Plucking ears

[boosiebutt]

The vet just diagnosed Peanut with a "raging" yeast infection in his ears. She gave me some medicine to use for the next 3 weeks, and some ear wash to use after every bath. Plus she said I should keep the hair plucked out of his ears. How often and how do I do this?

[boosiebutt]

Actually, I groom him myself. He's only ever been to Petco for just a puppy introductory thing (just a brush, wash and dry) and to my vet, who did his face and feet. Now that I see what those are supposed to look like, I've been doing it myself at home. Well, I take Peanut back for a checkup on his ears in 3 weeks. I guess I'll ask for a demo when I go.

[Black GSD]

Yep, just have them show you at the vet. It really is very easy. And easier if you use powder in the ears. It's easier to grip the ear hair if it is powdered first. All you have to do is grab a few hairs between your thumb and finger and pull(Pull hard and fast. Kinda like when you remove a band-aide). It is easier if you use forceps, but they cost money, any you have to be careful that you don't accidentally grab skin with them.
As far as how often? As often as needed. Hair growth varies from breed to breed, and even dog to dog.

[boosiebutt]

Black GSD, thanks! Now would this be special doggy ear powder? Or something like baby powder?

[ShatteringGlass]

You should use ear powder specifically made for aiding in pulling out the hair. Something similar to this:
[url]http://www.petedge.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1316&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=12&iSubCat=133&iSubSubCat=135&iProductID=1316[/url]

[maz]

Generally, you should only pluck the hair that's growing down in the canal, unless your vet has advised otherwise. I agree that you should wait for a demonstration.

[imported_Kat]

Its very simple. Just turn the ear flap over and hold the dogs head at a slight angle so that the outer ear canal is visible. Use your finger and thumb in a brisk movement and just pluck out any hairs that are in the canal. You can't do it wrong this way, but it may take yor dog a little time to get used to, so you may want to try just touching the ear as routine to desensitise him.