No, no, please don’t misunderstand us when we say cutting dog’s ears we definitely do not mean ear cropping, we mean trimming the ear hair!
Have you ever looked inside your puppy’s ears? Take a look…pretty hairy in there isn’t it? We doubt you’ve given it much thought and who can blame you when there’s so much cuddling to do, but ear hair can cause problems if it’s not trimmed or plucked.
As usual, Zigzag is here to tell you everything you (n)ever wanted to know about trimming your puppy’s ear hair. We’ll fill you in on when you should be cutting your dog’s ears and how best to do it, training tips to help ear cutting go smoothly, and what the best equipment is to trim ear hair.
Whether you need to trim your dog’s ear hair will vary depending on their breed, Breeds that commonly need their ears cut are Poodles, Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Maltipoos and other poodle crosses, as well as Maltese and Bichons.
Some people will recommend plucking over trimming, which you decide to do is a personal opinion, and it can be quite a contentious subject, the plucking vs trimming argument. Generally, dogs who have hairy ears need some help to keep the ear canal clean. Too much hair can hold onto moisture, dirt and debris and be a perfect place for ear mites to take up residence. It can also trap wax and cause a bacterial or yeast build-up, creating infections.
If your puppy is itching or scratching their ears, take a good look inside and see if they need the ear hair removed, or a really good clean – the mucky pups!
If you’re looking for help with grooming your puppy, teaching them about the world around them, or having the best-trained hound in town, look no further than the Zigzag puppy training app.
We’ve created a personalised programme based on your puppy’s age, breed type and lifestyle, so you get the right content in the palm of your hand, right when you need it. We also have a great bunch of puppy coaches on hand to help you whenever you need them, yep 7 days a week. They LOVE puppy pics and learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to get in touch with them.
As a dog owner myself I’ve often wondered about the fuzzy hair poking out from my pup’s ears. Should I trim it? Leave it alone? Is it helping or hurting my four-legged friend? If you’ve found yourself asking these same questions, you’re definitely not alone!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about your dog’s ear hair – from its important protective functions to when trimming might be beneficial. I’ll share both professional recommendations and practical tips to help you make the best decision for your furry companion.
Understanding Your Dog’s Ear Anatomy and Why Ear Hair Matters
Before grabbing those scissors, it’s super important to understand what purpose ear hair serves in our canine companions.
A dog’s ear consists of three main parts:
- The outer ear (pinna or auricle)
- The ear canal
- The eardrum
The ear hair that grows inside and around your dog’s ears isn’t just there by accident! It actually serves several crucial functions:
- Protection from debris – Acts as a natural filter keeping dirt, dust, and insects out
- Temperature regulation – Helps keep the ear canal cool in summer and warm in winter
- Infection prevention – Can reduce risk of ear infections by preventing moisture accumulation
As the SmallDogGuides website explains, ear hair primarily functions as a protective barrier, filtering out potential irritants that could cause discomfort or lead to infections.
When Trimming Might Be Necessary: Signs to Watch For
While ear hair serves important purposes, there are situations where excessive growth might actually cause problems rather than prevent them.
You might want to consider trimming your dog’s ear hair if:
- Your dog’s breed is prone to ear issues – Breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or Bichon Frises often need more ear maintenance
- There’s excessive hair growth – Too much hair can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria
- Your dog has recurrent ear infections – Excessive hair might be contributing to ongoing ear problems
- You notice a foul odor from your dog’s ears
- Your dog frequently scratches at their ears or shakes their head
According to Doghousefmb.com, the frequency of dog ear hair trimming depends on your pet’s breed and how quickly their fur grows back. For many dogs with heavy ear hair growth, maintaining every four weeks helps prevent problems.
Risks of Trimming Dog Ear Hair: Proceed with Caution
Before you decide to trim your dog’s ear hair, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved:
- Infection – Improper trimming can introduce bacteria into the ear canal
- Irritation – Cutting too close can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
- Damage to the ear canal – Pushing tools too deep can harm delicate structures
- Making ear problems worse – Removing too much protective hair can sometimes increase infection risk
Grand Park Animal Clinic warns that attempts to pluck ear hair at home can actually irritate the skin in your dog’s ear, potentially causing the very infections you’re trying to prevent.
Professional Help vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice
While some aspects of grooming can be handled at home, ear trimming requires special consideration.
When to Seek Professional Help:
- You’re unsure about proper ear trimming techniques
- Your dog has a history of ear problems
- Your pet is particularly anxious or difficult to handle
- You don’t have proper dog-specific grooming tools
According to Grand Park Animal Clinic, “A dog’s ears are easily injured. If you approach its ears with sharp objects and your pet struggles or resists your efforts, it could result in injuries for your pet.”
If You Choose the DIY Route:
If you decide to trim your dog’s ear hair yourself, do thorough research first and prepare properly. Remember that a professional groomer or veterinarian always has more experience and appropriate tools to make the process safe and comfortable for your pet.
Safe Ear Hair Trimming: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve consulted with your vet and determined that trimming your dog’s ear hair is appropriate, here’s how to do it safely:
Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
You’ll need:
- Dog-specific grooming scissors (preferably curved with rounded tips)
- Ear powder to improve grip on hair
- Treats for positive reinforcement
- Good lighting
- Clean towels
Remember: Never use human hair clippers for dog ear trimming! As Doghousefmb.com points out, human hair clippers can be too harsh and cause irritation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dog
- Choose a calm environment with minimal distractions
- Get your dog comfortable by gently handling their ears regularly before attempting to trim
- Make sure your dog is relaxed and properly restrained
Step 3: Trimming Technique
- Carefully examine the ear for any signs of infection or irritation first
- Only trim the hair on the outside of the ear and at the entrance of the ear canal
- NEVER push instruments deep into the ear canal
- Take small sections at a time, trimming only a millimeter or two
- Work slowly and take breaks as needed
- Reward your dog frequently with treats and praise
Step 4: Post-Trimming Care
- Clean the outer ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner
- Monitor for any signs of irritation for several days
- Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to ensure ear health
Alternatives to Trimming: Other Ear Care Options
If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s ear hair or your vet advises against it, there are other ways to maintain healthy ears:
- Regular cleaning – Gently wipe the visible parts of your dog’s ears with a pet-safe ear cleaner
- Routine inspections – Check ears weekly for signs of infection, wax buildup, or irritation
- Professional grooming – Schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer
- Veterinary visits – Have your vet examine your dog’s ears during routine checkups
SmallDogGuides emphasizes that “regular inspections and cleanings are crucial for preventing infections and ensuring your dog’s ears remain healthy.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Ear Hair Trimming
Is ear plucking better than trimming?
Plucking involves pulling the hair out from the root, while trimming only cuts the hair shorter. Many veterinarians now recommend trimming over plucking, as plucking can cause inflammation and micro-tears in the ear canal that may lead to infections.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
According to SmallDogGuides, cleaning frequency depends on your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle. Dogs that spend more time outdoors or are prone to ear infections may need more frequent cleaning. As a general rule, weekly ear checks and cleaning as needed is a good practice for most dogs.
Can I use human hair clippers to trim my dog’s ear hair?
No! Human hair clippers are too harsh for the delicate skin in a dog’s ear. Doghousefmb.com specifically advises against this, noting that dog ear hair is typically thicker and more coarse than human hair, requiring specialized tools.
Do all dogs need their ear hair trimmed?
Definitely not! As stated by Doghousefmb, not all dogs require ear hair trimming. It’s most beneficial for breeds with long, floppy ears or those with excessive hair growth inside their ears.
How can I prevent ear infections in my dog?
Regular ear cleaning, keeping ears dry (especially after swimming or bathing), routine vet check-ups, and appropriate ear hair maintenance can all help prevent infections. Addressing underlying issues like allergies can also be important.
When to See a Veterinarian
While routine ear care can be managed at home, certain situations warrant a trip to the vet:
- Foul odor coming from the ears
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
- Redness or swelling in or around the ears
- Discharge from the ears
- Signs of pain when ears are touched
- Any unusual behaviors related to the ears
Final Thoughts: Making the Best Decision for Your Dog
The decision to trim your dog’s ear hair isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your dog’s breed, individual ear anatomy, health history, and specific needs.
I’ve found that consulting with a veterinarian or professional groomer is always the wisest first step. These professionals can examine your dog’s ears and provide personalized recommendations based on their expertise.
Remember that ear hair serves an important protective function, so any trimming should be done with caution and only when necessary. The health and comfort of your furry friend should always be the top priority when making grooming decisions.
By staying informed, seeking professional guidance when needed, and maintaining a regular ear care routine, you can help ensure your dog’s ears remain healthy and problem-free throughout their life.
What’s your experience with trimming your dog’s ear hair? Have you found it helpful or unnecessary for your particular pup? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making decisions about your pet’s health and grooming needs.
Take plenty of breaks to make ear trimming a nice experience
Consent based husbandry, handling, grooming and cooperative care might all be phrases you’ve heard and they all rely on going at the animal’s pace. By giving dogs the freedom to walk away from the ear trimming experience, you allow them some control. Choice is a huge reinforcer and super powerful to give to our dogs, try doing it more.
When do I cut my dog’s ears?
Getting your puppy used to grooming and handling when they’re young, will come in handy when it’s time to cut your dog’s ears. The more positive experiences they have when they’re little, the better they’ll be at coping with you cutting their ear hair later.
Not all breeds need their ear hair cut, take a look in your dog’s ears, do they need the hair trimming, or is it not thick enough to worry about? Some breeds just need more of an ear cleaning – especially Frenchies or Boston Terriers, who have prick ears that collect a lot of dirt.