Hey there, pet parents! Dr. B here from Pet Health, back with another blog in our September ear health series. One of the most common questions I get asked—by both pet parents and groomers—is whether ear hair should be plucked or removed. Certain breeds, like poodles, have abundant ear hair; over time, it’s been assumed that removing this hair helps prevent ear infections. The idea is that more air can get into the ear and keep it dry. But the real question is: Is this beneficial and necessary for all pets? Let’s dive into it!

Plucking Ear Hairs Does Not Prevent Ear Infections

First, the answer is clear—for most dogs, plucking ear hair is unnecessary and could even be harmful. I see countless dogs with excessive ear hair that never develop ear infections or otitis externa. Ear hair is merely a predisposing factor, not a primary cause of infections. It’s important to understand that the presence of ear hair alone doesn’t mean your dog will get an infection. For a deeper understanding, check out our first blog in this series, Understanding Ear Infections in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Parents.

Removing Ear Hair is Painful

Secondly, let’s talk about the discomfort involved. Plucking ear hair hurts and can cause inflammation. If you’ve ever plucked your nose or ear hair, you know the feeling—it’s not pleasant! This inflammation can also trigger the issue you’re trying to prevent: an ear infection. Moreover, this painful process can lead to negative associations with ear care, making your pet less cooperative during necessary ear cleanings and medication applications. No one wants their pet to dread their grooming sessions or vet visits!

When is Hair Plucking Beneficial?

Now, are there situations where hair plucking might be beneficial? For dogs with recurring ear infections (again, see our first blog for more info), trimming or removing ear hair can help. We can better manage chronic issues by allowing more air and drying medications to reach the ear canal. However, I recommend trimming the hair instead of plucking to reduce pain and inflammation. Trimming helps minimize the amount of ear wax and debris trapped in the hair.

For instance, I have several poodle patients with mild allergies who are avid swimmers during the summer. These pups benefit from a sedated ear trim in the spring and early summer to help manage their ear problems. This approach ensures they stay comfortable while we prevent potential infections.

Final Thoughts from Dr. B

So, here’s my advice: leave the ear hair alone unless a clinical problem needs to be addressed. If your dog suffers from otitis externa secondary to an environmental allergy, discuss with your veterinarian whether hair trimming can be part of your pet’s allergy management strategy. The key is to focus on the overall health of your dog’s ears; sometimes, that means leaving things just as nature intended.

Stay tuned for more tips and insights in our ear health series this month. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us at Pet Health.