​Lagotto Romagnolos (like Poodles and other curly-coated breeds) often grow abundant hair inside their ear canals. Traditionally, groomers were taught that removing this hair improves airflow, keeps the ear canals dry, and reduces wax buildup – all to prevent ear infections . Some professionals still advocate routine ear plucking for such breeds. They argue that excess ear hair can trap moisture and debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast, so clearing it out helps maintain ear health . Proponents also note that removing hair can make it easier for medicated ear drops to reach deep into the canal when treating infections . In line with this thinking, many grooming guides for Lagotto Romagnolos advise plucking just enough hair to keep the ear canal open (ensuring no hair is blocking the opening) while leaving some hair to protect the ear . The goal of this approach is to prevent problems before they start by improving ventilation in the ear and minimizing places for wax and germs to hide.

Reasons Others Advise Against Plucking

On the other side of the debate, many veterinarians and modern groomers caution that routine ear plucking may do more harm than good. Plucking hair out by the roots can cause microscopic tears in the delicate ear canal skin, creating irritation and entry points for bacteria – ironically increasing the risk of infection rather than preventing it . Veterinary dermatologists note that what was once standard practice is now known to potentially damage the ear’s natural defenses . Moreover, plucking is often painful for the dog. Even a “gentle” pluck can hurt (imagine having your own ear hair pulled) and lead to inflammation in the canal . That inflammation, in turn, makes the ear more susceptible to infection and can cause the dog to dread ear handling. Experts emphasize that a dog’s ear hair isn’t purely problematic – it actually serves a purpose by trapping dust and foreign particles. Removing all of it can eliminate this natural filtering function . In healthy ears, the hair and ear canal usually coexist without issue, and the ear cleans itself of normal wax. Thus, if a Lagotto’s ears are clean and problem-free, many vets say it’s best to leave the hair alone rather than risk unnecessary trauma .

Shifting Veterinary Trends and Research

Times have changed in the approach to ear plucking. Decades ago, groomers were trained to yank out every hair from a dog’s ears during grooming. Today’s veterinarians – especially skin and ear specialists – often advise against routine plucking in breeds like the Lagotto unless there’s a specific medical need . Recent expert consensus and anecdotal studies have failed to show a clear benefit to indiscriminate ear hair removal. In fact, many vets report seeing plenty of shaggy-eared dogs who never suffer ear infections . Ear infections are usually caused by factors like allergies, yeast/bacterial overgrowth, or moisture from swimming, rather than simply by presence of hair. As one grooming instructor summarized: “Gone are the days of removing every single filament.” Now the recommendation (even from professional grooming organizations) is to pluck ear hair only if there is excessive growth clearly causing blockages or contributing to issues, and to otherwise leave healthy ears untouched . The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, for example, warns that unnecessary plucking can cause pathology and says normal ears with no sign of infection should be left alone . Veterinary manuals echo this trend, advising that hair not be routinely removed from the ear canal if it isn’t causing a problem, since doing so can trigger acute inflammation . In summary, the modern trend is a more conservative approach: don’t interfere with the ear hair unless it’s truly needed for the dog’s health.

Considerations for Owners

When deciding whether to pluck your Lagotto’s ear hair, keep the following points in mind:

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• Ear Health History: If your dog’s ears are healthy (no frequent infections or heavy wax buildup), there is usually no medical reason to pluck out the hair . Many vets advise that in such cases, the ear should be left to its natural self-cleaning balance.

• Chronic Ear Issues: If your Lagotto has a history of recurring ear infections or accumulates a lot of wax, consult your veterinarian. In some chronic cases, carefully removing some hair may help medications work better or improve airflow , but this should be done judiciously and typically under professional guidance.

• Dog’s Comfort and Stress: Remember that ear plucking can be uncomfortable. Dogs that find it painful may grow to resist ear handling, making future cleanings or exams difficult . Consider your dog’s tolerance – a gradual, gentle approach (removing a small amount at a time, if you choose to pluck) is far better than infrequent, heavy plucking sessions that cause trauma .

• Professional Guidance: Always feel free to discuss ear care with both your groomer and vet. Some groomers now only pluck ear hair if the owner or vet specifically requests it, due to the mixed opinions in the field. In fact, a number of grooming salons recommend leaving ear plucking to veterinarians when possible . A vet can properly evaluate the ear canal after plucking and address any inflammation right away, which can prevent problems .

• Active Infections or Irritation: Never pluck hair from an ear that is already red, sore, or infected. Pulling hair from an inflamed ear will aggravate the pain and could worsen the infection. In these cases, it’s safer to have a veterinarian trim or remove hair if needed during medical treatment .

Alternative Ear Hygiene Methods

Fortunately, there are gentler alternatives to keep your Lagotto’s ears clean and healthy without resorting to aggressive plucking:

• Regular Ear Inspections & Cleaning: Make it a habit to check your dog’s ears weekly. If you see wax or debris, opt for a gentle cleaning rather than hair removal. Use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and cotton ball to wipe the outer ear flap and canal entrance. (Avoid poking deep into the canal.) Routine cleaning and drying of the ears can help prevent buildup that leads to infection.

• Trimming Hair (Instead of Plucking): Many professionals suggest trimming or thinning the hair around the ear canal opening with scissors or clippers. By keeping the hair short, you prevent it from matting, blocking airflow, or trapping dirt – all without the trauma of plucking. For Lagottos, trimming the hair on the underside of the ears and at the ear canal entrance can significantly improve ventilation. This way, the ear can “breathe” while still retaining some protective hair.

• Keep Ears Dry: Because Lagotto Romagnolos love water and mud, it’s important to dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Moisture in the ear canal is a common contributor to infections. Gently towel-dry around the ears and consider using a vet-approved drying ear rinse if your dog is a frequent swimmer. Keeping the ear environment dry makes it less hospitable to yeast and bacteria.

• Targeted Hair Removal When Necessary: If a large clump of hair or wax is truly blocking your dog’s ear canal, have a professional address it. A vet or experienced groomer can remove small amounts of hair only as needed (often just at the canal opening) to restore airflow.  This targeted approach minimizes trauma. It’s a far cry from the old practice of stripping the ear bald, and it focuses on resolving specific problems rather than preventive over-plucking.

• Address Underlying Causes: Finally, remember that ear hair is often a minor factor. If your Lagotto suffers chronic ear infections, work with your vet to investigate root causes like allergies or hormonal issues. Improving the overall ear environment and your dog’s health will reduce infections more effectively than repeatedly pulling out hair. In many cases, a healthy diet, allergy management, or routine ear maintenance will negate the need for any plucking at all.

In summary, ear plucking is a personal decision for Lagotto owners, best made after weighing the dog’s individual needs and consulting professionals. Some groomers may still recommend periodic plucking to keep the ear canals clear , whereas many veterinarians now favor a conservative approach of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” . By staying informed of the latest veterinary advice and being attentive to your Lagotto Romagnolo’s ear health, you can choose the ear care strategy that keeps your pup comfortable and infection-free. The consensus today is to use the gentlest effective method – whether that means leaving the ear hair alone and just keeping the ears clean, or doing minimal, careful hair removal only when truly necessary. Your Lagotto’s ears will thank you for the thoughtful care!

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Benefits of Thornit Powder

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Thornit powder is a versatile and effective solution for managing ear health in dogs. Here are some key benefits:

1. Antiseptic Properties: Thornit powder contains Iodoform, which has antiseptic properties that help reduce bacterial load in the ear.

2. Drying Effect: The powder's drying properties are beneficial in managing moist ear environments, which can contribute to yeast and bacterial infections.

3. Mite Control: Thornit is effective in treating ear mites, which can cause severe itching and discomfort in dogs.

4. Ease of Use: The powder is easy to apply and provides immediate relief from ear discomfort.

5. Cost-Effective: Using Thornit can save on vet bills by providing a safe and effective at-home treatment for ear issues.

6. Versatile Application: Thornit can also be used to treat mites on other parts of the body, such as the paws and tail.