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How to Clean the Ears of a Poodle Step by Step

Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: September 26, 2017
How to Clean the Ears of a Poodle Step by Step
Dogs

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In this article on AnimalWised, we will teach you how to clean the ears of a poodle, step by step. Don't worry, it's much easier than it looks. This hygienic habit must done frequently in order to prevent the build-up of dead hair in the ear canal and to avoid its putrefaction there.

The process of cleaning the ears is important in any dog, regardless of their breed. For the poodle, however, it is even more so. This is because poodles usually accumulate a lot of hair in this part of their bodies. Moreover, poodles have drooping ears, which reduces oxygenation within the ear itself. Perform this hygienic routine regularly and you will significantly reduce the risk of ear infections.

You may also be interested in: Step By Step to Cleaning A Dog’s Ears
Steps to follow:
1

The first thing to remember is that the process of cleaning the ears has to be something pleasant for the dog. To do this, it's better to begin when your poodle is a puppy. You can also start this habit as an adult, giving the dog small prizes or treats as compensation. Use positive reinforcement! It is an excellent way to communicate with your dog and make them understand what attitudes and behaviors you like. Always give away goodies to reward good behavior.

First of all, it is recommended that you remove all the dead hair that you can find at the entrance of the ear canal, simply by using your fingers. Pull softly, avoiding any harm to the animal. You can also use tweezers, blunt or rounded.

2

Now we really get to the act of duct cleaning, the most delicate part of cleaning the ears of a poodle. There are specific products that can be used in this process:

  • Saline
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Commercial preparations

Start by dampening a clean gauze with the product; cotton is not recommended, as the strands may get trapped in the ear. Wind the gauze around a finger or a blunt clamp and carefully slip it into the outermost part of the duct, while lifting the poodle's ear up to make the job a bit easier.

Make a careful dragging movement to remove all the dirt that may exist inside. Make sure that no remaining gauze is inside. After cleaning the ear canal, you have to clean the inside of the ear. Change the gauze. Make sure it is moistened and drain the ear in the direction away from the opening of the ear canal.

How to Clean the Ears of a Poodle Step by Step - Step 2
3

Although cleaning a poodle's ears does not carry much risk, you must keep in mind that the animal could move their head at any time, hitting the owner or making a false move that could injure the duct. In adult dogs, the conduit has an elbowed shape, making it difficult to reach the eardrum. In puppies, however, it is straight and short, and there is a real risk.

It is recommended not to introduce gauze beyond a couple of centimeters - less than an inch - in adults and even less in puppies.

4

If you do not dare to perform the operation yourself, or if you notice that the duct gives off an odor or their is a small noise when pressing the ear canal, you must go to the vet. These are early signs of otitis. There are more obvious symptoms, such as an askew head or constant scratching of the ears, indicating that the ear is probably ripe with infection.

You can always ask your vet for more tips on how to clean a poodle's ears.

How to Clean the Ears of a Poodle Step by Step - Step 4
5

If you have a poodle, check out our article on how to remove stains from a poodle's eyes and take advantage of the situation to bathe your poodle too!

If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean the Ears of a Poodle Step by Step, we recommend you visit our Ear care category.

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1 comment
Tara
Very informative I was not aware that I could use peroxide happy to know that
Administrador AnimalWised
You're welcome Tara!
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