Anyone who has ever seen a Doberman knows that their ears are one of the most distinguishing features of the breed. Their erect, pointed ears are unmistakable and set them apart from other dogs. But for many people, the question remains: how do you post Doberman ears? In this blog post, we will look at the process of posting Doberman ears and show you how to do it correctly. We will also discuss some of the benefits of posting Doberman ears and explain why this is a procedure that all owners of Dobermans should do. So, if you’re curious about how to post Doberman ears, keep reading!
What Type of Ears Does the Doberman Have, and Why Are They Cropped
The Doberman is known for its characteristic upright ears, but it’s important to understand that this isn’t a trait in all Dobermans. It’s quite the opposite – Dobermans are naturally born with floppy ears. The erect ear look is achieved through cropping, a controversial practice where a veterinarian cuts off part of the ear to make it stand up. This procedure of ear posting can cause pain and infections, and it must be done early for the ear to stand up successfully on its own.
However, many countries have made ear cropping illegal due to ethical concerns. Therefore, if you’re considering owning a Doberman, remember that their ears may not stand up unless you choose to cut them. It’s also worth noting that the American Kennel Club does not consider cropped ears a requirement for the breed standard.
While the erect ear look may be popular among some owners and breeders, a Doberman doesn’t have to be considered show-worthy or well-bred. So before making any decisions about your dog’s ears, thoroughly research and understand the potential risks and drawbacks associated with cropping.
How Do You Post Doberman Ears
Posting your Doberman puppy’s ear is like a surgical procedure – it should only be done by a professional veterinarian. The ears must be cropped at an early age before they start to develop and grow. This is typically done when the Doberman puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old, but posting of the pup’s ears can be done up to 16 weeks.
Supplies Needed for Posting
Before you bring your puppy to the vet, you’ll need to purchase the following items:
- Rolls of cotton
- Surgical tape
- Cotton pad
- Scissors
- Styrofoam cup
- A bottle of ear cleanser
- A package of sterile gauze pads
- Elizabethan collar (also called an “E-collar” or “cone”)
- Tampons (optional)
- Topical antibiotic ointment (optional)
- Vet Wrap (Optional)
The Process of Posting Doberman Ears
1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Next, clean your puppy’s ears with ear cleanser and cotton balls. Remove any dirt, wax, or debris inside the ear canal.
3. Once you have clean ears, use the surgical tape to attach the cotton rolls to the top of the ears. The cotton rolls should be placed about 1 inch from the base of the ear and wrapped around the ear once or twice.
4. Next, take the gauze pads and place them over the top of the cotton rolls. The gauze should be placed so that it covers the entire ear length.
5. Finally begin taping. Use surgical tape to secure the gauze. The goal is to create a firm, but not too tight, wrap around the entire ear.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 on the other ear in the same manner.
7. Once both ears are wrapped, place the E-collar on your puppy. The E-collar will prevent your Doberman puppies from scratching or rubbing their ears, which could cause the bandages to become loose or come off entirely.
8. Leave the E-collars in place for 10-14 days or until the bandages can be removed.
9. Once the bandages are removed, the ears will be stiff and upright position. They may also be slightly red and inflamed.
10. To help the ears heal properly, you can gently squeeze a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the inside of each ear canal. You can also insert a tampon into each ear canal, which will help keep the antibiotic ointment in place and prevent your puppy from licking it off.
11. The ears may take several weeks or months to dry completely and heal fully, but they should eventually become stiff and erect on their own. In some cases, however, the ears may need to be “posted” a second time to stand up correctly.
What Are the Benefits of Cropping a Doberman’s Ears?
Cropping a Doberman’s ears has several benefits.
- It results in improved hearing. With cropped ears, sound waves can travel unobstructed to the ear canal, leading to better auditory function. Additionally, ear cropping removes any potential for infection or injury in the ear flap and canal.
- Ear cropping improves the dog’s appearance and enhances the distinct look of the breed.
- It can also improve communication between the dog and the owner. A cropped dog’s facial expressions and movements are more easily visible from a distance, allowing for clearer communication during training or competition situations.
- There is evidence that altered Dobermans have increased longevity.
- Lastly, ear cropping helps to maintain breed standards and preserve the Doberman’s historical origins as a guard and working dog.
Overall, careful consideration should always be given before cropping a dog’s ears, but these benefits make it a practice still valued by many in the Doberman community today.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Cropping a Doberman’s Ears?
While there are several benefits to cropping a Doberman’s ears, some risks should be considered.
The most common complication associated with ear cropping is infection. If the bandages become loose or come off entirely, bacteria can enter the open wound and cause an infection. Conditions can be difficult to treat and may require antibiotics or even surgery.
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure, and all surgeries have some complications and risks. Bleeding, swelling, and pain are all possible side effects of ears cropped. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as damage to the facial nerves or anaphylactic shock.
How Much Does It Cost to Crop a Dobies’s Ears?
The cost of ear cropping can vary depending on the veterinarian, the dog’s age, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, expect to pay between $175 and $600 for the surgery.
Additionally, aftercare costs will be associated, including antibiotics, pain medication, special food, and Band-Aids.
Before you decide on ear cropping, be sure to discuss all of the potential risks and costs with your veterinarian.
