Should You Pluck Your Dog's Ear Hair? What to Know

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Ear hair plucking is one of the more debated grooming practices. Some groomers do it routinely, while many vets prefer to leave healthy ears alone. Understanding the pros and cons helps you decide with your vet.

Why some dogs have ear hair

Poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus and similar breeds grow hair from inside the ear canal. In some dogs, it is sparse and causes no trouble. In others, it forms a thick mat that traps wax and moisture. See curly-coat grooming.

The case for plucking

Proponents argue that removing hair improves airflow, reduces wax buildup and lowers the risk of infection. Groomers have traditionally done it as routine.

The case against

Plucking can cause pain and micro-trauma to the skin, which may lead to inflammation or infection. Many veterinary dermatologists now recommend plucking only when hair is blocking the canal or the dog has recurrent ear problems. In healthy ears with minimal hair, leaving it alone is often best.

What your vet may advise

Ask your vet to examine your dog's ears and advise whether plucking is necessary. For dogs with recurrent infections, they may suggest alternative approaches such as trimming or medicated products. See dog skin allergies since allergies often cause ear infections.

If you do pluck

1. Make sure ears are healthy, with no redness, smell or pain.
2. Apply a small pinch of ear powder to the hair.
3. Pull out a few hairs at a time using your fingers or blunt tweezers, with a quick, firm action.
4. Stop if your dog shows pain, if bleeding occurs or if the skin looks sore.
5. Give treats and calm praise.
6. Clean the ear if advised. See how to clean a dog's ears.

Do not attempt deep plucking, which can cause injury.

Alternatives

• Trimming the hair at the entrance of the canal with blunt scissors.
• Regular cleaning to keep wax under control. See how to choose a dog ear cleaner.
• Leaving it alone if the ear is healthy.

When to leave it to a pro

If you are unsure, a groomer or vet can do it safely. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

Do not pluck if

• The ear is red, swollen or smelly
• Your dog has an ear infection
• Your dog is anxious or aggressive about ear handling

Aftercare

Watch for redness, scratching or head shaking in the following days. Contact your vet if it persists.

Signs your dog's ears may benefit from hair removal

Your vet or groomer may suggest it if hair fills the canal opening, wax collects on the hairs, your dog has repeated infections in hairy ears or the hair mats into clumps. If the ears are clean, dry and free of odor, there is rarely a pressing reason to pluck.

Helping your dog tolerate ear handling

Touch the ears every day, rewarding relaxed behavior. Get your dog used to having the flap lifted and a finger placed at the opening. A dog that is comfortable with handling is much easier for your vet or groomer to treat, and there is less need for restraint. If your dog has become fearful, go back to short, rewarded touches for a few days before trying again.

Questions to ask your groomer

Ask whether they pluck routinely or only when needed, what method they use and how they handle dogs that are uncomfortable. A good groomer will check the ear, explain what they see and stop if your dog is distressed.

The takeaway

Ear plucking is not routine for every dog. Ask your vet, and only pluck gently if needed.