Aussiedoodle Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

An Aussiedoodle is rarely still for long. Bred from the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, this clever, high-energy crossbreed wants a job, a trail or a ball to chase, and many come wrapped in a striking merle coat. Their ears are just as variable as their coat patterns: some fold over like an Aussie's, others hang down like a Poodle's, and many carry hair inside the canal. That mix means ear care is worth planning for from the start.

Here is a look at why Aussiedoodle ears can run into trouble, the signs to catch early, the most common causes, when your vet needs to see the ear and a routine that keeps up with an outdoor dog.

What puts Aussiedoodle ears at risk

Every Aussiedoodle is a little different, but most share a few traits that affect ear health.

• Ear shape somewhere between two breeds. Australian Shepherds have triangular ears that fold forward at the tip, while Poodles have long ears that hang flat. Aussiedoodles fall anywhere on that range. The more the flap covers the canal, the less air gets in.
• Canal hair from the Poodle side. Many Aussiedoodles grow hair inside the ear canal that holds wax and slows drying.
• A dense, wavy-to-curly coat. The fleece-like coat that makes these dogs low-shedding also mats readily behind the ears.
• Herding-dog energy outdoors. Hikes, fields, farm chores and agility put Aussiedoodles in contact with dust, burrs, grass seeds and water.
• Love of water. Plenty of Aussiedoodles head straight for lakes and puddles, and wet ears stay wet under a hairy flap.
• Allergies. Itchy skin from environmental or food triggers can show up as red, waxy ears.

Compared with a purebred Aussie, covered on our Australian Shepherd ear page, the Aussiedoodle usually has more hair in and around the ear. The Goldendoodle guide and the Bernedoodle guide deal with doodles that tend to have heavier, lower-set flaps and calmer lifestyles. The Aussiedoodle's mix of variable ears and nonstop outdoor activity is what makes it distinct.

Clues that something is wrong

A busy Aussiedoodle may not slow down for a sore ear, so watch closely after outings. Common signs include:

• Shaking the head hard right after a hike, swim or romp
• Tilting the head or carrying one ear differently than the other
• Scratching at an ear or pushing the face into the grass
• Waxy buildup or dark debris visible when you lift the flap
• A sour or yeasty odor
• Redness or swelling inside the ear
• Tangled, damp hair around the ear opening

Sudden, one-sided head shaking after time in tall grass can mean a seed has slipped down the canal. That warrants a prompt vet visit.

Usual causes of Aussiedoodle ear trouble

Water after swimming or bathing. Moisture caught behind a hairy flap keeps the canal damp for hours.

Grass awns and burrs. These catch in the coat and can travel toward the canal. A seed in the ear needs to be removed by your vet.

Wax and canal hair. Hair acts as a trap for wax and debris. Ask your vet or groomer whether removing any canal hair is right for your dog.

Yeast and bacteria. These normally live on the skin in small numbers and can multiply when the ear is warm and moist. Your vet can identify them under a microscope.

Allergies. Environmental and food allergies are among the most common reasons for ears that keep flaring.

Mats behind the ears. Collar friction and play can knot the coat at the ear base, trapping moisture and dirt.

When your Aussiedoodle should see the vet

Do not clean an ear that already looks painful or inflamed. Make a vet appointment if you see:

• Pain: your Aussiedoodle yelps, flinches or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (this can be a blood blister called an aural hematoma)
• A bad smell together with discharge
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse
• Symptoms that have not improved after a few days, or keep coming back

Home fixes such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or homemade oils can irritate the canal and are unsafe if the eardrum is damaged, so leave them on the shelf. The same goes for cotton swabs inside the canal.

Ear care that keeps pace with an active doodle

Pair ear checks with your end-of-day routine. Run your hands over the ears after every outing, do a full cleaning about once a week and add one after swimming or a bath. Dogs with a history of ear problems may need a schedule your vet sets.

1. Sweep the coat. Brush around and behind the ears and pull out any burrs or plant bits before they work in deeper.
2. Inspect. Lift or unfold the ear and look at the canal opening. Discharge, swelling or redness means you should call the vet instead.
3. Fill with cleaner. Hold the flap up and fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner.
4. Massage. Rub the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds to loosen wax.
5. Let it shake. Give your Aussiedoodle room to shake out the loosened material.
6. Wipe the outer ear. Clean the inner flap and opening with a cotton pad, never deeper.
7. Dry the hair. Towel the ear hair after swims and baths so it does not stay soggy.

Coat tip: Ask your groomer to trim the hair on the inside of the ear flap and around the opening. Shorter hair there improves airflow and makes inspections easier.

Trail tip: Bring a comb on long hikes during seed season and check the ears at rest stops.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. As directed on the label, fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your dog shake, and wipe away loosened debris. Use it twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Aussiedoodle ear FAQ

My Aussiedoodle has one folded ear and one that hangs. Is that a problem?

Uneven ears are common in mixed breeds and are not a concern on their own. Just check both sides, since the ear that hangs lower may hold more moisture.

Does a merle coat affect ear health?

Coat color by itself is not a cause of ear infections. If your merle dog has any hearing concerns, though, mention them to your vet during ear exams.

How often should I clean my Aussiedoodle's ears if it swims a lot?

Dry the ears after every swim and clean them after swims as part of your weekly routine. If the ears seem irritated, check with your vet.

Should my Aussiedoodle's canal hair be removed?

It depends on the dog. Some do fine with it, while others collect wax around it. Your vet or an experienced groomer can advise you.