 14 month old eats have been fine and I’ve also just clipped excess hair with a clipper around the ear. Lately tho he has a tiny bit of buildup so I used some hemostats. What’s your routine like? How often should I clean the ears.. I also don’t want to irritate them.

[@Mirak.77]

My poodlemix has only ever his right ear infected. I followed your advice on his third and last infection and it helped. Thanks for saving on another unnecessary vet visit!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Welcome

[@MsRakelita86]

My standard poodle always only has right ear problems

[@worldgravityresources1037]

I have two 5 month old Cockapoo's. I am so glad I came across your video cuz my puppies are starting to have smelly ears probably from me washing them. Also they have been shaking their floppy ears A LOT more than usual plus scratching at their ears too so I know something is going on. I will use the ACV and coconut oil recommendation from your other video to clean out their ears as that is what I do have on hand. I will not pluck their ears and just see how that works out for them. Thank you for your video's. They are a treasure to us new pet owners!

[@rutheb3126]

I have a spoo and was plucking her ear hair since she was a pup. She had constant yeast infections. So I tried to just clean the ears and keep the hair from matting or clumping. She is so healthy now, no more ear infections for the first time in her life. When I take her to the groomer they want to plug and act like I’m neglecting her health. I can’t see why I should pluck them if that causes yeast infections. When the hair is longer it is easier to clean the hair and ears. She really doesn’t have much wax buildup either. Am I wrong to not pluck the hair?

[@chinookvalley]

I have seen ocean water cure skin infections. The salt water, not just "any" salt water but OCEAN water, solved many skin problems. The ACV seems to work really well for most issues. Nice video, thanx Mia, and Dr Jones.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks chinookvalley

[@mirandajones9710]

You are so appreciated .you are one in a million.be blessed

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks! Hope this video helped.

[@1943ofour]

My pooch and I wish we were in Baja too! Thanks, Doc!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

:-)

[@jewely9757]

I had a cat with black stuff in his ears with maddening itching. I went to many vets. Finally found one who knew it was the cat food. Almost all have chicken and chicken by products. I found one that was lamb and rice. My poor kitty got well. My dog has itchy ears too so I look for dog food with no chicken by-products. I started grooming her myself. I trim inside her ears with small scissors but no pulling or plucking. She’s doing great. So far, no more constantly shaking the head. If she did in the beginning, I treated her ears with coconut oil. It soothes and is a natural anti fungal. I’m not a vet so research yourself but these are things that worked for my pets.

[@annawallace4629]

I just got a 13 week old standard poodle puppy with lots of ear hair and wonder pluck or not? I’m thinking no. Why mess with ears if he is healthy. On the other hand maybe we should move to Baja Mexico too!!! Sounds like a win win to me 😁Thanks for your video.

[@christyinthecarolinas]

I plucked my miniature schnauzers ears 3 days ago. After doing so, she started shaking her head a bunch. Now her right ear is swollen at the base. The swelling has come down quite a bit with compression. Long story short, I don't think I'll be doing that again. It was very stressful for both of us.

[@RobotMoker]

My vet told me to pluck only 2-3 times in a sitting. This usually removes about 10-20 hairs and I wash the dogs ear canals with ear solution.

[@jenntackett]

She busted a blood vessel shaking dem ears … aww

[@hannahstephens7953]

My 7 month old miniature poodle just got spayed, and they plucked hair while she was under. Picked her up the next morning, and the following morning she woke up with a lot of yellow/brown gunk in her left ear, shaking her head. I always felt it seemed horrible to pluck ear hair, but thought perhaps the maintenance would be better now- and actually she has way more hair all over the place than the one in the video! It was pretty hard to find the ear canal and see anything at all. Of course, she woke up with an ear infection on Saturday morning, I emailed the vet and they have some medication for me to pick up, but I now have to wait until Monday. I can’t afford the emergency vet. I put a bit of olive oil in the ear to see if if helped at all. It seems to comfort her a little. I like what the groomer suggested with trimming- maybe I can just trim the hair right around the ear in the future and not pluck at all. This is obviously an ear infection caused by ear plucking , I feel so sorry for my little princess. She’s already going through a lot with the spay! 😩

[@englishvinglish374]

Same happened to my Lhasa after plucking hair..how u cured your baby plz tell

[@trixiegirlism]

Mya is gorgeous. Her hair cut shows off her elegant form. I'm compiling a list of changes I will be making when I get my new female puppy. I'm determined to raise a healthier and longer lived dog by using more holistic care without the use of a holistic vet because there is not one close by. So as far as grooming goes, I already have not having glands expressed on my list and now I know not to have ears plucked either. I'm also planning on not having her spayed til 2 1/2 years after 2 heat cycles. Can you please do a video on your thoughts on spaying a female dog and also limited vaccines. Laurie

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Great suggestions Laurie

[@sydbell8508]

I myself am feeding raw and using holistics for our dogs.Vaccines,the first one lasts 15yrs so only the one,Parva 8yrs so perhaps twice ? your choice.By feeding raw l will be stopping the Arthritis and inflammation in the joints,and with any luck the Cancers that dogs get.Booster injections a no no unless you want trouble!! I would suggest looking up DOGS NATURALLY MAGAZINE online,you will get all information you need for free.I am even using Holistics myself ??

[@pamelakaliher5716]

I have 2 Maltese - sisters from same litter - one has never had problems - other will have constant ear infections - I keep them groomed, but noticed if I don't get hair out of her ears it just gets a big packed ball of waxy brown, yeasty glob - if her ears are clear of hair she is fine

[@Waiting4RealLife]

I got my poodle pup when she was 16 weeks. I took her to the vet a few days later (I noticed a smell) and he said she had a yeast and bacterial infection in her ears. They plucked her clean and gave me antibiotics. I never really had a choice as to pluck them or not. So 2 months later, I have been doing a 50/50 white vinegar and alcohol mixture once a week with a clean. (Why is alcohol bad for their ears? I figured it dried and kills bacteria... I mean I HAVE started using something else) I gave her a bath a few times over those 2 months and I think the LAST bath I forgot to use the solution (it is great for humans who swim/dive... never had an ear infection myself after). Anyhow, I noticed that "smell" again about 6 weeks after her firs antibiotic treatment and since I had extra I just used it. I took her in for a $20 ear pluck again, since it is obvious SHE can't go without ear plucking? Maybe I am wrong. She eats home made human grade raw with supplements and a handful of her dry in a snuffle mat, so now I am wonder if that triggered it. Is it once plucked always pluck? I never did her anal glands either, but I think that is a food issue. Her hard poos probably pop them automatically. Any insight? She is 7 months old now and I started doing an ear wash with Pet MD Otic Clean Dog Ear Cleaner for Cats and Dogs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@serengetilion]

Thank you so much for recommending to not yank the hair outta their ears

[@Annie-ug6eo]

Beautiful puppy

[@NixMatter]

I try keep my dogs ears dry. He had a bit of what I thought was a yeast infection starting. I cleaned them with a lil bit of apple cider vinegar water and put some daktarin cream in. Then after that I put in the daktarin powder. After two days they didn't look sore at all. Perfect now. I would have gone to vet of course if it didn't work. Great thing to have at home if you have a doggo.

[@matrixreloaded258]

thank you so much, i did it 4 times with my maltese, she cried and screemed so loud, everytime after ear plugiing , it went worse and she had again ear infection, my poor dog, but the dog groomer could make lots of money and the vetenerian, they never refuse it, if they see money, recommend then every shit, thank you for this wonderful content, you saved my dog and my money and my nerves

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Thanks for watching! Hope the video helped.

[@tracey1782]

Great information. Thank you. 😊

[@daniellerenner8383]

My shih tzu is 15 years old and having his 2nd ear infection right now. He received a one time treatment that will hopefully work over the next few weeks to clear it. Boy, his ear was stinky! 🤢 I am just learning about plucking now! I think for him, it is necessary. His ears get super hairy inside! The drying rinse alone did not prevent infection.

[@ozmommi]

Happy Girl! Thanks for the info. I wondered about the yeast

[@lorrainewheeler5592]

i am using the apple cidar vinegar and green tea on my dogs ear thank you i hope your enjoying yourself

[@VeterinarySecrets]

:-)

[@cusnew367]

MR VET, the only thing maya is allergy to is her food special the Royal cannin that most if not all of the vet indors and recommend. Lots of chemicals and loads of grains ....

[@chrisgrayling7584]

Great information and advice. I will try the ACV/green tea solution! Thanks for posting.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4eahHdvra-CaZI

[@ulyanaheward932]

I have been successful treating my dog’s ear infection using your advice. In another video you recommended using coconut oil with ACV to treat and witch hazel to clean. And that worked great. My labradoodle is generally a very healthy dog and that was prob his 1st or second ear infection for all his 9 years of life. I really wanted to try an antifungal cream as the smell is ACV and coconut oil was overwhelming to say the least. However, bc he has so much hair inside his ear canal, and it has been awhile since our groomer plucked it, AND I was trying to avoid causing more pain and irritation to him, it was impossible to get the cream into the ear canal. How would one go about doing that? There is no long skinny tip on the cream tube. You suggested a Qtip, but all the cream basically stayed on the hairs, I could not get it inside the canal.

[@rhareshshan2584]

very much appreciated 4 da information & tips Sir.

[@laurametheny1008]

Apoquil. I believe thats how its spelled. Wonderful-expensive-stuff. When all else failed its helped our pitbull Titan become basically yeast allergy "free". He had parvo as a pup then awful skin and ear sores and rashes. All gone now. He HAS gained a little weight lol. But he also is a big strapping food thief! PS thankyou so much for the vid about the ear hair! I have always REFUSED to allow them to pull my shih tzus ear hair. I find it a horrendous practice. No she doesn't get ear infections. She is 12. I have had her since she was about 7wks old. Strangely its my boys who have the ear issues. Titan and our jackrat. And they have very little ear hair. Another reason we don't dock our pitties ears. I kinda think the hair is there for a reason...as is the general shape of a dogs ears.🐾✌🐕🐩😍

[@darrylquinn4961]

Laura Metheny IMHO this drug is dangerous. It doesn't cure anything but rather acts as a super steroid to turn off a dog's immune system. The symptoms go away and you falsely think your dog is cured. But his immune system has been shut off leaving him vulnerable to a host of other problems. The better solution is IMPROVING a dog's immune system with optimal nutrition (no kibble) & helpful supplementation. I love dr jones' canine health formula supplement b/c it has colostrum which is an immune system super charger!

[@francesm4314]

Thank you for this video. I have a groomer appointment today and was wondering if my puppy's ear hair should be plucked (Shih-tzu.) I will tell the groomer not to pluck. Thanks. again.

[@jocolegray6573]

Treat my dogs matted hair on the outside of the ears

[@sephardishalom2693]

Awesome vet. God bless you!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Welcome

[@RepentfollowJesus]

Just had my 2 poodle pups in for boosters. My toy has very thick hair in his ears. The vet really made a strong point to pluck that hair. He does have waxy ears. I can see it on the hair. But I dont take them outside. So I'm wondering if I should just use ear cleaning solution and let the hair stay or what. He didnt seem impressed when I tried to pull a few hairs and I quit and ordered hemostats and ear powder. I had a Maltese years ago who got an ear infection even going to the groomer . Later i just did her hair and stopped pulling her ear hair. I just put a couple of drops of swim ear in her ears after a bath to dry it out. No more ear infections. What is your advice?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

I would leave the hair unless there is a problem

[@yasminaquino1566]

Can you use the green tea and apple cider solution as an ear cleaner? Would it be as effective as a store-bought one?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Yes you can- it may be equally effective

[@lillianespinoza2235]

She is Beautiful

[@VeterinarySecrets]

:-)

[@meulula]

Mia is cute. Thanks for the video, doc.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Welcome

[@CeruleanStocking]

🤨 How was this dealt with before the canine species forced evolution ?

[@scottbruce9872]

Thanks. Another informative vid.

[@minarose3193]

My 15 year old golden is panting and drooling at night, about a few hours after he eats, or in the middle of the night, then i give him about 7 drops of his treat well 1:1 cbd oil with some yogurt and he sleeps like a baby. Not sure what's up but I'm taking him in because he's due for his yearly senior blood work and see what his vet thinks. I took some videos. Any thoughts on this condition? I'm wondering if it's his thyroid or heart disease

[@minarose3193]

He has arthritis for a few years and is in herbs and I make him bone broth and home made diet

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Hi, Sounds more like feeling ill secondary to diet. I would wonder if bone broth too rich in fat.

[@ozmommi]

Happy Girl! Thanks for the info. I wondered about the yeast Products for humans like Lotrimin etc. thank you

[@sydbell8508]

What about the dog scratching at its ear with the irritation of the hair.Although we usually clip the hair back to try and stop them doing this. Do we not cut their eye lashes as well ??

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Possibly - that is more like a hot spot

[@cherialli477]

Can hair in ear cause dog hearing loss? We have a 13 year old Cockapoo and the new groomer does not believe in plucking (all of her life she has had other groomer plucking her ears). Wondering if this is why she suddenly seems to be deaf??? Your thoughts would be so much appreciated! :)

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Usually not

[@RepentfollowJesus]

Have your vet look down in her ears to see if wax built up too much.

[@mirandajones9710]

What breed again. Is Mia

[@leesalmond2979]

Thank you I won’t start

[@mickeymouse6799]

I have a 10 year old Pomeranian she's diabetic and has cataracts I was wondering if I should go through with the cataract surgery and if I do when she go blind again please help me thank

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Likely she will do fine- main thing is blood tests 1st to rule out any serious underlying disease

[@MonicasCreations8128]

Done ,done, and done clicked all thanks

[@VeterinarySecrets]

You're welcome!

[@Truth17John17]

My Shih Tzu puppies have way more hair in their ears than Mia, the dog featured here.....

[@gemnilvr]

My shi tzu had chronic ear infections until I found this product called zymox enzymatic solution! It’s amazing and worked fast, I could see it getting better after just a day!

[@gemnilvr]

I swear by it and would use it again if I get a dog

[@elainieg]

thanks for the great tip Doc. Isn't Mya a sweet girl.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Welcome

[@sweet_sweet_watermelon4854]

Thought that was Steve Irwin for a moment

[@yepperooyepperoo5800]

Btw, where is Tula?

[@VeterinarySecrets]

She was at home in Nelson being house sat by a frienc

[@yepperooyepperoo5800]

Question1 When she whipped around and smacked you in your face, did it hurt? :) The risks of being a vet! haha

[@VeterinarySecrets]

:-)

[@lljl5310]

where's tula????😞😞🐶🐶

[@VeterinarySecrets]

In Nelson enjoying the snow :-)

[@JouniKyyronen-nv1ep]

Ears need air some hat to pull ears

[@lljl5310]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@omirodz4285]

Thank you I have spend so much $ that sometimes I have dt have to pay for vet because none can tell me into know how can I help my boy Hercules he can scrash he's ear to the point of bleeding I will follow ur suggestion maybe my 4 leg 🐕 son can finally find some cure.thank you so so much and I will watch your other video again about ear infection. Thank you again.

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Welcome

[@maggiewaldner8375]

What can I use to soften the wax in my dogs ears? Its very hard to get out! And she has a lot of ear wax

[@は私です彼の名前]

3% Hydrogen peroxide. Just put a little at a time. Please don’t pour it into the ear canal. Just enough to saturate the wax (use a cotton ball) and it should soften it enough to clean it

[@l-kk164]

I need help!!!! My dog I think he have an ear infection idk what to put him , I can’t afford right now to take him to the vet and buy the expensive medicine so if someone can help me I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@VeterinarySecrets]

Videos on that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmK2ZWyqrKeDZ8U

[@kristinakay9558]

Is that a tattoo in the dogs ear?!

[@mariew3470]

That is what I was wondering too

[@fly89]

yes. dogs often have tattoo , as identification.. like chips.