Should You Pull Hairs From Inside Dog Ears​

Dogs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and coat types, and some breeds are known for having particularly hairy ears. This can sometimes pose a problem, as excess hair inside a dog’s ear can trap moisture and dirt, leading to infections and discomfort. As a dog owner, you may wonder whether you should pull those hairs, how to do it painlessly, and if there are alternative methods to keep your dog’s ears healthy.

Dogs with Hairy Ears

Some breeds are more prone to growing hair inside their ear canals than others. Breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels tend to grow hair not just around their ears but inside the ear canal as well. This can be problematic for several reasons:

• Trapped Moisture:
  Hair inside the ear can trap moisture, leading to the growth of bacteria or yeast, which in turn can cause painful ear infections.
• Debris Accumulation:
  Hair can also trap dirt and debris, making it harder for the ear to stay clean.
• Airflow Restriction:
  Hairy ears may restrict airflow, causing the ears to stay warm and moist, an ideal environment for infections to develop.

For these reasons, many dog owners and groomers recommend maintaining the ear hair by either trimming or removing it. But should you pull hair from your dog’s ears?

Should You Pull Hairs from Inside Dog Ears?

The practice of pulling hair from inside dog ears has been a long-debated topic among dog owners, groomers, and veterinarians. Some say it’s necessary to maintain ear health, while others believe it’s an outdated method that can cause more harm than good.

Pros of Pulling Ear Hair:

• Preventing Infections:
  By removing the hair, you allow for better airflow into the ear canal, reducing the risk of moisture and bacteria buildup.
• Improved Cleanliness:
  Without hair inside the ear, it’s easier to keep the ear clean, preventing dirt from getting trapped.

Cons of Pulling Ear Hair:

• Pain and Discomfort:
  Pulling hair from a sensitive area like the ear can be painful for dogs, especially if done improperly.
• Inflammation:
  Pulling hair can irritate the skin inside the ear, causing redness, swelling, and even infections if not done correctly.
• Increased Risk of Infection:
  If hair is pulled from an already inflamed or infected ear, it can exacerbate the problem, causing more discomfort and complications.

Most veterinarians today advise against regularly pulling hair from a dog’s ears unless it’s necessary due to a medical condition, as there are gentler alternatives available.

How to Remove Hair from Dogs’ Ears Painlessly

If your dog has excessive hair in their ears, and you’ve been advised by a veterinarian or groomer to remove it, there are ways to do so that minimize discomfort. Here are some methods for removing ear hair painlessly:

1. Using Ear Powder

Many groomers use an ear powder designed specifically for dogs to make hair removal easier. The powder helps dry out the hair, making it easier to grip and pull without causing as much pain. Here’s how to use it:

• Apply a small amount of ear powder inside the ear canal.
• Gently massage the ear to work the powder into the hair.
• Using your fingers or a pair of hemostatic forceps (grooming tweezers), gently grip a few hairs at a time and pull them out in a quick, steady motion.

The powder also has the added benefit of reducing moisture, helping to keep the ear dry and clean.

2. Trimming the Hair

Instead of pulling, you can trim the hair inside your dog’s ears using small, rounded-tip scissors or a specialized grooming trimmer. Trimming the hair doesn’t remove it entirely but keeps it short enough that it won’t trap debris or moisture. This is often a preferred method for dogs with sensitive ears, as it’s less painful and traumatic than pulling.

3. Regular Ear Cleaning

In some cases, you may not need to remove the hair at all. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution can help keep your dog’s ears free from dirt, debris, and infections. This is especially important for dogs with hairy ears, as cleaning can prevent issues without needing to remove the hair.

Details Indicated for the treatment of ear inflammation, infection, pruritus, redness, offensive odor and excessive secretions, which are caused by ear mites Its design fits cats' and dogs' ear canals, which are deep and like the letter “L”. It allows the ointment to penetrate the hard-to-reach places of their ear canals and covers all over the ear canal, which helps to present a more thorough antifungal effect.

How to Shave a Poodle's Ear Canal at Home

Poodles, in particular, are a breed with significant ear hair growth, and many owners choose to shave the ear canal to prevent infections. Shaving can be a more comfortable alternative to pulling, but it should be done with care.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shave a Poodle’s ear canal at home:

What You’ll Need:

• A quiet, low-vibration dog clipper with a small blade
• Rounded-tip grooming scissors
• Ear cleaning solution
• Cotton balls or pads
• Dog ear powder (optional)

Steps:

1. Clean the Ears First:
Before shaving, ensure your dog’s ears are clean. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls to gently wipe out any debris from the outer ear.

2. Apply Ear Powder (Optional):
If the hair inside the ear canal is long and matted, you can apply a small amount of ear powder to help dry it out and make shaving easier.

3. Gently Shave the Ear Canal:
Using your dog clippers, carefully trim the hair just inside the ear canal. Start with the outer edges and work your way inward, being careful not to insert the clippers too deep into the ear.

4. Trim Remaining Hair with Scissors:
For any areas where the clippers can’t reach, use rounded-tip scissors to trim the hair.

5. Final Cleaning:
After shaving, clean the ear again to remove any loose hair or remaining debris.

Should the Hair Inside a Dog's Ear Be Removed?

Whether or not the hair inside your dog’s ear should be removed depends largely on the breed and the individual dog’s health. Some dogs, especially those prone to ear infections, may benefit from having their ear hair trimmed or pulled, while others may not need any intervention at all.

Factors to Consider:

• Breed: As mentioned earlier, some breeds like Poodles and Cocker Spaniels tend to grow more ear hair and may need it removed more frequently.
• Health: If your dog has frequent ear infections, your veterinarian may recommend hair removal as part of their treatment plan.
• Comfort: Some dogs may tolerate ear hair removal better than others. If your dog becomes anxious or uncomfortable during grooming, it may be better to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Does Pulling Hair Out of Dogs' Ears Hurt?

Yes, pulling hair from a dog’s ears can hurt if it’s not done properly. The skin inside the ear canal is sensitive, and tugging on hair can cause discomfort, especially if large amounts of hair are removed at once. This is why using ear powder, pulling only small amounts at a time, and using proper tools is crucial to minimizing pain.

It’s also worth noting that some dogs may be more sensitive than others. If your dog shows signs of distress during ear hair removal, it may be best to explore alternative methods like trimming or professional grooming.

Can I Shave the Inside of My Dog's Ears?

Yes, you can shave the inside of your dog’s ears, but it should be done with care. Shaving can be a gentler alternative to pulling, as it doesn’t involve tugging on the hair. However, you should never shave too far into the ear canal, as this can cause injury. Always use appropriate grooming tools designed for dogs, and consider seeking advice from a professional groomer if you’re unsure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you should pull hairs from inside your dog’s ears depends on your dog’s breed, health, and comfort level. While pulling hair can help prevent ear infections, it can also cause discomfort if not done correctly. Gentler methods like trimming or shaving the ear hair may be more appropriate for some dogs, especially if they are sensitive to pain.

FAQs

Do all dogs need their ear hair removed? 

   No, only certain breeds with excessive ear hair may need it removed. Dogs with minimal hair growth inside their ears generally don’t need this done.

What are the signs that my dog’s ear hair needs to be removed? 

   If your dog’s ears are frequently dirty, smelly, or prone to infections, it may be a sign that the ear hair is trapping moisture and debris.

Can I use regular scissors to trim my dog’s ear hair?

   It’s best to use grooming scissors with rounded tips to avoid accidentally injuring your dog.

How often should I remove my dog’s ear hair?

   The frequency depends on the breed and the amount of hair growth. Some dogs may need ear hair removal every few months, while others may only need it occasionally.

Can ear hair removal prevent ear infections?

   Yes, removing excess ear hair can help improve airflow and reduce moisture, which can help prevent ear infections in certain breeds prone to ear problems.