Doodle Ear Care

Ear health is one of the most common maintenance needs for Doodles. Due to their genetics and coat type, they can be prone to ear infections if proper care isn’t maintained. Understanding why this occurs and how to prevent it can help keep your Doodle comfortable and healthy.

Why Doodles Are Prone to Ear Infections

1. Limited Air Circulation: Both Poodles and Retrievers have floppy ears that restrict airflow, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.

2. Hair Growth in Ear Canals: Many Poodles — and Doodles by extension — grow hair inside the ear canal, which can further block airflow and trap moisture.

3. Food Sensitivities: Diets containing wheat, corn, maize, or their derivatives can contribute to allergic reactions that affect the digestive system, skin, and ears, and may even cause tear staining.
   

Signs of an Ear Problem

Watch for these common indicators of ear irritation or infection:

• Frequent head shaking or tilting

• A yeasty or unpleasant odor

• Dark brown or reddish discharge in the ear canal

• Pus or visible inflammation in advanced cases
  

Preventative Care and Maintenance

1. Trim Ear Hair: Keep the fur around the ear canal short to improve airflow.

2. Weekly Cleaning: Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser to help maintain a neutral pH balance. Fill the ear canal, massage gently for 20–30 seconds, then allow your dog to shake its head.

3. Product Recommendation: Quality ear cleansers are available through your veterinarian or reputable sources such as revivalanimal.com.

4. Ear Hair Removal: If your Doodle grows hair deep in the ear canal, ask your veterinarian or groomer to demonstrate the proper removal technique. This may need to be done monthly.

5. Dietary Management: Avoid feeding foods or treats containing corn or wheat to reduce inflammation and allergy-related ear issues.
   

Pro Tip: Regular ear checks — even when your dog shows no symptoms — can prevent small issues from developing into painful infections.