How to Clean Labradoodle Ears (5-Step Guide)

Want to know how to clean your Labradoodle’s ears? You’re in the right place!

Labradoodles have floppy, giant ears that make a great environment for infections of the ear.

image of labradoodle laying down with yellow background behind him.

Their ears can harbor microorganisms, pests, and dirt which can lead to infection.

Infected ears can lead to a painful experience you and your doggo want to avoid at all costs.

In this Digdoggy.com guide, you will learn:

  • What materials you will need to clean Labradoodle’s ears
  • How to prepare for cleaning Labradoodle’s ears
  • How frequent you should clean your dog’s ears

And much more!

What's In This Guide?

      What Do You Need To Know About Cleaning Labradoodle Ears?

      All dog breeds can get infections in their ears. However, it is the long-eared breeds that are prone to ear infections the most.

      The reason is that there is reduced airflow in dogs with long ears. These tend to trap moisture, as well. Wax and moisture won’t be able to drain out with the long-haired, long-eared breeds.

      Avoid using cotton tip applicators (Q-tips) due to the risk of perforating the eardrum or traumatizing the ear canal.  

      Overcleaning can disrupt the ear canal and result in infection. If you notice discharge or an odor when cleaning, consult with a professional veterinarian to determine the correct frequency of cleaning. 

      How Often Should You Clean A Labradoodle’s Ears?

      I usually clean my Labradoodle’s ears about once a month. It takes about that long for the curly hair in his ears to grow back after I shave them, as well.

      The ear canals of Labradoodles are usually just like a poodle’s. This means that if you’ve cleaned a Poodle’s ears in the past, then simply follow the same exact method.

      You should also check the ears daily for any waxy buildup or redness, which is the first sign of a possible infection.

      Ear-cleaning really is one of the most labor-intensive parts of their grooming and make sure to put your dog in a well-lit, clean space before you start.

      I usually do this in the kitchen or in the backyard.

      Not all dogs enjoy their ears being cleaned, so be prepared for attempts to escape.

      Read Also: >> What is the right way to bathe a Labradoodle?

      Supplies You’ll Need To Clean Labradoodle Ears 

      To clean Labradoodle ears, you will need the following supplies:

      image of Head shot of handsome male Cobberdog aka labradoodle, sitting up facing front. Looking towards camera with friendly face and tongue out. Isolated on orange yellow background.

      How to Clean Labradoodle Ears (5-Step Guide)

      Here are the steps you should follow to effectively clean Labradoodle ears:

      1. Find A Good Location For Ear-Cleaning
      2. Shave Below His Ear Opening
      3. Pluck The Ear Entrance
      4. Apply Ear Cleaning Solution To Ear
      5. Clean Ear Interior With Cotton Balls 

      Step 1: Find A Good Location For Ear-Cleaning

      Put your Labradoodle in a well-lit space, such as the kitchen or the yard. If you have a table he can be on, that is advisable, as well.

      If not, have him lie down flat and just sit next to him on the floor or on a mat. The point is that you need to see directly into his ear.

      Step 2: Shave Below His Ear Opening

      Locate the area just below the opening of his ears.

      Shave this part to create easy access to his ear. You can also bring him to his groomer and they can do this part for you.

      Step 3: Pluck The Ear Entrance

      With a headlamp, use miracle ear powder to pluck out the entire part at the entrance of his ear, a little at a time. The reason for this is so that it will be easy for you to clean the actual skin of your doggo’s ear.

      If you don’t have a headlamp, use a regular lamp that you can direct into his ear canal.

      Your Labradoodle can lie down on a table and you can slowly pluck out each hair you see at the ear entrance.

      Step 4: Apply Ear Cleaning Solution To Ear

      Lift your dog up and have them sit down on the table. Point his nose forward in such a way that it points straight at you.

      Lift up one of their ears as if they were a German Shepherd and apply the ear cleaning solution to the interior of the ears with a cotton ball.

      Step 5: Clean Ear Interior With Cotton Balls

      While holding the ear up, clean the interior best as possible with cotton balls. 

      You can also use baby wipes for this. Check to see if their ear is finally clean.

      Do not rub any red, irritated parts. You can drain out excess liquid by tilting up their nose to allow any excess liquid to run out.

      Final Thoughts On Cleaning A Labradoodle’s Ears

      Not all breeds are quite the same and a Labradoodle will require similar ear-care to a Poodle.

      Creating a consistent once-a-month routine will encourage bonding between the both of you and will save his ears from infections in the long run.

      Remember, no dog likes anything poking at his ears. Use gentle hands and motions he can barely feel, so he surely looks forward to the next ear-cleaning session with you.

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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