Maltipoo Ears
In this article we will discuss the three most important things about the Maltipoo ears.
Shape and Size - Most importantly, we will talk about erect vs drop ears.
Cleaning and Care of the Ears - This is an important, but often overlooked element of grooming.
Ear Infections - This is a common problem with Maltipoos. While it can happen to any dog at any time, the ear shape and thickness can contribute to this, as well as a lack of regular ear cleanings.
Ear Size and Shape
To understand what shape and size Maltipoo ears should be, we can look to the Poodle and the Maltese. Poodles have thicker, longer ears but both have drop ears that hang close to the sides of the head. Both are set low. This means that they are not set up high on the head but down on the sides. Also, both the Poodle and Maltese have long hairs that grow in what is described as a feathered appearance (or of varying length). Once hairs hanging down from the ears become long, many owners choose to trim them to offer a nice, neat appearance.
A Maltipoo with genes from both breeds could have either type of ear. Therefore, some will have thinner, smaller ears than others depending on their genes.
The length of ears on a Maltipoo could be anywhere from the cheekbone to the chin. Longer hair can make the ears appear to be longer than they actually are.
Dropped vs Erect Ears
Both the Maltese and Poodles have drop ears, which explains why Maltipoo’s do also. Sometimes a puppy’s ears will stand erect. It is actually common, even if they are not fully erect. This is because the Maltese pups often have curled or folded ears. As the pup matures, the ears will drop down into place. The first 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the base will be erect and the ear will fold over and fall to the side.
Therefore, Maltipoo ears are usually influenced by the Maltese genes, and may have small, curled over ears. Overtime they will fold over and drop down. They should never be fully erect. If a grown Maltipoo has full, standing ears this points to poor breeding practices and the dog may not be a true Maltipoo breed.
Ear Anatomy
There are 3 main sections of the ear:
1. The pinna. or the “ear flap” which includes the outside part of the ear that you see, and also the outer ear canal.
2.The middle ear. also called the tympanic membrane, the auditory canal (the area connecting the nose and throat just as with humans) and the tympanic cavity.
3. The internal ear. components that control equilibrium (a sense of balance, no dizziness, etc.) and for hearing.
The ear canal itself goes all the way from the opening that you see in the external ear and all the way down to the tympanic membrane in the middle part of the ear.
Cleaning a Maltipoo's Ears
Dogs with drop ears may be more prone to ear infections due to the flap keeping both warmth and moisture trapped in the ear canal. Cleaning your puppies ears is an important step in grooming and will help prevent ear infection.
If you experience many ear infections in your Maltipoo in the past, you are more likely going to be proactive in preventative care. You may be preparing to start performing regular cleanings and if your Maltipoo has an existing ear infection, cleaning ears is part of the treatment for this. Cleaning ears will include using a rinse to clear out debris and dirt or wax. It may also include plucking out any excessively long hairs.
Inspecting the ears:
It is a good idea to inspect your pups ears regularly for any signs of issues. This step is easily overlooked, but can help if you inspect it every time you are bathing your Maltipoo, which should be about every two to three weeks.
Inspect the skin color inside the ear and on the flaps. It should be pink. If you see any patches of red, black, brown, or pink skin with any other colored spots, this can mean that there is an issue.
Notice if there are any types of odors. A bad odor is one of the first signs of infection and might be a musty smell and will usually be pretty overpowering.
The final element you want to notice is the amount of wax that you can see. A small amount of wax is normal and is needed as it helps keep dust, dirt and other elements out of your puppies ears.
How to pluck out long hairs:
Longer hairs can grow from the canal and excess wax or dirt can get stuck to these, blocking proper airflow. If your Maltipoo has issues with reoccurring infections, it is wise to keep the ear canals free of long hairs. This is a necessary part of your puppy’s treatment plan.
It is easiest to pluck ear hairs using a hemostat and ear powder.
You can use a cotton ball with canine ear lotion on it to wipe out the ear after plucking excess hairs. This helps remove unnecessary debris.
How to clean the ears with solution:
If your pup has excess wax buildup, cleaning your dogs ears is relatively easy. You will need an ear solution and cotton balls (or sterile gauze). You will be swiping the outer ear canal so the cotton ball or gauze should be the right size to accommodate for the size of the Maltipoo. For puppies, a cotton ball may need to be split into two.
Step-by-step:
1. Do one ear at a time.
2. Place 4 to 5 drops into the ear canal.
3. Place the cotton gently over the opening.
4. Allow your Maltipoo to shake his head if he wishes. Try to keep the cotton in place as this is happening.
5. Massage the base of the ear for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Use a cotton ball or gauze to swipe all around the opening of the ear and around the ear flap, picking up any solution and/or debris that has come out.
*Even if it doesn’t seem like much discharge is coming from this, it is still beneficial as it will help break up thick wax and any medicated ear solution will be dispersed into the ear canal.
About Ear Infections
Maltipoo ear infections can be caused by several different things. Ears that are not properly dried after bathing or swimming can cause moisture for hosting bacteria. An excess of wax buildup may also plug the ear and cause infection as well as foreign objects caught inside the dogs ear. Untreated ear mites, cleaning too deeply or chronic allergies could also be causes.
Symptoms- Signs of a serious ear infection are:
• A foul odor coming from the ear/s
• Discharge
• Your dog is trying to scratch his/her ears, or rubbing against objects to find relief.
• Touching the ear causes your Maltipoo to react with signs of pain, such as yelping.
• When an ear infection isn’t treated, it can cause the dog to become dizzy, unbalanced, and even vomit
Treatment - While some infections can be treated at home (see 'cleaning' above), some will need to be treated with a combination of antibiotics and a professional cleaning. If you suspect an ear infection, you will want the veterinarian to diagnosis this, since there may be other issues as well such as mites or torn tissue.
Most infections clear up in a week or so, if medication is given on time, and ears are kept clean.
Pseudomonas Canine Ear Infections - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a very strong, resistant bacteria to most antibiotics.
This can happen when a dog with reoccurring infections is given many different types of antibiotics, and most of the bacteria are killed but not all of the bacteria. What is left behind is a strain that is very strong and resistant.
When a culture of the dog’s ear discharge is done, this will confirm if it is Pseudomonas. This will also show if the bacterial strain can be eliminated by the stronger antibiotics of Enrofloxacin or Orbifloxacin. A topical treatment will be given as well to use at home.
Last Resort -
If the cause of reoccurring infections can’t be determined and medication is ineffective, the last step may be surgery. A specialist will surgically open the vertical canal and the ear will be completely cleaned and treated. This is done to prevent anymore scarring because scarring can become great enough that the canal can become almost entirely closed.
It is very important to catch the infection before it gets too bad. Be sure you are checking your Maltipoo’s ears regularly to prevent this.