Back to LaPermEar Cleaning Guide
Expert Guide
Ear Cleaning Guide
for LaPerms
Why LaPerm Ear Care Matters
Ear infections are one of the most common — and most preventable — grooming-related health issues in dogs. For the LaPerm, ear anatomy and coat type interact: tight curly hair inside the ear canal traps wax and moisture, blocking airflow and creating ideal conditions for infection. Check your LaPerm's ears weekly during grooming — early redness or odor is far easier to treat than a full infection. Left untreated, ear infections cause pain, head shaking that can rupture blood vessels in the ear flap (aural hematoma), and chronic scarring that narrows the canal permanently.
How Often to Clean Your LaPerm's Ears
Healthy LaPerm ears need cleaning every 1–2 weeks as part of routine maintenance — not daily, which strips protective wax and irritates the canal. Increase frequency to weekly during swimming season, after baths, or if your dog has a history of ear issues. Breeds with hair growing inside the ear canal, common in curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves coats, may need professional ear plucking every every 4-6 weeks to keep the canal open — ask your groomer whether plucking or trimming is appropriate for your LaPerm. Never clean ears that look red, swollen, or smell strongly yeasty — those symptoms mean infection, and cleaning can push debris deeper. See your vet first.
Gear for LaPerm ear cleaning guide
Coat-matched picks — buy once, use every groom.
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Proper Ear Cleaning Technique
Use only a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner — never hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or water alone, all of which irritate the sensitive canal lining. Fill the ear canal with cleaner until you see it pool at the opening, massage the base of the ear for 20–30 seconds (you'll hear a squelching sound — that's correct), then let your LaPerm shake their head vigorously. This shaking is essential — it brings dissolved wax and debris to the outer ear where you can wipe it away with cotton gauze or a soft cloth. Never insert cotton swabs into the canal; they push debris inward and can rupture the eardrum. Work in a bathroom or outdoors — the head shake sends fluid flying. Finish by drying the outer ear thoroughly; moisture left in the fold is a common infection trigger.
Signs of Ear Infection in LaPerms
Know the difference between dirty ears and infected ears. Dirty ears have visible brown wax at the opening but no odor, redness, or behavioral change. Infected ears smell distinctly yeasty or foul, show redness or swelling inside the canal, produce dark discharge, and cause your LaPerm to scratch persistently, shake their head, or tilt it to one side. Any head tilt lasting more than a day, balance problems, or crying when the ear is touched requires same-day veterinary attention. Chronic infections in floppy-eared breeds often trace back to inconsistent cleaning or incomplete drying after water exposure — both are entirely preventable with a consistent routine.
Coat and Ear Hair Management
For the LaPerm's curly to wavy, single-layer, loose ringlets or waves, hair inside and around the ear opening needs regular attention. Trim or pluck excess hair from the ear canal opening to improve airflow — your groomer can demonstrate the correct technique during your next every 4-6 weeks appointment. After every bath, place a cotton ball loosely in each ear during rinsing to prevent water entry, and remove it immediately after — never leave cotton in the ear. The LaPerm's curls can loosen or tighten with age, humidity, or hormonal changes — don't be alarmed if the coat looks different at different life stages. A light dusting of ear powder before plucking (if your groomer recommends plucking) gives grip and reduces discomfort.
Pro Tip from Groomas
Use a wide-toothed comb rather than a slicker brush — a brush can pull and separate the curls into a frizzy halo rather than maintaining the defined ringlet structure.
S
Sarah Jordan
Verified ExpertCertified Master Groomer
With over 15 years of competitive grooming experience, Sarah ensures every guide on Groomas meets the highest professional standards.
Certified Master Groomer (CMG)AKC Safety Certified
Recommended Gear for LaPerms
Brush
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
The gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
Nail Care
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
Tool
Bio-Groom Ear-Fresh Medicated Ear Powder
Helps keep ears dry and reduces odor. Makes hair pulling easier for breeds that require ear plucking.