Bernedoodle ears need regular observation, but every dog does not need the same cleaning schedule. Coat, ear shape, allergies, swimming, and a history of ear trouble can change what is appropriate. Start by looking at and gently smelling the outer ear during routine grooming. Healthy ears should not have a strong odor, significant redness, swelling, or discharge.
Build Comfort Before You Clean
Teach your puppy that ear handling predicts something good. Touch the ear briefly, reward, and stop while the puppy is comfortable. Gradually work up to lifting the ear flap and looking inside. Short, calm practice helps grooming become routine without forcing the puppy through a stressful session.
Use a Vet-Approved Method
Ask your veterinarian whether your dog’s ears need cleaning and which product is suitable. If cleaning is recommended, follow the product label and the clinic’s instructions. Apply only the advised cleaner, massage the base of the ear if instructed, then let your dog shake. Wipe away loosened material from the visible outer area with gauze or cotton. Do not insert cotton swabs, fingers, or tools deep into the canal. Avoid alcohol, peroxide, oils, or leftover medication unless your veterinarian directs you to use them.
If your puppy’s ears get wet after a bath or swim, dry the outside and ask your groomer or veterinarian for advice about the ear canal. Do not pour drying products into an ear that is painful, red, or producing discharge.
Signs That Need Attention
Call your veterinarian if your dog repeatedly shakes its head, scratches at an ear, resists touch, holds the head at an angle, or develops redness, swelling, discharge, or a new odor. Pain, balance changes, or sudden distress warrant prompt veterinary advice. Ear infections can have different causes, and the correct treatment depends on an examination. Cleaning alone cannot confirm or cure an infection.
Make Ear Checks Part of Grooming
Keep a simple note of when you inspect or clean the ears and whether you see any change. Tell your veterinarian about recurring problems, seasonal itching, or symptoms affecting both ears. A personalized plan is safer than cleaning on a fixed schedule just because a dog is a doodle.
For coat texture and grooming topics, visit the Bernedoodle Coat Types & Care library.
Tools and Practice Between Visits
A comb that reaches the skin, a soft brush suited to the coat, dog-safe nail equipment, and a nonslip mat can help with routine care. Ask a groomer to demonstrate the brush and comb that fit your puppy’s texture. A fluffy surface coat can hide tangles near the skin, so checking only the top is not enough.
Practice one small step at a time: show the brush, touch the shoulder, make one gentle stroke, reward, and stop. Later, work on the chest, legs, tail, and areas where the coat rubs against a harness. If the puppy pulls away, pause and make the next session easier. The goal is to make handling predictable, not to finish a full grooming routine in one sitting.