Dog Ear Problems

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Labradoodles usually have long, pendulous ears, like poodles. The problem with long ears is a moist, warm ear canal that is a perfect environment for organisms to grow. They are more predisposed to ear problems than those breeds with short, erect ears. As the ear folds, it covers the ear canal and prohibits air from entering and drying the canal. When you collect pup and we go through grooming with you then I'll show you how to cut that piece of hair to help circulate air.

There are parasitic problems, foreign bodies (grass seeds etc) which can get lodged, and if the irritation is sufficent a haematoma of the ear flap could occur. This is an accumulation of blood between the cartilage and the skin of the ear flap. It is caused by damage to blood vessels of the ear from vigorous repeated head shaking, or scratching at the ear with the back feet. This is not a doodle specific problem - it can happen to any breed but unfortunately pedigree labradors are prone to ear sensitivities and allergies.

Ear mites can live in their ears especially if you have a cat. Flea treament with Stronghold or Frontline should prevent infection. We treat pups for ear mites before adoption to err on caution as we have a cat Jesse.

Yeast infections - if your doodle ears smell pungent, then you need to see a vet as it could be a yeast infection.

Cleaning ears - if the ears are just dirty there are ear cleaning fluids available either from the petshop or the vets sell stronger ones. We dont recommend the use of cotton buds. I've heard some breeders use white vinegar diluted 1:1 with water, as an ear cleaner. Personally I use a fragrance-free baby wet wipes once a week before I clean their teeth.

Hair in their ears - if you opt for the lower shedding doodles then Im afraid the hair in their ears will need attention. Like a poodle, the hair needs stripping either by hand or there are grooming instruments available - tweezers work as well. Basically you are plucking the hair out. We have plucked their ears regularly as puppies, so they get used to the feeling. Dont worry we'll show you how when you come to collect pup and it will be done before adoption so you'll have some time before it needs doing. If you simply cant do it yourself then ask a dog-groomer to take a look, or a vets nurse. Top tip - dont attempt ear plucking after a bath when hair is wet, its too slippery. Always pluck dry ears.

Basically look for any of the following in your doodle's ears - excessive wax/discharge, awful smell, redness (they do get pink after you pluck and clean, this is normal), shaking of the head or trying to scratch ears. Sudden swelling of the ear(s) or obvious distress needs vets attention.