Content
Puppies' ears come in different shapes and sizes. In addition, they can be presented vertically, folded or hanging, depending on each breed or specimen. This diversity is normal, but if a cocky-eared dog suddenly shows up with a sagging, it could be due to different illnesses that only the veterinarian can diagnose.
In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll examine the possible causes that explain why does my dog have a drooping ear. We'll also talk about cases where a dog has a drooping ear, or both, and when it should have them raised. Check out!
my dog's ear is down
In some dogs, the pinna, or ear pinna, composed of a lamina of cartilage covered on both sides by a layer of skin and fur, presents naturally standing. When this type of dog has one or both ears hanging, some caregivers are concerned.
In these cases, the fact that the dog has one or both of its ears drooped is a exclusively aesthetic problem that does not imply any repercussions for your health. In addition, it should be taken into account that dogs of breeds with raised ears will keep them hanging until approximately 5 to 8 months old. They can only lift one first and then the other. There is no fixed deadline. Each individual will follow their own pace.
If the dog is more than 8 months old and has not raised them yet, it may be due to genetic problems. That is, if your parents didn't have both ears fully erect, it's quite possible that your dog won't be able to lift them either. In a smaller percentage of cases, the ears do not rise due to serious food problems or pathologies like the ones we'll explain in the next sections.
In any case, it should be taken into account that dressings, supplements or home remedies with the aim of lifting the ears are counterproductive and may have an opposite effect to the desired one. So if you're concerned about the position of your dog's ears, go to the vet. Any action must be mediated by this professional. Of course, one must make sure the dog belongs to a cocked-ear breed. There are surgical techniques that can lift the ears, but first it is important to question the ethics of submitting an animal to an operation and a post-operative just for a human aesthetic ideal, which is of no importance to the dog.
You may also be interested in this other article that explains the meaning of each movement of the dog's ears.
Causes for dog ear drooping
There are different conditions that can cause a dog to have a drooping ear. Generally, these causes will produce a series of symptoms that should make you take him to the vet. Early intervention usually prevents the ear from falling permanently. On the other hand, if the puppy does not receive assistance, for example, dogs that are in a situation of abandonment, this is when the damage to the ear becomes permanent, and it is no longer possible to recover its initial vertical position. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon in stray dogs. This is when the ear is drooping and, in many cases, deformed.
In between the most common causes with floppy ears in dogs, are the following:
- bite wounds: When dogs fight, it's not uncommon for their ears to get injured, as they are vulnerable and accessible areas. Animal bites are often complicated by infections. Except in the case of minor wounds, they must receive veterinary attention and even surgical intervention, precisely to avoid deformities.
- otitis media: it is an infection that usually evolves from the outer ear. Dogs shake their heads to the affected side, scratch the ear in question, feel pain and release a foul-smelling secretion. Sometimes this otitis damages a branch of the facial nerve that passes through the eardrum. In these cases, we will observe a drop in the upper lip and ear on the affected side. It is imperative that the veterinarian cleans the ear and prescribes treatment based on oral antibiotics. These treatments are usually long and last for several weeks. In recurrent or chronic cases, surgery may be necessary. Otitis media can be prevented if, as soon as you notice symptoms like the ones described, you go to the vet to start treatment as soon as possible.
My dog has a swollen and fallen ear
Sometimes your dog may have a drooping ear and, in addition, it may be sore. This swelling is usually due to an abscess, which is an accumulation of pus, or, mainly, the a bruise, which is the accumulation of blood under the skin. In the first case, a frequent cause of abscesses are fights with other dogs. The bites become infected and the pus can remain under the skin, even if the wound appears to have healed on the outside.
The bruises, specifically known as otohematomas, usually appear when the dog shakes its head strongly or scratches its ear. In these cases, it would be necessary to find out what is causing the discomfort and itchiness that the dog is trying to relieve. Both abscesses and otohematomas must be examined by the veterinarian. In both cases, a surgical intervention it may be necessary to avoid permanent deformations that will cause the ear to droop.
Now that you know the reasons that can lead your dog to have a drooping ear, it's always good to pay attention to the symptoms and write them down. This can help a lot in the diagnosis when you take your furry friend to the vet.
In addition, it is important to carry out a correct ear hygiene of the dog at least once a week. However, if he doesn't have drooping ears, cleaning doesn't need to be done weekly, but every 15 days or when you notice that he's dirty. Remember to use wipes for cleaning and never use cotton swabs or cotton, which can injure your pet's ear, in addition to pushing wax into the ear.
Check this video for all the details of how to clean a dog's ears:
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to My Dog Has A Loose Ear - Causes And What To Do, we recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.