Hi, unsure if this is the correct board...

My bichon has an ear infection. Advised by vet to have his ear hair plucked at next grooming. This not for a little while. Would this be a job to tackle myself? If so any hints or tips? Thanks everyone.

I do my Beardies myself. I put a pinch of Thornit in the ear as it helps get a grip then just pluck a few hairs at a time. Start by only handling ears then put your fingers in then if he's happy take a few out, don't do too much at one go.

HTH :-)

Ok, I guess I'll just have to 'pluck' up the courage to have a go myself!

LOL!! Just take it slowly and you'll be fine

heheh  - isn't it a lovely job ! I have to do my Bedlington Terrier's ears too - I use my fingers to start with then have a set of surgical tweezers that help get the hairs you cant get - my dog does lie really still tho so no danger of stabbing his ear tho !

AJ

To be perfectly honest, this is something that I would have expected the breeder of your dog to have made quite clear to you.

I have more than one breed that requires the ears to be plucked.  I actually give a demonstration before a pup leaves home.  You should have been doing this a couple of times a week since you had the dog.

Agreed. Will take this as a learning point, should have done my own research too.

bichonbuzz

Just as a caution.  If this job is kept up to date, it is so easy, and doesn't distress the dog.  I do know of people who send their dog to the groomer every 3 months, and this is the only time that the ears are plucked.  This is cruel.  The ears end up very inflamed when there is a lot of hair to clear, and, understandably, a dog could end up complaining every time that you go near their ears.

Little and often, from being a young pup, I get mine used to it.  It may not be their favourite pastime, but at least you get acceptance, as it's not going on for long.  (And they get a treat for being good!)  :-)