06/27/2025
To Pluck Or Not to Pluck Your Goldendoodle’s Ears?
: What Science Says
Whether or not to pluck hair from your Goldendoodle’s ears should depend on individual ear health, not a one-size-fits-all grooming rule. While some Goldendoodles can inherit dense inner ear hair from their Poodle ancestry, the presence of hair alone is not a direct cause of infection.
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🟢 For Dogs Without a History of Ear Infections:
Routine plucking is not recommended.
• Plucking causes microtrauma to the skin of the ear canal, disrupting the epithelial barrier.
• This can trigger inflammation and increase susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Malassezia, Staphylococcus).
• In healthy ears, the presence of hair does not lead to infection. It may even offer passive protection from debris.
• Best practice: Do not pluck. Instead, clean regularly with a vet-approved solution and ensure ears are thoroughly dried after bathing or swimming.
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🔴 For Dogs Prone to Recurrent Otitis Externa:
Minimal, targeted plucking may be appropriate—but only under veterinary guidance.
• In these cases, hair may trap excess moisture and debris in an already inflamed ear.
• Gentle removal may allow better airflow and improve medication delivery.
• However, over-plucking or incorrect technique can worsen inflammation and perpetuate infection cycles.
• Best practice: Work with your vet to develop an individualized ear care plan, which may include strategic plucking, drying agents, and regular ear flushes.
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Final Note: Don’t Overlook Allergies
Additionally, Chronic ear infections in Goldendoodles can sometimes be a secondary symptom of underlying allergies—either food-related or environmental (atopy). If your dog is experiencing frequent ear inflammation, itching, or odor, talk to your vet about possible allergies before assuming grooming is the cause.
Bren’s Doodles
Goldendoodle Association of North America
Bren’s Goldendoodles—BC Breeder
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