Ear plucking bad first grooms

[Rachelle Rigos]

My poor five month old Koda had his first groom which was a disaster. I asked for an introductory puppy groom and they ended up shaving him all the way down (he was not matted). What's even worse is they plucked his ear hairs out which I wasn't too happy about and now his left ear is really bothering him. When I touch it I hear liquid sounds coming from deep in ear...I'm afraid he's gonna get an infection now. His ears were just fine. Why couldn't they have just left them alone. I feel so bad for him a first experience should not have included such trauma. I'm pissed plus he doesn't even look like a puppy anymore. Who would shave down a five month puppy? Now he just looks like a botched poodle. What should I so about the ears? Thx
Concerned momma.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Rachelle,

I had the vet teach me.  It should be gentle with light wisps of hair coming out. Not yank and pull.  Yes, some do this technique and it works, but not for my dog.  Not for a dog with highly sensitive ears.   I was so confused and frustrated. You can learn to do this yourself.  If I can, you can. It was impossible for me. I think I just had to be the worst and I was very frustrated my dog was so sick and I was going to make it worse,  but after three years of infections we are now 2 plus years free.

I just had to really listen to what my vet was saying and do it myself.  Actually, my vet had to show me many times.  Many of us dont go to a groomer.  

We ordered grooming supplies and do it ourselves.

[Valarie]

I'm so sorry for poor Koda.  Sophie and I have had some bad experiences with grooming also.  She has had clipper burn twice and that is so upsetting.  I too felt like I had let her down by taking her to someone less than professional.  We have finally found a groomer who is really good.  She has groomed Sophie twice and we are going back Monday.  Both times have been great.  The second time I really wanted Sophie to have a short summer cut so she said she would trim her a little closer.  I was concerned as Sophie had some mats close to the skin as I had not been brushing her as regularly as I should have.  The groomer called me in a bit and said that due to the mats she was going to have to trim her a little closer.  I was so thankful that she called and discussed this with me prior to proceeding.  Also she reshaped Sophies head and face at my request when I came to pick her up.  She is just so accommodating and professional.  I didn't think we would ever find a groomer we trusted.  We went through several.  And it is true that their hair will grow out so quickly.  I'm glad at least YOU are telling him how handsome he is . . . only a great Mom does that! :-)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Sorry Rachelle.  I have heard this same thing over and over on this forum.  Don't feel like you did anything wrong!

I personally decided for my doodles I would do the grooming myself after reading all these sad stories.  I did have a random thought yesterday when I was coming Yogi out, if for some reason I needed to take him in for a grooming, I would try and speak to the groomer in person with my doodle present and ask if they thought he was matted.  Maybe that could at least prevent some surprises.  He looks likes a gorgeous doodle, at least it grows back :-)

[Rachelle Rigos]

Yeah next time I will...hes only five months old though adult hair hasn't even started to come in...im sure all doods hair is different even as a pup but its just fine wavy hair so easy to comb and see if their are matts (which there wasn't)....craziness. I've never had a dog needing regular grooming but I've never heard of young puppies being completely shaved? Wierd.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Rachelle, There may be liquid left in his ear from the grooming. Try taking some tissue and place it gently in his ear to dry up any excess moisture.

[Rachelle Rigos]

http://www.examiner.com/article/ear-hair-plucking-what-is-best

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I disagree with much that is in this article, especially the part about food allergies being the primary cause of inflammation in the ear, and you will find that the veterinary literature supports my opinion. I can also tell you that all three of my purebred poodles required and regularly had the hair removed from their ear canals with no ill effects whatsoever.

 I think it's better to get information on health issues from fact-based veterinary literature. 

[Rachelle Rigos]

Well I can touch his ear today without yelping and growling...the liquid sound has drastically reduced...his left ear is still sensitive though and he's still shaking his head...tomorrow a.m. I will make the decision about heading to the vet. I'm leaning towards going as I'm unable to see deep into the canal and they can look with an otoscope. I put zymox optic enzymatic solution in there (it also has a little hydrocortisone) and it's seems a little better. His ear doesn't smell gross....and I guess we are starting to get used to his shocking new look. Still so bummed about it all. Thanks for all the support; I will discuss with the vet re; ear hair plucking and the literature for either side. Poor baby.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Dont mind me, but this bothers me each time I see it and heaven knows I am not Miss Grammer  :p~~

We Pluck a Chicken.  We Tweeze an Eyebrow.  

I dont know about dog's ears.

Anyone?

p.s. please dont say pluck--cluck cluck. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I pluck my eyebrows. 

Plucking a hair is the same as plucking a feather. 

verb

1. 1.

   take hold of (something) and quickly remove it from its place; pick.

   "she plucked a blade of grass"

   synonyms:

   remove, pick (off), pull (off/out), extract, take (off) "he plucked a thread from his lapel"

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Still cant say Pluck and ear  hair.  Nope. 

Makes me crazy

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. It's only tweezing if you use a tweezer I think.