Poodle Puppy Ear Cleaning - ADD ON

Question
QUESTION: Sorry Brandie, I didn't finish my sentence...the last groomer refused to pluck her ears because she is 'too young'. My question is, is it true that she is too young for plucking and at what age can I begin. Also, is it safe for me to do it myself? Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Debbie,
This is a first for me.  I have never heard of groomers refusing to remove the ear hair on a poodle puppy of any age.  I understand them not wanting to take her because she hadn't completed her series of shots - hats off to them with that - they could have saved your babies life - but to refuse to remove the hair from her ears is really odd.  That is something that you can do from home and I actually would encourage you to do so.  Starting grooming early is important and keeping the ear canals clean and free of hair is just as important.  The local pet stores sell a ear powder that you can purchase that will make it easier for you to do.  I use ear powder when ever I am removing hair from ears.  It allows you to get a hold and keep a hold on the hair and doesn't allow for slipping.  You will want to get a firm hold on the hair and with a quick pull remove the hair completely from the inner ear.  I wish more owners were concerned about this - there would be a lot less ear infections in dogs if they did.  Glad your on top of the grooming of your puppy.  If I can help further please feel free to email at any time.

Take care,
Brandie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Brandie,
Thanks for the quick and clear reply. I have a question about the ear powder. After I pluck the hairs, do I wipe it away with a cotton ball or leave it in there? After the plucking do I have to put any kind of ointment to soothe the ears? Does the powder also clear wax build-up? Okay, sorry, that was THREE questions...I'm just anxious to get that smell, the hair and the worry of infection out of our way! Thanks a million!

Answer
Hi Debbie,
Your very welcome, I'm glad I can be of some help.  After you "puff" some ear powder into her ears, grasp the hair and pull.  The majority of the ear powder adheres to the hair which is what allows you to get a good grip and remove the hair easily.  After removing the hair use some ear cleaning solution (you can also pick this up at your local pet store)fill the ear canal with the solution and fold the ear back closed and massage the ear and side of her head with your hand.  You will hear it start to suds up.  Then use a cotton ball and dry the ear out as best as you can.  Don't ever stick anything down into her ear (like a q-tip) only use a cotton ball on the tip of your finger.  These ear cleaning solutions have soothing properties and will clean and deodorize her ears well.  Keeping a check on her ears on a weekly basis is a good idea and clean as needed. Doing this will insure your babies ears stay in tip top shape and really cut down on the chances of ear infections. Again, e-mail me if you have any further questions.

Take care,
Brandie