Dog’s ear

[Lavendercream]

Hi,

We have a labradoodle with big, floppy hairy ears which are usually managed by the groomers and stay fine in between. However, I noticed a few days ago that one of her ears is very waxy with thick brown wax. We’ve been using an ear cleaner and getting lots out but it’s making no difference to the matted / waxy hair in the canal. It’s in too awkward a position to cut and I don’t want to pluck it in case this hurts her. Does this need the vets or will it eventually shift with cleaner? I should add, dog seems totally unbothered and seems to quite enjoy the cleaning sessions!

TIA!

You should be plucking the hairs out, i do it weekly.

@DustyLee123 does it hurt them? I just imagine it being so sore! The groomers definitely keep the hair under control usually but they were in a rush last time and weren’t as thorough as usual

No, they get used to it. If you don’t keep it clear you will end up with problems.

Thanks @DustyLee123 - just managed to pluck out quite a bit and she didn’t seem
bothered at all (apart from desperately wanting to eat the wax!). Still a lot left to do but at least she can tolerate it.

Studies have found that pluckinv hairs from healthy ears increases the incidence of ear infections.
Brown waxy material indicates infection so needs a trip to the vets.

I’d take her to the vets. My dog picked up an ear infection in the groomers which took 6 months to clear.

Thanks @Lonecatwithkitten and @magicstar1 - I've sent the vet triage system an email. I feel guilty that they look such a state but we do check them regularly and it happened so quickly!

Don’t feel guilty. I know our girl can be fine, and have clean, healthy ears one day. The next she’ll have the runs and we know the ear infection is coming back. The vet explained that it can be so deep down that we can’t tell until it gets hold.
You’re doing the right thing by getting checked.