In some breeds, hair can occlude the ear canal, predisposing to inflammation and infection. Poodles, terriers, and schnauzers are notorious for this. In cases where excessive hair is visualized in the ear canal, your veterinarian or groomer should perform an ear pluck.

Why not do it yourself? Here are three good reasons not to:

1. Ear Plucking Is Painful

This is especially true if inflammation is already present. Effective restraint (sometimes even sedation) is required. As a result, let someone else do the plucking so your dog doesn't associate the pain with you.

2. Proper Procedure Must Be Followed

An ear pluck should be focused not just on the hair visibly occluding the outside of the ear canal, but on the hair down deep within the canal as well. That said, special instruments are sometimes needed for this; instruments used by your veterinarian of professional groomer.

3. The Ears Must Always Be Medicated Following A Pluck

If this step is not followed, ear plucking can lead to infection within an ear canal. Since the act of forcibly removing hair from their follicles causes inflammation, the entire length of the plucked canal needs to be medicated afterward to reduce this inflammation and prevent a secondary infection from occurring. These medications are readily available from your veterinarian.

I realize this is a touchy topic for pet owners, but it's a topic that shouldn't be ignored.

Inevitably, all of us will be faced with the difficult decision concerning the euthanasia of a beloved pet. It is certainly an act not to be taken lightly or performed without extensive forethought. So when does euthanasia become a consideration or option when dealing with a pet? When is it time to say good-bye?

Obviously, if a pet is suffering from a terminal illness or injury marked by uncontrollable pain, euthanasia must be considered to provide humane relief from the pain and suffering. But what about those older or terminally-ill pets that outwardly don't seem to be in pain? Fortunately, nature provides some clues that help to make the decision more obvious. In the wild, animals that are nearing death will stop eating, stop interacting with their "pack" like they used to, and will seek solitude. Older pets reaching the "end" will often do the same.

I tell my clients that if their pet's "bad" days are outnumbering the "good" days, it's probably time to say good-bye. Just be sure to enlist the help of your veterinarian to confirm that your decision is the correct one. Rest assured that he/she does not take the task of euthanasia lightly; emotionally, it is a heavy and sometimes disturbing responsibility of our profession. As a result, if your veterinarian feels that it is time, then it probably is and you should take solace in the fact that your decision is indeed justified.

I know it's one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make in your life. And you'll grieve. Grieving is normal. It's nothing to be ashamed of. If you need them, support groups for pet owners are available to help you through the hard times. There are even professional grief counselors who can lend an understanding ear. Again, what you are experiencing is very real and very natural, and an empathetic shoulder to lean on can be great comfort and relief at times of such emotional distress.

Remember this too: We're here for you. Don't hesitate to contact us at any time if you need to talk. We've all been through it before with our own pets, so you're not alone.