How to Groom a Poodle's Ears

Poodles come in three distinct sizes but even the smallest require a large amount of maintenance. They're prone to ear infections because their ears are particularly warm and moist, which creates a perfect environment for bacteria and mites to thrive. Excess ear hair can also be a problem in poodles, as this can block the ears and stop the flow of air. A thorough weekly grooming regime for your poodle's ears can help to eliminate any potential problems; you can also opt to trim the fur while grooming your poodle's ears to keep them looking smart.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissor tweezers
  • Ear powder
  • Ear cleaning solution
  • Cotton balls
  • Metal-tooth dog-grooming comb
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift your poodle's ear up and back and fold it over so it is resting on the dog's head and allows you access to the ear canal. Shake about half a teaspoon's worth of the ear powder into your poodle's ear. Make sure the powder coats the hairs to the base. This will help your grip on the hairs and will also reduce your dog's discomfort.

    • 2

      Pluck unwanted hairs from inside your poodle's ear canal using the scissor tweezers. Some poodles naturally have less ear hair than others. If your poodle's ears are relatively hair-free, you may want to skip this step.

    • 3

      Squirt 3 to 4 drops of the ear cleaning solution into your poodle's ears. Massage the solution down into the ear canal, using your thumb and forefinger at the base of the ear. Wipe the insides of your dog's ears with the cotton ball, making sure to clean in all crevices or folds.

    • 4

      Comb the outside of your poodle's ears. Pay special attention to any knots or mats in your dog's coat, as these could be uncomfortable.

    • 5

      Trim your poodle's ear fur to your preferred length and style. If you prefer a short style, be careful not to nick your dog with the scissors.