[Bionic]

Archie is 5 months old and had his first session with the groomer a week ago. 

He has a lot of long hair growing inside his ears but would not let her pluck it out as she would normally have done. She suggested that I do it myself, bit by bit using some powder and my fingers.

Not surprisingly he doesn't like it at all and I am struggling because he is struggling with it. Is it essential to do it and if so is there anyway to make it a bit less harrowing for Archie.

thanks
Sally

[doganjo]

Do you intend showing him?  Is that why she suggested pulling?  I used to do my show Cockers by finger and thumb method but unless done correctly it can cause pain.  If not showing I'd use scissors or clippers.

[Bionic]

No, I don't intend to show him. 

I have read some very conflicting advice too.

Some say that too much hair in the ears means the air cannot get down leading to ear infections
Others say that pulling the hair out can lead to ear infections.

The route of least resistance is to leave them as they are but I will only do that if it isn't going to cause an issue.  I wouldn't have a problem clipping the ear hair but not sure that solves the problem of the air.

Sally

[Sandy]

My daughter has to do her Bedlingtons, think they clip them but if not done they get prown to yeast infections etc....I suppose it has to be done regularly and maybe when he is relaxed, not sure if eectric nostril clippers would help? would they?   If pulled regularly and properly I suppose its no worse then plucking eyebrows!!

[Sandy]

As in any long eared dog that does not get thier ears vented, they can harbour bacteria and muck, you can borrow our Yellow Lab Rohan, she cleans the others ears all the time!!!!

[doganjo]

Sandy is right, that is the reason for clipping ear hairs.  Cockers are particularly prone as they have long leathers covering the ear canal.  Small scissors are best for a youngster, you can get them with rounded and curved blades so they don't injure the skin.  I wouldn't use anything electrical on him as you might scare him.  Once would be enough for you not to get near his ears again.  At this age poodles are very sensitive.  I have a friend with Champion poodles, who has her own grooming business, I will ask her.

[Bionic]

Annie,
I would really appreciate you asking your friend.  I won't clip until I know for certain because if I clip the hair then it won't be so easy for me to pull if necessary.

Sandy,
Perhaps you can send Rohan down here on holiday every time the dogs ears need cleaning 

thanks both
Sally

[Sandy]

Sure she would love the attention, shes very much a "ME ME ME" dog, but I think the world of her!!

[doganjo]

Just got this back from my pal - hope it helps.   

"Hi Anne, dogs with hair growing in the ear canal need it plucked out so that the ear canal is clear. It shouldn't be clipped or scissored as you need the hair to grip to pull. If the hair isn't removed it will continue to grow down the canal causing ear problems as it blocks the air from getting in.
As the pup is only 5mths it will still be teething so all this area will be sensitive and that will be why the dog will have played up at the groomers. I always try and remove some if not all of the hair but if the pup is really playing up I tell them to bring it back when all its adult teeth are in and try again although the breeds that require the hair to be plucked are mostly 6-8wk for grooming and I make sure I get it all the 2nd time.

If they wish to try their selves then use ear powder or wear rubber gloves and pluck a few strands at a time. Make sure its the hair that's inside the canal and not round about or it may hurt. Do it whilst the situation is relaxed, ie watching tv, whatever they do don't get the dog stressed about it as it will need this done for the rest of its life. It should be done at the groomers as part of the groom or can be at the vets at a cost.

luv
Fiona xx  "

[robert waddell]

now this may be stupid Annie  but what about hair removal cream   seams to be a lot less bother than plucking  especially if it is a lifetime job

[Bionic]

Annie,
many thanks thats a great help although not really the answer I wanted.   

It does mean that I have to go through with it.  I think that once its clear then it will be a much easier job just to do it once a week to keep it clear.  I will use your friends advice and leave it for a bit though until his adult teeth come through. I will let you know how we get on in a few weeks time.

Robert,
As its such a sensitive part of the body I don't think I could use hair removing cream (although it would be much easier). I know from personal experience that stuff can make the skin come up in sores. Even if I did want to do it how would I get the cream right down into the ear canal and then make sure I got it all out again?

Sally

[robert waddell]

well bionic i have never used hair removal cream or plucking    but i would think the cream could be a more painless solution  just my view

[Bionic]

Robert,
I'm sure Lill would be happy to try both on you so that you can experiment 
Sally

[robert waddell]

no i will pass on that one

[lill]

Sally
I have always fancied waxing Robert, no pain no gain as they say.