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What Happens If The Ears of German Shepherd Dog is Floppy?
What Happens If The Ears of German Shepherd Dog is Floppy? Why is the ears of my nine month old German Shepherd dog floppy? One of them is half floppy and the other one is fine. Is there a cure for floppy ears? How do you take care of a floppy ear German Shepherd? I heard to tape them? How can I tape them? What is a sure way of fixing my dog’s ears so they are both standing up straight?
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This is not uncommon, especially at this age, if your German Shepherd has one or both ears flopped down when it is around nine months old. Here is some information which should make it possible to comprehend the situation and to assist with the ears of your dog:
Why Are My German Shepherd’s Ears Down?
Floppy ears are observed in GSD puppies when they are born, and most often, their ears are standing erect by the time they have grown up. This is made possible by the muscles and cartilage in the ears fully forming. Nonetheless, several factors can affect this position of the ears:
Age: Several German Shepherds’ ears grow to stand up after 5 to 6 months. Nevertheless, in some instances, it can take up to 8 to 9 months or more.
Teething: During the teething period, which is usually between three and six months of age, there are earing in and out changes, meaning that there are those ears that are rotor hih floppy and others that are upright because even though kasal its ear cartilage.
Genetics: Some German Shepherds are hereditary flopped, even reaching adulthood. This is more likely if the dog’s parents or ancestors had floppy ears.
Nutrition and Health: Nutritional deficiencies, a lack of calcium or needed vitamins, or general health complications can cause relative weakness of the ear cartilage. It is paramount that the dog follows a well-balanced diet.
Is There a Cure for Floppy Ears?
Due to genetic reasons, some German Shepherds’ ears may not straighten up completely. In such cases, there are ways that may administer some strength to the cartilage and inspire the ears to rise upright. But such things must be executed rather gently.
How to Take Care of a Floppy-Eared German Shepherd
Diet: Ensure that you are giving your dog a healthy, balanced diet that will enhance the health of bone and cartilage structures. Some vets suggest injections like glucosamine and chondroitin or calcium if the dog seems to have weak cartilage in the ears, but this should only be done by seeking vet advice.
Chew Toys: Make your German Shepherd chew toys. Chewing helps develop below the ear muscle, and it can help keep the ear flaps in an erect position.
Minimize Ear Handling: Avoid unnecessarily manipulating the dog’s ears by constantly bending or playing with the ear head, as this could diminish the strength of the ear cartilage.
Taping Ears to Help Them Stand
To taper your dog’s ears is a technique that a few pet owners employ to support erecting the droopy loose ears. This should be done with caution and care not to injure the cartilage of the ear. Here is the guide on how you can tape German Shepherd’s ears:
Steps to Tape Ears
Get medical tape: Get some lightweight or ear support tape for dogs. Do NOT use heavy college tape, as this would be rough on the dog’s ear canals.
Construct a Support: Tape where it can ‘bridge’ or roll so that the ear tape can sit without crushing the ear or pulling it down. Cut the tape so that you can place it on both ears and raise them without straining them too much.
Tape below the ear: Lightly tape below each ear towards the base of the ear, creating a floor that holds the ear standing right. Don’t be too harsh while taping; you might cause pain or interfere with blood flow.
Leave the tape On:
- The tape is supposed to be left on for 2-3 days or a maximum of a week. Then, the tape is removed.
- One assesses whether the ears will stand without external support.
This process might need to be repeated for several weeks before it bears fruit.
Taping Preparation and Precautions:
Gentleness: Your dog’s ears should always be handled with caution and care since they are a very sensitive area. Taping should never be painful or uncomfortable.
Supervision: You must watch your dog when the tape is on so that it does not become irritated, infected, or damaged.
Consult a Vet: Taping a dog’s ears should be done only following a visit to the veterinarian to determine whether it is the best course of action for this dog.
Is There Any Guaranteed Procedure To Quicken the Process of Getting the Floppy Ears Fixed?
If the body structure is constructed so the dog’s ears are natural, there is no credible process to make them look like standing ears, assuming using some methods. Proper diet and care taping may assist in this problem. However, if the ear has yet to become erect using a different method after about this August until about one year, it will still become floppy throughout.
Should I Consider It A Problem Having Floppy Ears- German Shepherd?
A floppy ear on a German Shepherd mainly remains a cosmetic concern rather than affecting the dog’s health unless the dog is prone to chronic ear infections. Congested ears due to floppiness may, on some occasions, lead to increased susceptibility to ear infections due to low ventilation of the ear canal. Take precautions with your dog’s ears and ensure they are cleaned to avoid infecting them.