How to break a dog's ears? - briefly
To properly set your dog's ears, you should follow these steps:
- Start when the puppy is between 7 and 9 weeks old, as this is the ideal time for ear cartilage to be molded.
- Gently massage and shape the ears daily, using a small amount of petroleum jelly or ear-setting wax for lubrication, until they reach the desired position.
How to break a dog's ears? - in detail
Breaking a dog's ears, also known as ear cropping or ear trimming, is a procedure performed primarily on breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes. This process involves surgically altering the shape of the dog's ears to achieve a desired appearance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to break a dog's ears:
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Preparation: Before starting, it is essential to ensure you have all necessary equipment: sterile gloves, sutures, surgical scissors, tweezers, and bandages. Additionally, make sure the dog is under general anesthesia to minimize pain and stress during the procedure.
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Marking the Ears: With a marker, carefully outline the desired shape of the ears on both sides. This step ensures symmetry and helps guide the cutting process.
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Incision: Using surgical scissors, make an incision along the marked line. Be precise to avoid damaging the ear cartilage or surrounding tissue.
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Excising Tissue: Carefully remove excess skin and soft tissue from within the ear, exposing the cartilage. This step is crucial for shaping the ear properly.
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Suturing: Once the excess tissue has been removed, use sutures to close the incision. Ensure that the stitches are tight enough to hold the new shape but not so tight that they cut off blood supply to the ear.
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Bandaging: Apply a bandage around the base of each ear to support the new shape and prevent movement. This helps in the healing process and ensures the ears maintain their desired form.
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Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, monitor the dog closely for signs of infection or discomfort. Change the bandages regularly as instructed by your veterinarian, and administer any prescribed medications to promote healing.
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Taping and Molding: Once the sutures are removed (usually after 10-14 days), the ears may need additional support to maintain their shape. This can be done by taping them in place using adhesive tape or specialized ear-molding devices.
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Follow-Up Care: Continue to monitor the ears for several weeks post-surgery. If any swelling, redness, or discharge occurs, consult your veterinarian immediately.
It is important to note that ear cropping is a controversial practice due to concerns about animal welfare and potential complications such as infection, bleeding, and permanent damage to the ears if not done correctly. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before proceeding with any surgical procedure on your dog.