How to Trim Dog Fur Around Ears

Ear fur that's too long traps moisture, reduces airflow, and increases the risk of ear infections — especially in floppy-eared breeds. Regular ear fur trimming is a simple home grooming task that makes a real difference in ear health. Here's how to do it safely.

Why Ear Fur Needs Regular Trimming

• Long ear fur traps moisture and reduces airflow inside the ear canal
• Reduced airflow creates warm, moist conditions ideal for yeast and bacterial growth
• Ear fur collects debris, burrs, and tangles that cause discomfort
• Matting behind the ears is extremely common and painful if left unaddressed

Two Areas to Trim

• Ear flap (pinna): The fur on the outside and edges of the ear flap — trim to neaten and reduce debris collection
• Inside the ear canal opening: Trim fur at the entrance to the ear canal to improve airflow — do NOT go deep into the canal

Tools You'll Need

• Grooming scissors: GLADOG 5-in-1 Grooming Scissors Set — the curved scissors with safety round tips are ideal for ear work
• Small clippers (optional): oneisall Low-Noise Cordless Clipper Kit — for trimming the inner ear opening on breeds with heavy ear canal fur

Step-by-Step: Trimming Ear Fur

Ear Flap Trimming

1. Brush the ear fur thoroughly first — especially behind the ears where mats form
2. Hold the ear flap gently but firmly
3. Use the curved scissors to trim the edges of the ear flap to a neat line
4. For long-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus), trim the feathering to a manageable length that doesn't drag on the ground or into food bowls
5. Trim the fur on the back of the ear flap to reduce matting

Inner Ear Opening Trimming

1. Only trim fur at the very entrance to the ear canal — the fur you can see without looking inside
2. Use small scissors or the clipper on a very short setting
3. Trim carefully and conservatively — the goal is improved airflow, not a completely bare ear canal
4. Never insert scissors or clippers into the ear canal

Behind the Ears: The Mat Zone

The area behind the ears is one of the most common matting spots on dogs. Check and brush this area every time you groom. If mats have formed, use the Poodle Dematting Fur Rake Comb to work through them gently before trimming.

How Often to Trim Ear Fur

• Every 3–4 weeks for most breeds
• Check weekly — if fur is matting behind the ears or blocking the ear canal opening, trim sooner

After Trimming: Ear Cleaning

After trimming ear fur, clean the ears with a gentle dog ear cleaner. This is the ideal time — the trimmed fur improves access and airflow makes the cleaning more effective.

Final Thoughts

Ear fur trimming is quick, easy, and has a direct impact on ear health. The curved safety scissors in the GLADOG set make it safe and manageable at home. Combined with regular ear cleaning, it's one of the best things you can do to prevent ear infections in prone breeds.