Nails, teeth, ears, paws
Should I pluck hair from inside my dog's ears?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
This depends on the individual dog and how much hair actually grows inside the canal opening, so it is worth asking your groomer or vet for their view on your dog specifically. Excessive hair can trap moisture and debris, but plucking done roughly or too often can also cause irritation.
The reasoning behind plucking
Breeds like Poodles and some Terriers grow hair inside the ear canal opening itself, rather than just around the outer ear, and a heavy amount of this hair can trap wax and moisture against the skin, similar to how a floppy ear flap traps warmth.
Why opinions on plucking differ
Some groomers and vets recommend regular plucking of excess ear hair to improve airflow, while others prefer trimming instead, or avoiding removal altogether if the hair growth is light and not causing visible buildup, since plucking itself can cause minor irritation or, done poorly, small nicks to the sensitive skin.
A sensible approach for most owners
For most owners, leaving ear hair removal to a professional groomer who has the training to do it gently and correctly, rather than attempting it at home, avoids the risk of irritation while still getting the benefit if your dog's breed and coat genuinely call for it.
A middle ground some groomers prefer
Rather than fully plucking or leaving hair untouched, some groomers trim visible ear hair with small scissors close to the opening without reaching into the canal itself, which reduces the amount of hair trapping moisture near the entrance while avoiding the discomfort some dogs feel from actual plucking.
If you do decide to try light plucking at home after getting guidance from a professional, using a specialized ear powder first, which improves grip on the hair and makes it easier to remove with less discomfort, is a common technique worth asking about.
Key takeaways
- Excess ear canal hair can trap moisture and debris in breeds prone to heavy ear hair growth.
- Groomers and vets differ on whether plucking or trimming is the better approach.
- Leaving ear hair removal to a trained professional groomer avoids the risk of doing it incorrectly at home.