We understand that your dog's comfort and health is of the utmost importance to you, which is why we offer a specialised service to address ear care issues that can cause discomfort, irritation, and infection.
Our in-house clinician is trained to provide gentle, effective ear plucking to keep your dog happy and healthy. If your dog is prone to excessive ear hair and the problems that occur alongside it, our service is here to meet your needs.
Please note we cannot pluck your dog's ears if they are infected. You would need to consult with your vet prior to attending our clinic and have written consent from your vet for us to undertake the ear plucking if they do not offer it.
How much does it cost?
We charge £10 per dog for a routine clearning appointment or £20 per dog for a full ear clean which includes plucking, cleaning away any wax and gentle ear drops to soothe any irritation.
Do I have to book?
You don’t have to book in advance but if you want to book ahead that’s fine! We run our clinic appointments from Monday to Friday. We will ask if your dog is reactive before completing your booking. Just give us a call at 01484 246420 or book here.
How long does it take?
For a routine appointment it will take approximately 10 minutes, for a full ear clean it can take up to 30 minutes dependent on the amount of hair and how dirty the ears are.
Can I watch?
We usually ask owners to stay out of the room whilst we do ear plucking – this is because dogs often play up when their owner is in the room – you would be surprised how well behaved most dogs are for us when the owner isn’t there! If we feel that it would benefit your dog to have you in the room for comfort then we will come and ask you to join us.
Why would my dog need their ears plucking?
Ear plucking in dogs is a grooming procedure that involves removing excessive hair from the ear canal. It is typically performed on dogs with long, floppy ears or breeds that have a tendency to grow excessive hair in their ear canals. The primary reason for ear plucking is to promote better air circulation and prevent the buildup of moisture, debris, and wax in the ears.
Here are a few reasons why ear plucking may be necessary for certain dogs:
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Preventing ear infections: Dogs with long, hairy ears are prone to ear infections because the hair can trap moisture, wax, and debris. By removing the excess hair, you improve airflow and reduce the likelihood of infections.
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Enhancing cleanliness: Removing excess hair from the ear canal helps keep the ears clean and reduces the accumulation of dirt, wax, and debris. This is particularly important for breeds that have a tendency to accumulate such materials in their ears.
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Improving ear health: Proper air circulation within the ear canal can help maintain a healthy environment and prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast, which can lead to ear problems and discomfort for the dog.
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Facilitating ear medication: In some cases, if a dog requires medication for an ear condition, plucking the hair allows better access to the ear canal, making it easier to apply medications and improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Does ear plucking hurt my dog?
When performed correctly, ear plucking should not cause pain to your dog. However, the sensation during the process can be uncomfortable for some dogs. It's important to keep in mind that dogs have varying levels of sensitivity, and their individual reactions may differ.
The discomfort experienced during ear plucking is often due to the sensation of hair being gently pulled from the ear canal, which can feel strange or slightly uncomfortable. The discomfort is usually temporary and subsides once the procedure is complete.
To minimize any potential discomfort, our in-house clinician will use proper techniques, gentle handling, and may distract or soothe the dog during the process.
I thought vets were the only people that can undertake ear plucking?
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons clarifies: "With regards to ear plucking, the College is of the view that the external meatus may be cleaned by a lay person such as a dog groomer. And removing minor hair/debris from a non-infected ear can be undertaken by lay person as this would not usually be considered an act of veterinary surgery. However, if there is an ear infection or a possibility of a ruptured ear drum, cleaning/plucking should be dealt with by a veterinary surgeon."