How to Pull Hair Out of a Toy Poodle's Ears

Regular grooming is important for any toy poodle, whether or not you choose to enter him in a show ring. Long, excessive ear hair can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to painful ear infections. It also can impair the toy poodle's hearing. Pulling out ear hair every three to four weeks prevents build up and increases air flow within the ear.

Things You'll Need

Sock
Ear powder
Forceps or tweezers
Ear wash
Cotton balls or cotton swabs
Antibiotic ear ointment

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the foot off a small sock. Cut a small hole on either side. Place the poodle's ears on the top of its head and pull the sock over its head so the top of the poodle's head is in the heal of the sock. The big hole where the foot was cut off will allow an opening for the dog's face. The small holes should be positioned so they expose the ear canals while the ears are held in place at the top of the head. Using the sock frees your hands to groom and restrain the dog. The sock should not cover the dog's eyes, nose or mouth.
- 2
  Position the poodle on a flat table. Stand on one side of the poodle, and place your arm around the other side of his body to restrain him. Work on the ear opposite the side you are standing on.
- 3
  Apply ear powder inside the ear to make the inner hairs brittle. Gently pull out as much hair as you can with your hands, then pull out deep, remaining hairs with forceps or tweezers. Do not insert the ends of these instruments deeper than you can see them, as they could puncture the eardrum.
- 4
  Squeeze a few drops of ear wash into the ear canal. Massage the ear at the base to evenly distribute the wash.
- 5
  Wipe out discharge with cotton swabs or cotton balls. Do not insert a cotton swab too deep, as it could damage the eardrum.
- 6
  Apply the recommended dose of ear ointment inside the dog's ear canal. Massage the ear at the base to evenly distribute the medication.
- 7
  Repeat the process on the other ear.