3 FAQ About Ear Cropping
Have you noticed that certain dog breeds have upright ears that are triangular shaped? Some of these dogs were not born that way. Instead, they went through a procedure called ear cropping when they were a puppy. If you want to know more, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions about ear cropping.
1. What Dog Breeds Have Ear Cropping Done?
Some dog breeds, such as a Pomeranian or the Siberian husky have naturally pointy ears. Other dog breeds, such as the basset hound and poodle, are born with floppy ears and never get their ears cropped. There are some breeds, however, that are born with floppy ears but get them cropped.
Dog breeds that traditionally get their ears cropped include:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- Boston terrier
- Great Dane
- American pit bull terrier
- Schnauzer
While it's not required for certain breeds to get their ears cropped, many owners of these breeds prefer cropped ears. It is recommended for certain dog breeds that compete in dog shows to have their ears cropped and tails docked so they are not penalized.
2. How Do Veterinarians Perform Ear Cropping?
Veterinarians recommend getting a puppy's ears cropped when they are between 6 and 12 weeks old. While it's possible to crop the ears of an older puppy or an adult dog, it will be more painful and memorable for the dog. Some veterinarians refuse ear cropping on older dogs.
When a veterinarian performs an ear cropping procedure, they remove the external floppy part of the dog's ear. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure that requires the dog to be anesthetized. After the procedure, the ears are taped to a hard surface to ensure they stay upright as they heal.
3. What Is Recovery Like After Ear Cropping?
Most puppies that have their ears cropped will not have any complications and recovery should go smoothly. However, because it is a surgical procedure, owners will have to take special care of their dog's ears after they are cropped. It's important to keep the ears as clean as possible. This reduces the chance of infection. Signs of infection included redness, swelling, or heat along the incision.
If any scabs form along the incision, they should be removed as soon as possible. If scabs are not removed, it might interfere with the healing of the ears. It's also important that the puppy does not scratch the incision. This is why pet owners need to monitor their puppies closely afterward. If the puppy does try to scratch, they may have to wear a cone. To learn more about ear cropping, contact a veterinarian.
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