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<p>If your doodle shakes their head like they're trying to fling water after every walk, <strong>doodle ear care</strong> might be the missing piece in your routine. I check ears on every single dog that comes through our salon — and doodles show up with more ear trouble than just about any other breed group. Those gorgeous floppy ears? They come with a catch.</p>
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<strong>Quick Answer:</strong> Doodle ear care means weekly checks, cleaning with a vet-approved solution when needed, and drying ears after every swim or wash. Floppy ears and hair-filled canals trap moisture — the top cause of yeast and bacterial growth. Your groomer should check ears at every visit.
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<p>After more than 16,000 appointments in our Cessnock salon, I've lost count of how many doodle owners tell me, "We had no idea about the ears." So let me walk you through what I wish every doodle owner knew from day one. A few minutes each week can save your dog a lot of pain and save you hundreds at the vet.</p>
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<h2>Why Doodle Ear Care Needs Extra Attention</h2>
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<p>Here's the thing about doodles. They've got two traits that make their ears a perfect storm for trouble.</p>
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<p><strong>Floppy ears.</strong> Whether your dog is a Cavoodle, Labradoodle, Groodle, or Spoodle, those soft drop ears sit flat against the head. Air can't move the way it does in a dog with upright ears. Think of it like wearing a beanie in summer — warm, dark, and humid underneath.</p>
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<p><strong>Hair growing inside the ear canal.</strong> This is the one that surprises people. Poodle genetics mean many doodles grow thick hair right down into the ear canal itself. That hair traps wax, dirt, and moisture in a spot you can't even see without lifting the ear flap.</p>
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<p>Put those two together and you've got a warm, damp, dark space with poor airflow. Bacteria and yeast love that. According to the <a href="https://www.rspca.org.au/pet-care/companion-animals/dogs/health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RSPCA</a>, ear infections rank among the top reasons dogs visit the vet — and in doodles, the risk is much higher than average.</p>
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<strong>Marine's Pro Tip:</strong> I see more ear infections in doodles than any other breed group we groom. After checking thousands of ears over the years, I can often tell there's a problem before the owner notices — because the smell gives it away. A healthy ear shouldn't smell like anything. If you lift your doodle's ear flap and catch a sour or yeasty whiff, book a vet visit that week.
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<h2>Warning Signs Your Doodle's Ears Need Help</h2>
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<p>Your dog can't tell you their ears hurt. But they'll show you. Watch for these signs between <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/how-often-groom-doodle/">grooming appointments</a>:</p>
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<tr><th>What You'll Notice</th><th>What It Means</th><th>Expert Verdict</th></tr>
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<tr><td>Head shaking — more than after a swim</td><td>Something is irritating the ear canal</td><td>Check ears at home. If it doesn't stop in a day, see the vet.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Scratching at ears or rubbing head on furniture</td><td>Itching from yeast, bacteria, or mites</td><td>Don't wait. Ongoing scratching means it's already sore.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brown, yellow, or dark discharge</td><td>Active infection — bacterial or yeast</td><td>Vet appointment needed. Don't try to clean an infected ear yourself.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bad smell from the ear</td><td>Yeast overgrowth or bacterial infection</td><td>The most reliable early sign. Healthy ears have no odour.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Redness or swelling inside the ear flap</td><td>Swelling from infection or allergy</td><td>Vet visit. Could also point to food allergies.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Pulling away or crying when ears are touched</td><td>Pain in the ear canal</td><td>Stop touching. Straight to the vet. Your dog is hurting.</td></tr>
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<p>Here's what I tell every doodle owner: make ear checks part of your cuddle routine. Every couple of days, lift each ear flap, have a look, and have a sniff. It takes ten seconds and catches problems early.</p>
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<h2>How to Clean Your Doodle's Ears at Home</h2>
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<p>Good <strong>doodle ear care</strong> at home isn't hard once you know the routine. Here's what I teach owners in our salon.</p>
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<h3>What You'll Need for Doodle Ear Care</h3>
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<li>A vet-approved ear cleaning solution (not water, not vinegar, not anything homemade)</li>
<li>Cotton balls or cotton pads — <strong>never</strong> cotton buds</li>
<li>A towel under your dog (it gets messy)</li>
<li>Treats. Lots of treats. Make this a good thing from the start.</li>
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<h3>Step-by-Step Doodle Ear Cleaning</h3>
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<p><strong>Step 1 — Look and smell first.</strong> Before you put anything in the ear, check for redness, discharge, or a bad smell. If you spot any of those, skip the cleaning and book a vet. Cleaning an infected ear can make it worse.</p>
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<p><strong>Step 2 — Fill the ear canal with solution.</strong> Lift the ear flap, hold it gently, and squeeze the bottle until the canal fills. Your dog will want to shake — hold that ear flap down for a moment longer.</p>
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<p><strong>Step 3 — Massage the base of the ear.</strong> For about 20 to 30 seconds, gently rub the base of the ear. You'll hear a squelching sound. That's the solution breaking up wax and debris. (Yes, really.)</p>
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<p><strong>Step 4 — Let them shake.</strong> Step back. Your doodle is about to shake solution everywhere. This is normal and helps bring debris up from the canal. That towel will earn its place.</p>
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<p><strong>Step 5 — Wipe the outer ear.</strong> Use cotton balls to clean away wax and solution from the ear flap and the visible part of the canal. Only clean what you can see. Never push anything into the ear canal.</p>
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<p><strong>Step 6 — Treat and praise.</strong> Always end on a high note. Your dog needs to link ear cleaning with good things, or next time will be a battle.</p>
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<strong>Marine's Pro Tip:</strong> The biggest mistake I see? Owners using cotton buds inside the ear. It pushes wax and debris deeper into the canal and can damage the ear drum. Cotton balls only — and only on the parts you can see. If there's gunk deep in the canal, that's a job for your groomer or vet.
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<h2>The Ear Hair Question: To Pluck or Not to Pluck</h2>
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<p>This is one of the most debated topics in <strong>doodle ear care</strong>. Some groomers pluck the hair right out of the ear canal. Others trim it short. Others leave it alone. So what's the right answer?</p>
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<p>In our salon, we look at the dog in front of us. There's no one-size-fits-all rule. Here's how we decide:</p>
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<tr><th>Approach</th><th>Best For</th><th>Watch Out For</th><th>Expert Verdict</th></tr>
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<tr><td>Plucking ear hair</td><td>Dogs with chronic infections, heavy hair growth blocking the canal</td><td>Can cause micro-tears that invite bacteria if done roughly</td><td>Only when the dog has a history of problems. Should be done by a trained groomer.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Trimming ear hair short</td><td>Dogs with moderate ear hair, no infection history</td><td>Hair regrowth can be prickly and trap more debris</td><td>A good middle ground for most doodles. Less stressful than plucking.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Leaving ear hair alone</td><td>Dogs with healthy ears and light ear hair</td><td>Hair can mat inside the canal and trap moisture</td><td>If it's not causing issues, don't create issues. Check ears often.</td></tr>
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<p>Talk to your groomer about your dog's needs. At your <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/how-often-groom-doodle/">regular grooming visits</a>, we check the ears every time and adjust our approach based on what we see that day.</p>
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<h2>Doodle Ear Care Between Grooming Sessions</h2>
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<p>Your groomer sees your dog every 6 to 8 weeks. A lot can happen in those ears between visits. Here's your at-home routine:</p>
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<p><strong>Every few days:</strong> Lift the ear flap. Look for redness or discharge. Give it a sniff. Takes ten seconds.</p>
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<p><strong>Weekly:</strong> If the ears look clean and smell fine, you might not need to do anything. If there's light wax buildup, do a gentle clean with the steps above.</p>
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<p><strong>After every swim or wash and blow dry:</strong> This is the one people forget. Dry those ears. Moisture left inside the ear canal is the single biggest trigger for infections. Use a cotton ball to soak up water from the outer ear, then let the ears air out. Some vets suggest a drying ear solution — ask yours.</p>
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<p><strong>After bushwalks:</strong> Check for grass seeds. In Australia, grass seeds are a real menace from spring through autumn. They can work their way into the ear canal and cause serious damage. If your doodle starts shaking their head hard after a walk through long grass, check the ears straight away.</p>
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<h2>Doodle Ear Care by Season</h2>
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<p>Ears need different levels of care through the year. In our salon, we see a clear pattern:</p>
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<tr><th>Season</th><th>Risk Level</th><th>What to Watch For</th><th>Expert Verdict</th></tr>
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<tr><td>Summer</td><td>High</td><td>Swimming, humidity, more outdoor time, grass seeds</td><td>Check ears twice a week. Dry after every swim. Peak infection season.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Autumn</td><td>Medium</td><td>Grass seeds still present, changing weather</td><td>Stay alert. Grass seeds are still a risk through April and May.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Winter</td><td>Lower</td><td>Less swimming, but indoor heating can dry skin</td><td>Keep up weekly checks. Don't drop the routine just because it's cold.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Spring</td><td>Medium-High</td><td>Allergies kick in, grass seed season starts</td><td>If your dog has seasonal allergies, ears are often the first place you'll notice.</td></tr>
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<h2>When Ear Problems Keep Coming Back</h2>
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<p>If your doodle gets ear infections more than twice a year, something bigger might be going on. Recurring ear problems in doodles are often linked to:</p>
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<p><strong>Food allergies.</strong> This surprises a lot of owners. Ear infections can be a symptom of a food issue — not just an ear problem. If your doodle has itchy skin, runny eyes, <em>and</em> ear infections, talk to your vet about a diet trial. We cover more about this in our <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/doodle-sensitive-skin/">doodle sensitive skin guide</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Seasonal allergies.</strong> Pollen, dust mites, and mould can trigger ear swelling. Seasonal patterns are a clue — if the ears flare up at the same time each year, allergies are likely the cause.</p>
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<p><strong>Moisture trapped after grooming or swimming.</strong> If the ears aren't dried well after a <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/what-professional-groom-does-for-your-dog/">professional groom</a> or a swim, bacteria have a perfect place to grow. A good groomer will always dry the ears fully — ask about this at your next visit.</p>
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<p>Also, don't forget that ears are only one part of your doodle's health routine. Regular <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/doodle-dental-care/">dental care</a> is just as easy to overlook — and just as important.</p>
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<p>According to the <a href="https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Veterinary Association</a>, untreated ear infections can lead to chronic pain, hearing loss, and surgery. Don't wait on this one.</p>
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<strong>Marine's Pro Tip:</strong> One thing I've noticed after grooming over 3,000 doodles — owners who keep a regular grooming schedule almost never have serious ear problems. When I see a dog every 6 weeks, I catch small issues before they become big ones. The dogs who come in every 12 or 16 weeks? Those are the ones we find infections in. Regular <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/doodle-matting-prevention/">grooming isn't just about the coat</a> — it's a full health check.
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<h2>Common Doodle Ear Care Mistakes</h2>
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<p>After thousands of doodle appointments, these are the patterns I see over and over:</p>
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<li><strong>Waiting until there's a smell.</strong> By the time you can smell it, the infection is well set in. Regular checks catch problems at the "looks a bit red" stage, not the "whole ear is infected" stage.</li>
<li><strong>Over-cleaning.</strong> If ears look clean and healthy, leave them alone. Cleaning too often strips the natural oils and irritates the skin. Once a week is plenty for most doodles.</li>
<li><strong>Using the wrong products.</strong> Water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil — none of these belong in your dog's ears. Use a proper vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Full stop.</li>
<li><strong>Pushing cotton buds into the canal.</strong> (We've seen some things.) This is the fastest way to pack debris deeper or puncture an ear drum. Cotton balls on the outer ear only.</li>
<li><strong>Skipping ear checks after swimming.</strong> Your doodle just spent 20 minutes in the creek. Those ears are soaked. Dry them or you'll be at the vet within the week.</li>
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<h2>When to See the Vet</h2>
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<p>Good <strong>doodle ear care</strong> at home goes a long way. But some things need a vet. Don't try to treat these yourself:</p>
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<ul>
<li>Any discharge — brown, yellow, or bloody</li>
<li>A strong, sour, or yeasty smell that won't go away</li>
<li>Swelling or heat in the ear</li>
<li>Pain when ears are touched (your dog pulls away or cries)</li>
<li>Head tilting to one side</li>
<li>Balance problems or walking in circles</li>
<li>Signs that won't clear up after a week of cleaning</li>
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<p>Your vet can look deep into the ear canal with an otoscope, work out whether it's bacterial or yeast, and prescribe the right treatment. Ear drops from the vet clear most infections within 7 to 14 days.</p>
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<p>If your doodle is a puppy, it's worth getting their ears checked at their <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/doodle-puppy-first-groom/">very first groom</a>. Starting early means they get used to having their ears handled — and your groomer can spot any issues before they become habits.</p>
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<h2>The Bottom Line on Doodle Ear Care</h2>
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<p>Those floppy teddy-bear ears are part of what makes doodles so loveable. But they need a bit of care to stay healthy. A quick check every few days, a clean when needed, drying after water, and regular grooming visits — that's the formula.</p>
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<p>We never talk about the haircut first at our salon. We always start with the dog's well-being and health — and ears are right at the top of that list. If you're not sure what's going on with your doodle's ears, bring them in. We check ears at every single appointment and we're always happy to show you what to look for at home.</p>
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<div class="cta-box">
<h3>Setting Up Your Puppy for Healthy Ears?</h3>
<p>Our Cavoodle Puppy Kit has everything new doodle owners need — from coat care essentials to expert guides on grooming, ear care, and more. Give your pup the best start.</p>
<a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/shop/cavoodle-puppy-kit/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=puppy-kit&utm_content=doodle-ear-care">See the Puppy Kit</a>
<a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/book-now/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=puppy-kit&utm_content=doodle-ear-care" style="background:#555;">Book a Groom</a>
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<h2>Doodle Ear Care FAQ</h2>
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<p><strong>How often should I clean my doodle's ears?</strong></p>
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<p>Check ears every few days. Clean with a vet-approved solution once a week if there's wax buildup, or more often if your dog swims a lot. If the ears look clean, skip the clean and just do a quick visual check.</p>
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<p><strong>Can I use water or vinegar to clean my doodle's ears?</strong></p>
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<p>No. Water can leave moisture in the canal and make things worse. Vinegar can sting and irritate. Use a proper vet-approved ear cleaning solution — your vet can suggest one. It's made to break down wax and dry quickly so moisture doesn't sit in the canal.</p>
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<p><strong>Should I pluck the hair from my doodle's ears?</strong></p>
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<p>It depends on the dog. If your doodle has heavy hair growth in the ear canal and a history of infections, plucking can help airflow. If the ears are healthy, you may not need to. Talk to your groomer — they can check each visit and advise based on what they see.</p>
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<p><strong>Why does my doodle keep getting ear infections?</strong></p>
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<p>Recurring infections are often linked to allergies (food or seasonal), not just the ears. Your vet may suggest a diet trial or allergy testing. Regular grooming every 6 weeks also helps catch early signs before they become full infections.</p>
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<p><strong>What does a groomer check during a doodle ear clean?</strong></p>
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<p>At our salon, we lift the ear flap to check for redness, discharge, odour, and hair buildup inside the canal. We clean with a vet-grade solution, trim or pluck ear hair if needed, and dry the ears fully after the wash and blow dry. If we spot anything that looks like an infection, we'll let you know to see your vet.</p>
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<div class="author-box">
<img src="https://www.woofspark.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/007-KVONlTtZb7g.jpeg" alt="Marine Ponchaut, Head Groomer at WoofSpark" />
<div>
<div class="name">Marine Ponchaut</div>
<div class="bio">Head Groomer &amp; Founder of <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/">WoofSpark</a>. Marine has completed over 16,000 grooming appointments since founding her Cessnock salon in 2019. She's groomed more than 3,000 doodles and poodles across 219 breeds. With 186+ five-star reviews, her dog-first approach puts well-being before the haircut — every single time. <a href="https://www.woofspark.com.au/about/">Read more about Marine</a>.</div>
</div>
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<div class="updated-box">
<p style="margin:0 0 10px 0;"><strong>Last updated:</strong> March 2026</p>
<p style="margin:0;line-height:1.6;">This guide now includes a Quick Answer summary for faster reference, seasonal ear care advice for Australian dog owners, Marine's professional insights from grooming thousands of doodles, and an expanded FAQ with groomer ear cleaning details.</p>
</div>
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# 1. Generate hero image
python3 operations/scripts/vertex-imagen.py \
  --prompt "A professional close-up photo of a groomer gently examining the ear of a cream-coloured Cavoodle on a grooming table. The groomer's hands are clean and careful, lifting the ear flap to reveal the inner ear. Warm salon lighting, shallow depth of field, blurred grooming tools in background. Professional pet photography style, soft natural tones. No text, no words, no letters, no writing." \
  --output /tmp/doodle-ear-care-hero.png \
  --aspect-ratio "16:9"

# 2. Upload hero image to WordPress
python3 operations/scripts/wordpress-image-upload.py /tmp/doodle-ear-care-hero.png \
  --title "Doodle Ear Care - Groomer Checking Cavoodle Ears" \
  --alt "Doodle ear care — groomer checking a Cavoodle's ear during a professional groom" \
  --description "A professional groomer gently examines a cream Cavoodle's ear during a grooming appointment, demonstrating proper doodle ear care technique."

# 3. Publish to WordPress (draft mode)
python3 operations/scripts/wordpress-publish-articles.py --slug doodle-ear-care --status draft

# 4. Update AIOSEO metadata
python3 operations/seo-tracker/update_aioseo.py --post-id [ID] \
  --title "Doodle Ear Care: Essential Infection Prevention" \
  --description "Doodle ear care tips from a groomer with 16,000+ appointments. Ear cleaning, infection signs, and prevention for Cavoodles and doodles."