Ear Plucking
There are always some topics that owners frequently have questions about. The first of those topics we’re going to talk about is ear plucking.
Some breeds will grow hair inside their ear canals. Most groomers pluck that hair automatically in order to keep the ears clean, dry and healthy.
Ear plucking is one of those grooming topics that pet parents hear about but don’t always fully understand. It’s a common service in the grooming world, especially for breeds that grow dense hair inside their ear canals—but it’s also a service that needs to be done thoughtfully, consistently, and with the dog’s comfort in mind.
Here’s a clear, groomer‑focused breakdown of what ear plucking is, why it’s done, and why regular maintenance is absolutely essential.
What Is Ear Plucking?
Some breeds—like poodles, doodles, schnauzers, shih tzus, and other long‑coated or curly‑coated pups—grow hair inside their ear canals.
Ear plucking simply means removing that excess hair to help keep the ear clean and allow better airflow.
Most groomers perform ear plucking automatically as part of their routine for dogs who need it. But whether it should be done depends entirely on the dog’s anatomy, coat type, and ear health.
Why Groomers Pluck Ears
1. Better Airflow
Hair inside the ear canal traps moisture. Moisture leads to yeast and bacteria.
Removing that hair helps the ear stay dry and reduces the risk of irritation.
2. Less Wax and Debris Buildup
Dense ear hair collects wax, dirt, and debris.
Plucking helps keep the canal clearer and easier to maintain.
3. Support for Dogs Prone to Ear Issues
Dogs with allergies, floppy ears, or narrow canals often benefit from routine plucking as part of their preventative care.
4. Groomer Safety and Visibility
A groomer needs to see inside the ear to check for redness, odor, discharge, or irritation.
Removing excess hair makes that possible.
Why Consistency Is Critical
This is the part many pet parents don’t realize:
If ear plucking isn’t done regularly—even at home—the dog won’t be used to the sensation.
Ear plucking is a sensitive service. When it’s done consistently from puppyhood or on a routine schedule, most dogs tolerate it well.
But when it’s not done regularly:
The hair becomes dense and impacted
The dog becomes more sensitive to the process
The groomer cannot perform the service safely or effectively
The risk of discomfort increases
The likelihood of ear infections rises
Infrequent plucking often leads to inflammation, trapped moisture, and wax buildup—conditions that can quickly turn into medical issues requiring veterinary care.
How Vroom Grooms Handles Ear Plucking
At Vroom Grooms, ear health is taken seriously—and so is your dog’s comfort.
We do not pluck ears unless it is already being done on a regular basis.
If a dog has not had routine ear plucking, attempting it during a grooming appointment can be painful, stressful, and unsafe.
In these cases:
We refer the dog to a veterinarian for the initial cleaning and treatment.
When ear hair has been neglected, the dog will often need:
A proper medical cleaning
Prescription drops
Treatment for yeast or bacterial infections
A vet must handle that first step to ensure the dog receives the care—and medication—they need.
Once the ears are healthy and the dog is on a consistent maintenance schedule, plucking can be safely incorporated into grooming again.
Ear plucking can be incredibly beneficial for dogs who need it, but only when it’s done regularly and safely. Most groomers perform it automatically, but it’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all service—and it’s not something that should be done sporadically.
At Waggy Tails, the priority is always your dog’s comfort, safety, and long‑term health. Routine care keeps ears clean, reduces infection risk, and ensures your pup stays happy and comfortable during grooming.
