Dog Ear Plucking Service | Professional Gentle Grooming | SPLOOT Salon

SPLOOT's Ear Plucking Service is a professional grooming treatment that removes excess hair from the ear canal in breeds that naturally grow inner ear hair.

Many dog owners notice a build-up of wax or a persistent ear odour in their dog without immediately connecting it to the hair growing inside the ear canal. In breeds with dense, soft coats — doodles, poodles, spaniels, and similar — this inner ear hair is not just present at the surface. It grows continuously into the canal itself, trapping moisture and debris, reducing airflow, and creating conditions where wax accumulates faster and bacteria find easier footing. Left unaddressed, the result is recurring ear problems that become significantly harder and more expensive to manage over time.

Ear plucking is the professional grooming solution for this specific issue. At SPLOOT, ear plucking is performed by certified groomers who assess each dog individually — the technique, pressure, and pace are adjusted to the dog's anatomy, coat type, and temperament. The process is methodical and low-stress: dogs that are handled calmly and consistently through the treatment tolerate it significantly better over time, which is why we approach each session with patience rather than speed.

Available as a standalone appointment or added to any full grooming session.

What it addresses:

✔ Excess hair in the ear canal — the primary cause of reduced airflow and moisture accumulation in fluffy-eared breeds
✔ Wax and debris accumulation — hair-free canals are significantly easier to keep clean between grooming appointments
✔ Ear odour — often a direct consequence of trapped moisture and reduced airflow; typically resolves with regular plucking
✔ Ear irritation risk — removing the hair eliminates a key contributing factor to the environment that supports bacterial overgrowth
✔ Routine maintenance — particularly important for breeds where ear hair grows continuously; frequency varies by breed and individual dog

Why SPLOOT

Ear plucking is a routine service that requires consistent, patient handling to be effective and comfortable for the dog. Our groomers are trained in low-stress handling and work with the individual dog's tolerance level rather than applying a fixed protocol regardless of the dog's response. We also operate as a professional grooming salon rather than a volume-based service — each appointment has adequate time built in to do the job properly.

Suitable For

Breeds with inner ear hair growth including Doodles (Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Maltipoo), Poodles (Toy, Miniature, Standard), Bichon Frisé, Spaniels, and similar soft-coated or fluffy-eared breeds. Not required for smooth-coated, short-eared breeds where inner ear hair is not a factor.

Note: If your dog has an active ear infection, discharge, or visible inflammation, we recommend a veterinary consultation before booking an ear plucking appointment. Ear plucking is a preventative and maintenance treatment, not a treatment for infection.