Ear care in Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles is one of the most important parts of keeping these dogs healthy and happy. As someone who has spent years raising, grooming, and caring for Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles, I’ve seen quite a few good and problematic ears. Because both Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles tend to have hairy ear canals and floppy ears, they are naturally more prone to ear issues if proper care isn’t maintained.
Here, I’ll share exactly how I care for ears, what I personally recommend, and what I teach my puppy families so they can confidently prevent ear problems at home. I’ll cover trimming ear hair, plucking ear hair (which I personally choose and most recommend), using ear powder, choosing safe ear cleaning products, and recognizing the early warning signs of an ear infection, including odor, which is one of the biggest red flags.
Ear Care In Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles – Why It Is So Important 
Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles share many of the same ear challenges due to their genetics and coat type. Both breeds often inherit:
-
Drop (floppy) ears
-
Hair growth inside the ear canal
-
Limited airflow to the ears
This combination creates a warm, moist environment where wax, yeast, and bacteria can thrive if ears are neglected.
From my experience, most chronic ear infections are preventable with routine grooming and regular checks.
Ear Care: Understanding the Ear Structure of Poodles and Goldendoodles
Mini Goldendoodles often inherit their ear structure from the Poodle side, especially in higher Poodle percentage generations. That means ear care routines for Miniature Poodles usually apply directly to Mini Goldendoodles as well.
Common traits include:
-
Thick ear hair that grows continuously
-
Narrow ear canals
-
Moisture retention after bathing or swimming
-
Hair that traps debris
Because of this, I always encourage owners to treat ear care as a regular grooming task, not something to address only when there’s a problem.
Ear Care In Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles – My Routine
Over the years, I’ve developed a routine that has worked extremely well for keeping ears healthy.
My regular ear care routine includes:
-
Regular ear checks
-
Consistent trimming around the ear opening (especially the base of the ear)
-
Routine ear hair plucking (my personal choice and recommendation)
-
Using ear powder during plucking – makes plucking easier and dries the ear canal
-
Regular ear cleaning with a quality product made for dogs
I’ve found that dogs who receive consistent maintenance have far fewer ear problems than those whose ears are only addressed occasionally.
Ear Care: Trimming Hair Around the Ears
Trimming ear hair is a helpful first step in maintaining airflow and cleanliness.
Why trimming matters:
-
Keeps the ear opening clear
-
Allows better air circulation
-
Makes ear cleaning easier
-
Helps spot redness or discharge early
How I trim ear hair:
-
I trim excess hair around the ear opening, especially at the base of the ear
-
I do not go into the ear canal with scissors
-
I use blunt tip grooming scissors or clippers
-
I work slowly and calmly to keep dogs comfortable
Trimming is typically done every 6 – 8 weeks depending on coat growth and the style of the clip.
Ear Hair Plucking: My Personal Preference and Recommendation
Ear hair plucking is often debated, but I want to be very clear about my personal stance.
I personally choose ear hair plucking and most often recommend it for Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles with heavy ear hair growth. It ensures a good air flow to the ear, where trimming just doesn’t get all of it.
Why I recommend ear hair plucking:
-
Excess hair traps moisture
-
Hair holds wax and debris
-
Reduced airflow leads to yeast growth
-
Clean ear canals stay drier and healthier
In my experience, ears that are routinely plucked stay cleaner and smell better long term.
When plucking is appropriate:
-
When the ear canal is very hairy
-
When ears stay damp or waxy
-
When dogs have recurring ear infections
-
As part of a regular grooming routine
When I avoid plucking:
-
If the ear is red, inflamed, or painful
-
If there is an active ear infection
-
If a veterinarian advises against it
Plucking should never be painful when done properly and gradually. Ear powder will help with keeping it comfortable for your dog.
Using Ear Powder for Comfort, Safety, and as a Preventative
Ear powder makes plucking safer, easier, and more comfortable for the dog. When used regularly, it can help prevent ear infections. Depending on the length and style of your dogs coat, you may want to use ear powder weekly. It is especially beneficial to use after baths or swimming.
Benefits of ear powder:
-
Improves grip on fine hair
-
Helps dry moisture inside the ear
-
Reduces slipping and pulling
-
Minimizes irritation
How I use ear powder:
-
Apply a small amount into the ear canal
-
Massage gently at the base of the ear
-
Pluck small amounts of hair at a time
-
Stop immediately if the dog shows discomfort
I always remind owners that slow and gentle is best.
Ear Care: Cleaning Ears Properly
Ear cleaning is essential for both Mini Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles, even when plucking is part of the routine.
How often I clean ears:
-
Once or twice a month for most dogs
-
More often if swimming
-
Adjusted based on individual needs & coat length/clip
Choosing the right ear cleaning products:
I recommend using dog-specific, vet-approved ear cleaners only.
Look for products that:
-
Break down wax gently
-
Help dry the ear canal
-
Are alcohol-free
-
Support long term ear health
My ear cleaning process:
-
Apply cleaner into the ear canal
-
Massage gently at the base
-
Allow the dog to shake
-
Wipe away debris with cotton pads
-
Never insert cotton swabs into the ear
Ear Care In Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles – Signs of an Ear Infection
Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference.
Common warning signs include:
-
Head shaking or head tilting
-
Scratching at the ears
-
Redness or swelling
-
A strong or unusual smell (this is a big one)
-
Thick, dark, yellow, or brown discharge
-
Sensitivity when ears are touched
-
Crusting or scabs
I want to emphasize that odor alone can indicate an ear infection, even before other symptoms appear. Healthy ears should never have a strong or foul smell.
Types of Ear Infections These Breeds May Experience
Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles can develop:
-
Yeast infections (often musty or sweet-smelling)
-
Bacterial infections (often thick discharge and strong odor)
-
Allergy-related ear inflammation
-
Chronic infections due to anatomy or grooming habits
Veterinary diagnosis is always recommended for proper treatment.
Ear Care: What I Do NOT Recommend
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes can make ear problems worse.
I strongly advise against:
-
Over cleaning ears
-
Plucking infected or inflamed ears
-
Using human ear products
-
Using alcohol based cleaners
-
Ignoring smells or early signs
When in doubt, pause grooming and consult a professional.
Long Term Ear Health Tips
Healthy ears are the result of consistency.
My best prevention tips:
-
Keep ears dry after baths or swimming
-
Maintain regular grooming
-
Check ears regularly
-
Address allergies promptly
-
Stick with quality grooming products that are made for dogs
Dogs with good routines are far less likely to suffer from painful ear infections.
Ear Care In Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles – Final Thoughts
Caring for the ears of Miniature Poodles and Mini Goldendoodles doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With routine trimming, regular ear hair plucking, proper cleaning, and awareness of early warning signs, especially smell, you can keep ears healthy and problem free.
From my experience, ear care is one of the most loving things you can do for these breeds. Healthy ears mean happier dogs, fewer vet visits, and a better quality of life overall.
If you ever feel unsure, trust your instincts and seek guidance from a groomer or veterinarian. Your dog depends on you, and with the right care, their ears can stay clean, comfortable, and healthy for years to come. 🐩💛
Contact us if you have any questions about the grooming needs of you puppy!
Check out our Nail Clipping Guide for Dogs here.
See our tips on Miniature Poodle Grooming.