Choosing to add a new four-legged friend to your family is an extremely exciting time. There is a chance you have already got your heart set on a very specific breed of dog, which can make the whole process of picking out a pup a lot easier. But if all you know is that you have always found yourself drawn to dogs with pointy ears, it might take you a little longer to settle on your dream breed. To make things a bit easier, we have rounded up all of the amazing and adorable dog breeds with pointy ears to help you make your decision. There are dogs of every size - from the hefty Alaskan Malamute to the itty bitty Chihuahuaand of every personality type - from the independent Siberian Husky to the extremely affectionate Norwich Terrier. You will be sure to find just the dog breed that is going to fit right into your family's lifestyle.


1. Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes may look very similar to Huskies, but these dogs are a great breed of their own. According to the American Kennel Club, they are affectionate, loyal, playful and sizable - they get up to 85 pounds.


2. American Akita
Akitas are gorgeous dogs that were originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in Japan, according to Dog Time. They are very strong and tend to be stubborn, so having a firm hand in training is necessary.


3. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo is a compact, playful dog that is built for the cold, including its extra thick ears that protect it against freezing temperatures, according to Petfinder.


4. Australian Cattle Dog
This medium-sized breed is extremely smart and very active, according to Dog Time, so if you are looking for a pup that will always want to be on the go with you, this is it.


5. Basenji
These small, graceful dogs may be known as the "barkless dog" but thanks to their defined faces, they are known to have almost human-like emotional expressions, the AKC says.


6. Belgian Malinois
This is a "high-energy breed with a need for regular mental and physical stimulation," Pet Finder notes. They need a jog or a vigorous play session daily, but you will be rewarded with an extremely loyal and protective dog.


7. Berger Picard
The Berger Picard was bred as a herding dog, according to the AKC, and its known to have a bit of a stubborn streak. It needs plenty of daily exercise and is great at competing in agility.


8. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are bred to a happy, friendly dog, and they definitely are. They are also super adaptable, according to Vet Street, and will be happy with an owner who's a couch potato or an exercise enthusiast.


9. Bouvier De Flandres
This farm dog is extremely hard working and smart, but also makes for an amazing family companion, according to Dog Time. It's great with kids and easy to train, making this breed an an all-around awesome pet.


10. Bull Terrier
If you are looking for a dog that's going to keep you laughing, a Bull Terrier just might be the pup for you. They are extremely mischievous but love affection and playtime, the AKC notes.


11. Chihuahua
These pint-sized pups are great for apartment living and can weigh as little as two pounds, Hills Pet notes. Although they're technically lap dogs, Chihuahuas like to stay active and keep themselves occupied.


12. Chow Chow
It may be hard to see underneath all that fur, but Chow Chows do in fact have pointy ears. According to the AKC, Chow Chows are know to be the "cleanest of dogs." They are easy to housebreak, do not smell much, and are as obsessive about grooming as cats.


13. Corgi
Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi have adorably pointy ears and an even more endearing personality. These herding dogs are known for being very affectionate and will happily go on a long walk or hike with you.


14. Finnish Lapphund
This easy-going dog was originally bred to herd reindeer in the north of Finland, according to Dog Time. The Finnish Lapphund is friendly with adults, children, and other dogs, making it the perfect addition to your family. And don't worry - the fluffy coat makes this breed look much larger than it actually is.


15. French Bulldog
Frenchies are small, sturdy pups that love nothing more than getting affection from their owners. According to The Spruce Pets, they do well in small homes but still need a bit of daily exercise.


16. German Shepherd
Possibly one of the most iconic pointy eared dogs, German Shepherds are strong, athletic, and intelligent working dogs. According to the AKC, they are extremely eager to please and can even be retrained for different jobs over the courses of their life.


17. Keeshond
Once known as the "Dutch barge dog," the Keeshond has a fox-like face with pointy ears. According to the AKC, it's very smart and easily trainable, and can do well in pretty much any size of home.


18. Norwegian Buhund
These dogs are very smart and eager to please meaning they are a dream to train. According to Dog Time, "His alert nature and tendency to bark make him a good watchdog, although he is probably too friendly to pose any real threat."


19. Norwich Terrier
If you want a little shadow to accompany you around, the Norwich Terrier is your breed. This mischievous and intelligent dog loves being with its owners, Hills Pet says, and is interested in pretty much anything its owners are doing.


20. Papillon
The Papillons' most distinctive feature are its big, upright ears which make their name - French for "butterfly", the perfect fit. These dogs are extremely loving, according to Vet Street, but require plenty of exercise and have a tendency to be yappy.


21. Pomeranian
Their tiny pointy ears may be hidden under lots of fluffy fur, but the playful Pomeranian has no issues hiding its big personality. According to the AKC, they are easy to train and make great watch dogs, thanks to their big dog mentality.


22. Portuguese Podengo
These alert hunting dogs come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) and were used thousands of years ago to hunt different sizes of game, according to Pet Finder. These pups are definitely not lap dogs, and "prefer adventure to cuddling."


23. Rat Terrier
While they get much bigger than a rat, Rat Terriers typically max out around 25 pounds. The name comes from the fact that they were bred to kill rats, according to the AKC, and they have the stamina and muscles to work a long day.


24. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a very dignified dog with an agile and athletic build. But despite that, it's extremely gentle and great with other pets and people of all ages, according to Pet Finder.


25. Schipperke
This lesser-known dog breed was traditionally a barge dog in Belgium, earning it the nickname "little captain," according to the AKC. The breed is built to work and very energetic with extremely playful personalities.


26. Scottish Terrier
Independent and stubborn are two words that accurately describe the Scottish Terrier, but he will keep your yard free of rodents and will happily join you on a nice long walk, according to Dog Time.


27. Shiba Inu
These dogs are small but mighty, and are growing in popularity. According to the AKC, they are incredibly easy to housebreak almost as if they were born with it, but you can never ever let them off leash in an unfenced area, as they will take off.


28. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky's features, including its pointy ears, make it an incredibly striking dog. But Dog Time warns that the incredibly independent dog can be a bit of a challenge for first time owners.


29. Swedish Vallhund
This small sturdy breed is smart, sociable, and has almost endless energy, according to the AKC. It's not hard to tell that it's a distant cousin of the Corgi, with both having a similar long and low build.


30. Tervuren
These medium-sized dogs are known for the exceedingly proud carriage, according to Pet Finder. They thrive with daily mental and physical exercise, but it is important to note they may nip at the heels of children in an attempt to herd them.


31. West Highland Terrier
Also known as Westies, these dogs are almost too cute to ever say "no" to. But having a firm hand in training is extremely important, as they are extremely independent and will chase after anything that moves, according to the AKC.


32. Yorkshire Terrier
These little pups have big personalities and boast the title of most popular dog breed in the United States, according to Dog Time. They shed little and do not require a ton of space, making them a great apartment dog.


33. Indian Pariah Dog
The Indian pariah dog, also known as INDog, South Asian pye dog and Desi Dog, is a landrace of dog native to the Indian subcontinent. They have erect ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a curved tail. It is easily trainable and often used as a guard dog and police dog.


34. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a muscular, medium-sized dog with a streamlined body that makes him very agile and a natural athlete. The ridge on his back is formed by hair growing in the opposite direction from the rest of his coat and the breed has up to 8 different ridge patterns. Puppies can be born without this ridge.

DOG EAR CROP, TAP
AND DOCKING

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By T. J. Dunn, Jr., DVM

DOG EAR CROPPING HISTORY
In ancient times people were cropping ears for dogs, mainly due to the fact that may disturbe for dogs who are fighting or hunting. Some people were cropping fight dog's ears, because injured ears were bleeding a lot. Other people let the ears natural, then enemy bite for them and not to legs or shoulders. Over the past 100 years ears were starting to cropp mainly for cosmetics reasons, that are requesting by breed standard. Often people who are cropping dog's ears maintains that it is doing for health reasons, for example, dogs with short ears have less chances to get ears infection.



Dog's ears cropping in some states is illegal, therefor are threatening large penalties. In some places are forbidden to grow dogs whose ears are cropped. Veterinarians who are doing this procedure in countries where it is illegal can lose their licences.

Currently, ears are cropping often for the Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Central Asian Shepherds, Cane Corso and other dogs.



There is a discussion, is it not just people whim? Considering all the pros and cons it seems likely that dogs ears cropped are often for aesthetical reasons, that is to say because for people it is more beautiful. More rarely ears are cropping for health or the usage of the work. In the past dogs were bred not for beauty, but for hard working. These days people have created ideal each dog breed look and anyhow trying to realize it.



Many people are maintaining that the dogs do not feel pain but no one can not to prove it. Ears are cropping approximately from seven to twelve weeks age. Sometimes happens that operation must be repeated because the ears do not recover to the right position. In fact, the ears cropping means that was removed the protective barrier, which protects the ear from dust or rain.



There are dogs who are in horror of rain, because it is fall directly into their ears. Other dogs are in horror when people are touching their ears. There are even cases when dogs suffer pain due to ears cropping from the cradle to the grave called 'ghostly pain' which can strongly adjust the dog's behavior and cause behavioral problems.



If ears cropping for dogs is not necessary due to the health problems which the veterinarian diagnoses, or for working, crop the ears of dogs really shouldn't be, because it is a dog mutilation. Great is that are growing number of countries, where is forbidden to cropp dogs ears. Also more and more people are seeking welfare for pets as opposed to created ideal appearance of pets.




TO CROP OR NOT TO CROP
If you a proud owner of a purebred pup, there are many choices and decisions to be made. One of the most difficult decisions for you may relate to ear cropping. Some breeds of dogs through the ages have traditionally been recognized partly by the distinctive look of their head, cropped ears have become their trademark. Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes come to mind right away. And even many of the smaller breeds such as the Miniature Schnauzer have traditionally had their ears surgically changed to give them a distinctive appearance.

In our modern times, many have come to question the need or advisability of cropping the ears of dogs. In fact, some countries have gone as far as to ban the practice.



The aspect of animal cruelty comes into play in that many people will argue that there is no medical, physical, environmental or cosmetic advantage for the dog to have the pinnas (the ear flaps) surgically altered. And to subject any dog to the "disfiguring" and unnecessary surgical procedure and subsequent taping and bandaging that sometimes needs to be done after the surgery amounts to animal cruelty and is indefensible.



There are others that will argue that for some dogs, the cropped ear will help prevent ear canal infections and make the opportunity for pinna trauma and infection much less likely. They will state that the ear cropping is no different philosophically or ethically than any elective surgery such as spaying and neutering or removing protruding dew claws.



The fact is that ear infections are common in all sorts of breeds, whether they have cropped ears or not. As a veterinarian with 32 years of experience treating hundreds of thousands of dogs during that time, I cannot find medical justification for cropping a dog's pinnas (outer ear). So the choice to crop a dog's ears is a personal decision that a purebred dog owner needs to weigh carefully, partly because what you think you will get may not occur.




Check the following list
of Eligible for ear cropping dog breeds:

Affenpinscher
American Bully
American Staffordshire Terrier (or Pit Bull)
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Boxer
Brussells Griffon
Cane Corso
Doberman Pinscher
Giant Schauzer
Great Dane
Manchester Terrier
Minature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Neopolitan Mastiff
Standard Schnauzer


DOG EAR CROP BY BREEDS
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Also, there are age ranges in which we can perform the procedure. Puppies too young may not be strong enough to bear the anesthesia, while puppies too old may have cartilage in the ears that has already hardened and is no longer possible to train it to stand. The following chart shows the age ranges of eligible breeds:



A consultation prior to surgery is generally not needed, especially if the puppy is within the recommended age bracket and is being cropped for the first time.

Please note that a successful ear crop depends on the owner's diligence in bringing the dog in for aftercare procedures. If you are unable to provide the necessary commitment, then perhaps ear cropping may not be for your dog.


DOG EAR CROP TYPES & VARIATIONS

DOG EAR vs HUMAN EAR
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A dog's ear canal is, by far, a bit deeper than humans one and surely more curvy and twisted than our own. This makes it a perfect hiding place for parasites, yeast, and mites, making the cleaning of them imperative. Trapped debris can also result in infections and the development of masses in the ear, the removal of which can be rather smelly and unsightly.



The canine's ear canal is long indeed, consisting of three parts, the pinna or outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear, creating many blind spots that can be neglected if not careful. The existence of these blind spots within a dog's ear will make it important for owners to really ensure that they are well and thoroughly cleaned.



Unlike a human ear canal, a dog's is rather L-shaped, which means waxy build-up can more easily occur in the little elbow of that "L" shape.

The ear canal in the dog travels vertically downward and then travels horizontally toward the brain. The human ear canal travels horizontally toward the brain.

Compare the schemes of Human's vs Dog's structures:

HUMAN EAR STRUCTURE


DOG EAR STRUCTURE


Human hearing:
Our ears are placed laterally and cannot move independently. Our cerebral cortex decodes the sound waves captured by our outer ear and carried along the middle and inner ear to the auditory nerve, and transforms them into identifiable sounds.



We can localize a specific sound somewhere in the environment, but will no longer be able to do so if we loose our sense of hearing in one of our ears. Our brain is less devoted to sound than it is to vision, which places us at a disadvantage when we compare our hearing abilities to a dog's hearing abilities. We detect more or less the same amount of low pitched sounds as dogs, but not nearly as many high pitched sounds, which renders our hearing less acute. The human hearing range is from 20cps (or 20Hz) up to 20,000cps or 20kHz and we cannot hear over as great a distance as dogs can.



Dog's hearing:
The ear's most important function is hearing, but it is also an important organ of balance. Dog Versus Human Hearing RangeSome dogs have erect ear flaps and others have long, floppy ones. Hearing ability is superior in dogs with erect ears, which act as amplifiers for incoming sounds, and in those who can swivel their ears in the direction of the sound.



Dogs can hear sounds over a wider range of frequencies and a greater distance than man.

They may find high pitched noises, such as the ones emitted by vacuum cleaners and other household appliances, uncomfortable or even painful. Worth bearing that in mind with respect to dog care.



According to Dr. Bruce Fogle, the range of hearing for dogs is 40,000cps or 40kHz. They are better than us at detecting higher notes, and have the ability to move their ears independently, so that one ear can locate the sound and both ears can then catch the maximum number of sound waves. This is how dogs are endowed with the ability to hear over a greater distance than us.



Many people have also wondered why dogs can hear a whistle that apears silent to humans. This is simply because dogs can hear at frequencies higher than the human hearing range, which stops, as previously stated, at around 20kHz. If the pitch of a dog whistle is set above that frequency then a dog will be able to hear it where a human will not. There are some sources that state a dog's hearing range goes from 40cps (40Hz) to 60,000cps (60 kHz), so plenty of scope to find a frequency outside of the human hearing range.

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT DOG EARS
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Floppy, folded, small, large dogs' ears come in many shapes, but they all serve the same purpose: as funnels for sound. Did you know that at least 18 muscles work to tilt, raise and rotate these furry appendages, helping the dog identify and capture sounds from different directions? Here are a few fast facts about canine ears and hearing.

A dog's level of attention can be determined by watching her ears. Erect ears facing forward indicate that she's engaged, and slightly pulled-back ears signal that she's feeling friendly; ears laid tightly back against the head suggest a fearful or timid reaction.

Dogs' ears move independently of one another.

Even during the quiet hours of the night, the world is a noisy place for dogs, who can hear the high-frequency pulse of the crystal resonator used in digital alarm clocks and bodily vibrations of termites in the walls.

A dog's ear canal is L-shaped: vertical toward the jaw, then taking a 45(c) turn horizontally toward the ear drum. This makes examination challenging and predisposes dogs to a variety of ear ailments, including parasites and yeast infections.

Domestic dogs can hear significantly higher frequency sounds than humans, although not as high as cats.

A Bloodhound named Tigger from St. Joseph, Ill., whose right and left ears measured 13.75 and 13.5 inches respectively, holds the title for longest ears, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. That length has a purpose: to help direct scent to the Bloodhound's sensitive sniffer.

University of Cincinnati researcher Pete Scheifele, also the director of UC's Bioacoustics and Canine Audiology Clinic, is developing a hearing aid that will help dogs with acquired hearing loss.

DOG EARS MASSAGE
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Josie F. Turner

Why do dogs love it when you massage their ears? Devoting time to affectionately feel and scratch each other's ears is not quite common in relationships between humans. However, it is a common gesture in human relationships with dogs. Why is that? Dogs love the area around their ears because they have a total of 13 muscles in their ears. This makes them more sensitive, and they experience a special and pleasant feeling when petted there.



You should try stroking your dog at this specific point of their body. Besides being an enjoyable experience, it will make them feel very relaxed and loved. It is also a non-verbal treat for good behavior. It won't be difficult to tell whether your dog is enjoying the massage - just listen and watch their reactions. If your dog does not seem to like the massage and growls, you should ask yourself whether it is suffering from some kind of discomfort in its ears. An unpleasant smell indicates that a disease is present.

Benefits of Dog Ear Massage
Dogs have approximately 18th muscles in their ears, relaxing these hard working muscles will help to relax the scalp and even neck muscles. Base of the ears contains a large number of nerve endings and gentle massage of the area engages the parasympathetic nervous system and invites a relaxation response. Ear massage relaxes the limbic system and balances emotional states. Massaging the area releases endorphins: the feel good hormone. The ear is rich in reflexology points and from a TCM perspective the ear is the meeting place of all the channels of the body and contains over 200 acupuncture points!


7 STEPS FOR PERFECT
EAR MASSAGE
by WWW.AHUSKYLIFE.COM

1. To start gently invite touch and ask for permission by stroking your dog around the shoulder, do not go straight for the ears!

2. Once your dog or cat is happy to be touched, you can move your hand gently and slowly towards the ear.

3. Gently hold the ear at the base and start making slow circular movement, you will notice that your dog might actually have a preference for clockwise or counter clockwise, try to do both. Make sure you are not resting your hand on their head, you do not want to cause any neck compression.

4. Use little pressure, feel the skin move under your fingers, focus on making slow and perfectly round circles, breath!

5. Now you can grasp the ear flap between your fingers and gently run your fingers from the base to the tip of the ear, continue slowly and methodically until your cover the whole ear lobe.

6. Once finished you can gently rub the ear and finish the session by stroking your dog along the back.

7. Make sure not to grasp or hold onto the ear! You will notice that your dog or cat might shake their head quite a bit at the beginning.


Dog Ear Massage Method II
Step by Step Guide
Stroking your dog in a pleasant and appropriate way not only helps you establish a connection with your dog - it also relaxes them. It is a great way of getting your dog used to being handled, for example, when you need to clean their ears. Follow this step by step guide to massage your dog's ears:

1. Take advantage of when your dog is comfortable and relaxed and go and join it. Waking your dog up slowly, saying nice words and giving it kisses are a great way to start a perfect massage session.

2. Do not hold on to your dog, as it will feel too trapped and may try to escape in any direction. This should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you.

3. Start to gently massage the base of the ear. When they are calm, dogs are perfectly cable of noticing even the most delicate of fingers. Be gentle and caress the area where the ears are attached to the head with slight pressure.

4. Gently scratch the base of the back of the ears and watch your dog lower its head so that you can reach more surface area.

5. Loosen the ears and gently move them in different directions.

6. Stroke your dog's ears up and down.

7. Continue massaging the neck and head if you like. Kisses, caresses and words of affection can also be included!

HOW TO CLEAN DOG EARS
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Cleaning our pets ears is a vital part of their health maintenance. Certain breed types may exhibit a fair amount of hair in the external ear canal which will host the perfect environment for wax and debris and needs to be "plucked" from the ear regularly. If the ears go without being periodically cleaned, infection or parasites will take residence in the ear causing discomfort. If the pet has a chronic problem with ear infections, it may need surgery to remove the ear canal which is extremely painful. Therefore, it is best to be proactive to avoid these extreme cases.

When cleaning the ears, great care must be taken to avoid placing cleaning instruments too far into the ear canal. This may puncture the ear drum or push wax and debris too far down the ear canal. It is important to understand the anatomy of the pet ear as it is different from the human ear.



It is extremely important when cleaning the ear not to go past the area that is visible to the eye.



10 easy steps that must be followed to ensure clean ears in a dog:

Regular ear cleanings may avoid problems in the future. Your pet will be happier and healthier and the expense will be less costly.

The normal ear canal should be pale to light pink and free of debris, but the ear may become red and may exhibit some heat. This indicates inflammation, which may be caused by yeast or bacterial infection. When this occurs, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian to discover the source of the inflammation. If untreated, the condition becomes chronic and the ear tissue starts to thicken until it can obliterate the canal completely. In these cases, surgery may be required.

Normal healthy ear



Redness \ Inflamation



Chronic Inflamation \ Moist \ Debris




Step 1: Always check your furry friend's ears.
It is good to check your dog's ears regularly (preferably every day!) for signs of discharge or mites. This is especially if your dog, like my own, Cloudy, likes to play outdoors in the grass very often. Constant exposure to the outdoors can result in a buildup of debris that can coagulate to form masses and resulting ear infections.

Step 2: Smell your dog's ear.
Again, this may not be on everyone's Pinterest boards. However, some odors are not easily sensed until one makes the explicit effort to smell them. If a foul odor is detected, it is a sign that your pet needs a vet.

Step 3: Flip your dog's ears back.
Ensure that your dog's ears are turned backwards so that the canal is more exposed. this makes it easier to check for mites, discharge and debris that may be hidden in the inner ear. When I first understood the vital importance of checking my dog's ears, I turned them inside out and was really surprised at what I saw a whole mass of debris, mites and uncomfortable discharge. The dog suffered for a long time before the dreadful discovery was made!

Step 4: Check for mites and fleas in your canine's ears.
Mites have a knack for being able to camouflage themselves- they hide themselves in the waxy substance that is discharged from a dog's ears. These awful creatures almost look like coffee grinds and are not detectable fugitives.



Step 5: Apply cleaning solution.
Apply cleaning solution gently to the ear - never pour it in excessively, as some solutions may cause a stinging sensation.







Step 6: Use Q-Tips (for outer ears only)
Use a Q-Tip to clean the dog's outer ear and remove solution, dirt and debris you may find. It is very important to note that we should not use Q Tips for the inner ears - this is dangerous to the ear canal and digging too deep might result in you puncturing an ear drum.



Continue to gently wipe the external ear canal until the cotton comes back clear. Repeat the process to the other ear.




Step 7: Use gauze to clean the inner ears.
A good substitute for the Q-Tip for cleaning the inner ears is sponge or gauze. Remove all the visible debris from the canal. If there is an existent infection which persists and your dog still shakes his head uncontrollably after the cleaning, medication under veterinary supervision is the order of the day. Remember that it is best to clean the part of the ear that you can visually see, missteps can result in bleeding and a ruptured ear canal.



Step 8 : Examine your dogs ears after they are cleaned.
If cotton balls are used, do make sure that none is left behind in the ear. This can contribute to the build up of debris and prolong infections.

Step 9 : Give your dog a bath!
I personally recommend a good bath for your dog after the ear cleaning to remove any excess canine odor. Ear cleaning should, ideally, take place as part of the bathing and grooming process. A tip when bathing is to make sure that your dog's are protected from water - this is when cotton balls can be used to protect the inner ear from contact with excess moisture. Do remember, again, to remove the remnants of the cotton entirely.



Step 10 : Don't forget to give Fido or Fluffy a treat.
This helps your dog associate ear cleaning with something positive. Dogs can be deathly afraid of grooming procedures and it can be a hassle to get them to calm down before regular grooming. Reassure your dog throughout, and will prove to be a cooperative companion.



Some dogs, such as those with long, floppy ears, may require the ear cleaning process to be done every two weeks. The Spaniel family, such as the Cocker Spaniel, may follow this protocol. Other breeds may be fine with monthly ear cleanings.



If the discharge from the ears of your dog or cat is a chunky black or yellow in color, you may have to pay a visit to your veterinarian to examine it for ear mites. Ear mites are parasites that invade the pet's ears but can be treated with medication.



If at any time during your pet's regular ear cleaning there is a persistence of moist debris or any redness or heat, please call your veterinarian as your pet may be exhibiting an infection. Ear infections need to be addressed promptly in order to avoid chronic problems.



Keep your dog's ears clean - you will find that cleaning your canine's ears will prevent many problems for yourself in future. You will be rewarded with a calmer, better balanced dog and his healthier ears!

HOMEMADE DOG EAR
CLEANING SOLUTION
AND ODOR REMOVER
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Pet dogs often contract ear infections for a variety of reasons. There are many ear cleaning solutions which are available in the market for treating the same. If your dog is often affected by ear infections, and you have used the ear cleaning solution prescribed by the vet but it has made no difference, you should try making the solution at home. Most treatment procedures for ear infections are expensive as the cost includes a visit to the vet, along with the professional fees charged for treatment, dos and don'ts of the treatment, and the actual medication to be purchased. The homemade solution thus proves to be inexpensive and more effective.

THE RECIPE
The ingredients required for making this cleaning solution are boric acid powder, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, and antiseptic solution, also known as "Povidone-Iodine" solution. There are many versions of antiseptic solutions in the market, but remember, you should not use antiseptic scrubs since scrub detergents are added to them. An empty bottle will also be required to store the solution. Choose a bottle with an applicator cap which will enable you to apply the solution directly into your dog's ears. The bottle should have ounce markings on its exterior, as these will help you know the amount of solution you are using in each ear. Boric acid is used to manufacture illegal drugs, hence there are regulations on its usage. There is a possibility that you will have to buy boric acid powder over the counter.

THE DIRECTIONS
1. In the empty bottle, take 6 ounces of rubbing alcohol. To get the exact measurements of the alcohol, you can use the measurements on the bottle.

2. Add half a tablespoon of boric acid powder to the alcohol. Be careful while adding so that the powder does not fall on your clothes or hands. In case it does, wash it off immediately. A funnel made of paper can be used for the adding process. Close the bottle with the cap and then shake it till the boric acid powder dissolves in the alcohol. This may take a while.

3. After the powder dissolves, add two ounces of white vinegar to the solution in the bottle. Again, shake the bottle well.

4. Finally, add two teaspoons of antiseptic solution to the mixture. The solution is ready. The end product will have a color similar to that of iced tea.



The most difficult part of the procedure is to get hold of your dog and spray the solution into his/her ear, so take the help of another person. One person will have to hold the dog and the other will be required to spray the solution in the dog's ear. Fill up the ear canal with the solution, and then cover the ear and shake it with your hand. Let the solution slosh about in the ear. If you do not undertake this step, your dog will shake his/her head and the solution will come out of the ear. Use the solution till the infection subsides. Then you can use it once a week.

PREVENT, DETERMINE & TREAT
DOG EAR INFECTION & DISEASE
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Everybody knows that dogs have incredible hearing, but did you know that many breeds and mixes, of all shapes and sizes, are prone to ear infections.

Unlike a human ear canal, a dog's is rather L-shaped, which means waxy build-up can more easily occur in the little elbow of that "L" shape. Wax build-up then leads to bacteria and even fungus development which can become very serious and uncomfortable.

Today we're chatting about ear-care basics, how to identify an ear infection, how to prevent it and how to treat it if need be.

Ear disease is one of the most common conditions we see in pets. The medical name for inflammation of the outer ear canal is "otitis externa." It is estimated that up to 20% of the dog population is affected by this disease. It is important to examine the ears on a monthly basis for any debris or infection. A few signs of inflammation or infection include:



How to treat a dog ear infection?
If any or all of these symptoms are observed in your dog, it is recommended that you visit your regular vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Usually, ear infections are treated with specially prescribed medicated ear drops that need to be administered anywhere from once to three times daily for a week or two.

The treatment is going to depend on what caused the ear problem and what secondary conditions are there as a result. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections and antifungals for yeast infections. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are often included in these preparations to reduce the amount of inflammation in the ear. Ear problems caused by a systemic disease such as a hormone abnormality or allergy must include a therapy that treats the whole dog, such as hormonal replacement or allergy testing and hyposensitization immunotherapy.

Allergies: Allergies are commonly treated with regular ear cleaning with an ear cleaning solution, antihistamines, and fatty acid supplements. Sometimes corticosteroids are needed. These may be given in an oral or injectable form, or they can be applied topically. Allergy testing and immunotherapy (hyposensitzation) may be the best way to cure the ear problem.

Ear mites: Ear mites can cause a dry, dark, crumbly debris in the ear that resembles coffee grounds. For this condition, ear cleaning followed by an ear medication to kill mites will eliminate the problem, although the treatment may need to be continued over several weeks depending upon the product used.

Yeast: Yeast can cause severe ear problems. We usually observe a brown waxy exudate and a bad odor. Daily cleaning of the ears will help, but often these infections are difficult to treat, and special medications need to be given since antibiotics do not kill yeast. If you suspect a yeast infection in your dog's ears, consult your veterinarian.

Bacterial Ear Infections: Bacterial ear infections can also have a bad odor and often have a more yellowish exudate. If it is a severe or chronic condition, ear cleaning alone will not take care of the problem and antibiotics will almost always be necessary. Again, consult your veterinarian. Ear infections of the canal, if severe, can spread to the middle and inner ear, so prompt attention to the problem is always best.




How to prevent a dog ear infection?
Some dogs are naturally prone to nutritional and environmental allergies, such as wheat or pollens, which make them more susceptible to ear irritations. However, according to vets, one of the leading causes of dog ear infections is excess moisture in the ear canal.

This excess moisture usually occurs after your dog has a bath or a swim. The extra moistness in your dog's ear canal creates a prime breeding ground for bacteria to fester. So be sure to dry your dog's ears well after water activities by covering your index finger with a dog towel and delicately drying the inside area.

Hair or fur in the ears can also contribute to excessive waxy build-up, so be sure to ask your groomer to trim the inside ear fur whenever you take Mr. Fluffypants in for a haircut.

The key to healthy ears is to keep them clean. Check your dog's ears weekly. A slight amount of waxy buildup may be present in normal ears. If your dog swims a lot, has pendulous ears, or a history of ear disease, routine cleaning, often once to three times per wee, is recommended. Use the same procedure as described above. Excess hair around the ear can be clipped to allow more air flow. Follow your veterinarian's recommendation on how to treat any underlying condition that predisposes your dog to ear problems.Regardless of the cause of the ear disease, we must always keep the ear canal clean !

INTERPRET DOG EARS
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Understand your dog's ear position. While we're not able to do much with our own ears, a dog's ears can be incredibly expressive. Be aware that dogs whose ears were clipped as a puppy may not have the full range of motion to express themselves through their ears.

A dog whose ears are pricked forward or straight up is fully engaged in play, hunting, or concentration. This ear position can also indicate curiosity and can express the intent to do something, as the dog is turning to catch sounds. It is an obvious ear position in the early stage of a chase.

A dog's ears being flattened, sitting against the dog's head, indicates that the dog feels afraid or threatened. Ears that are forward but close to the head can also indicate aggression.

A dog's ears part way back but not flattened may be feeling unhappiness, anxiety, or uncertainty.

DOG EAR GUINNESS RECORDS
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BLOODHOUND TIGER
THE LONGEST DOG EARS IN THE WORLD!



The longest ears on a dog measured 34.9 cm (13.75 in) and 34.2 cm (13.5 in) for the right and left ears, respectively, on 29 September 2004. They belong to Tigger, a bloodhound, who is owned by Bryan and Christina Flessner of St Joseph, Illinois, USA.

Tigger has won many show titles and over 180 Best of Breed awards. He was inducted into the Bloodhound "Hall of Fame" in 2003. Unfortunately Tigger passed away in October 2009.


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DOG EAR STRUCTURE
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The ears are the paired receptor organs designed for the special senses of hearing and maintaining balance.



In many ways it could be said that a dog "leads with its ears." A dog's ears are right up front, one of the most noticeable parts of his anatomy, and they are a conspicuous visual reminder that demonstrates and carries much of his character and personality.




The ear is divided into three parts:



External (outer) Ear
The external ear consists of the prominent earflap or pinna (also called the auricle) and the external ear canal (also called the auditory canal or meatus). The pinna is a funnel-shaped structure that collects sound and directs it into the external ear canal. The pinna is covered by skin, and the outer or posterior aspect is covered by fur. Numerous muscles are attached to the curved cartilage located between the inner and outer layers of skin around the ear, and these muscles allow the pinna to move and twitch. The external ear canal extends from the base of the pinna downward and inward towards the eardrum (also called the tympanic membrane). The external ear canal is L-shaped, with the L lying on its side. The canal forms an almost 90-degree angle between its two sections: the short, vertical outer section and the longer, horizontal inner section.




Middle Ear
The middle ear includes the eardrum and the bony tympanic cavity (osseous bulla), which lies just past the ear drum. Within this tympanic cavity are found the auditory ossicles: three tiny bones that vibrate when stimulated by sound waves. These ossicles are named the malleus, stapes and incus, commonly known as the hammer, the stirrup and the anvil because of their resemblance to these objects. These three bones form a chain across the middle ear from the tympanum to the oval window of the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat (pharynx) by the auditory or eustachian tube. This tube allows air from the pharynx to pass in and out of the middle ear, which helps keep middle ear pressure normal. The middle ear is connected to the inner ear through the oval window, which lies against the stapes bone.




Internal (inner) Ear
The inner ear is located within the petrous temporal bone of the skull and consists of two parts. The osseous or bony labyrinth houses a series of thin, fluid filled membranes called the labyrinth. The inner ear contains three distinct structures: the cochlea - spiral tube, vestibule, and three semicircular canals. The cochlea contains the nerves that transmit the electrical impulses and is directly responsible for hearing. The vestibule and semicircular canals are responsible for maintaining balance or equilibrium. These tissues are supplied by the two branches of the 8th cranial nerve - the vestiblocochlear nerve, which transmits electrical impulses related to sound and balance back to the brain.More than a dozen separate muscles control the movement of the ear, and the entire area is richly supplied with blood vessels and nerves.




The ear has two functions: Hearing and Balance - and either function can be disturbed by disease, old age, or nerve disruption from a number of causes.



Hearing. Hearing is one of the keenest senses in dogs, together with smell. Sound first enters the external ear canal as sound waves. As these waves strike the eardrum, it begins to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the three small bones of the middle ear - the malleus, incus and stapes, which amplify the sound vibration. The end of the stapes is connected to the oval window of the inner ear. As the stapes vibrates, it transmits the sound vibrations to the cochlea, the snail shaped portion of the inner ear, which transforms the vibrations into nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain where they are interpreted as sound.



What dog hears?
Hearing can be visualized as waves of energy traveling along molecules in the air, transformed into mechanical energy at the ear drum, then amplified by small bones and finally transformed into the electrical impulses in the auditory nerve, resulting in what the brain registers as hearing.



Dogs have a much different range of hearing than ours, extending into a considerably higher frequency than we can hear. Sound frequency, the number of sound wave cycles every second, is measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency, the more sound waves per second, the higher-pitched the sound. Humans hear best at around 2,000 Hz; dogs hear best at 8,000 Hz – perhaps the reason they respond better to high pitched cues.




Balance. The other function of the ear is to help maintain balance. The three semicircular canals of the inner ear are oriented at right angles to each other. When the head turns, the resulting movement of fluid in these canals allows the brain to detect which way and how much the head is turning. Another part of the inner ear responds to gravity and sends information to the brain when the head is held still in a stationary position.

DOG EAR COMMON DISEASES
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SIGNS OF DOG EAR INFECTION or DISEASE

Redness/Heat
Shaking of head or tilting it to one side
Head Tilt
Discharge in the ears
One ear hangs lower
Rubbing ear on carpet
Black and chunky or yellow discharge
Changes in behavior such as depression or irritability


1. Unusual smell
A canine ear infection typically comes with a rather pungent and noticeable smell. If you notice such an unpleasant smell when you hover above your dog's head or flip your dog's ears, take your pupster to your vet for a complete check up.

2. Shaking
As you can imagine, having an ear infection is very uncomfortable and a dog will do whatever it can to try and relieve some of that discomfort. Excessive shaking of the head is a common symptom of an ear infection, so be sure to watch for this behaviour.

3. Scratching
Similar to shaking of the head, scratching is another way for a dog to try and make itself feel better. A dog may try to scratch around or by its ear to the point of breaking the skin, or even rub the side of its head along the ground in an effort to stop the irritation.

4. Inflammation
Perhaps the best indication of an ear infection, however, is redness, swelling or visible irritation around the ear or inside the ear. To check for this simple flip your dog's ear - gently of course, as they are probably sensitive and observe. Do not touch the redness or irritation as that will most likely be painful for your dog.




DOG EAR DISEASES & INFECTIONS LIST

Allergies:
Dogs with allergies, either to food or something they either inhale or that contacts their skin, often have ear problems. As a matter of fact, the ear problem may be the first sign of the allergy. Since the allergy changes the environment within the ear, we sometimes see secondary infections with bacteria or yeast. If we just treat the ear infection, we are not getting to the root of the problem. We need to treat the allergies too.

Parasites:
The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a common cause of ear problems in cats, but less common in dogs. Some dogs are hypersensitive to the mites, however, and the resultant itching can be intense. These dogs may scratch so much they severely traumatize the ear.

Ear Infections:
Numerous types of bacteria and the yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, cause ear infections. The normal, healthy ear has a good defense against these organisms, but if the ear environment changes due to allergies, hormone abnormalities, or moisture, the bacteria and yeast can greatly multiply and break down these defenses.

Foreign Bodies:
Plant awns, those little "stick-tights" that cling to our clothes and our dogs' fur, can sometimes enter the ear canal. Their presence causes irritation, the dog scratches, and before you know it we have a traumatized, infected ear So when you groom your dog after a walk in the woods, be sure to check the ears, too.

Trauma:
As we described above, self-inflicted trauma to the ear due to scratching can exacerbate ear problems.

Hormonal Abnormalities:
Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in skin and ear problems. Thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal gland, and sex hormones all influence the health of the skin and ears.

Ear Environment:
Bacteria and yeast could not ask for a better environment to live in than a warm, dark, moist ear canal. Dogs with heavy, floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels may have ear problems due to the excess moisture that builds up in their ears.

Other Causes:
There are various rare hereditary diseases that occur in different breeds or lines and affect the ears. These include dermatomyositis in Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, and primary seborrhea in Shar Peis and West Highland White Terriers. Squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, and other tumors can be seen in the ears.




CAUSES OF DOG EAR DISEASE

Dogs can have ear problems for many different reasons. When we see a dog with ear disease we need to think about the possibility of:

Trauma
Allergies such as atopy or food allergies
Parasites - ear mites
Infections - bacteria and yeast
Foreign bodies, e.g., plant awns
Hormonal abnormalities, e.g., hypothyroidism
The ear environment, e.g., excess moisture and ear anatomy
Hereditary or immune conditions, and tumors


External ear.Because the pinna is covered in skin, generalized skin diseases can also involve the pinna. Such diseases include parasite infestations (mange), allergic skin disease and immune-mediated skin diseases. The pinnae are also exposed to the environment and can be afflicted with sunburn, frostbite and insect bites, or they can experience various forms of injury or trauma. Inflammation and infection of the externa ear canal is called external otitis. Causes of external otitis include parasites, e.g. ear mites, bacterial and fungal infections, allergies and other skin diseases, and tumors of the glands of the canal. Self-trauma to the pinna from scratching at the ear can result in bleeding between the cartilage and the skin of the pinna. Blood may collect in a pocket or swelling along the inside of the pinna and is a called an aural hematoma.



Middle ear.The most common disease of the middle ear is inflammation or infection, called otitis media. Otitis media may develop as an extension of otitis externa through a ruptured eardrum, or it may travel up the eustachian tube from the pharynx. Inflammatory polyps - benign growths of soft tissue of the middle ear occasionally occur in the dog, but are less common than in the cat.



Inner ear.Otitis interna is infection and/or inflammation of the inner ear. It often arises from extension of infection from the middle ear. Bacteria and fungal agents are the most common causes of infections in the inner ear. Certain inflammations of the inner ear may arise without infection and can lead to loss of balance and varying degrees of deafness. Deafness is an uncommon problem in cats, but may be present as a congenital birth defect in white cats with blue eyes. Deafness may also develop secondary to certain drug toxicities, chronic infection, trauma, tumors or aging.

DEAFNESS IN DOGS
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Deafness is the inability to hear and can be caused by either conduction or neurologic abnormalities. All puppies are born unable to hear even the loudest noises because their ear canals are closed until they are about 10 days old. At the age of three weeks, puppy's ear canals open fully and they are able to hear most sounds. Complete hearing becomes possible at about 21 days. Prior to this time, it is difficult to test for hearing impairment.



Conduction deafness is caused by abnormalities of the pinna - external ear, ear canal, tympanic membrane - eardrum, auditory ossicles or middle ear. Waxy debris occluding the ear canal, tympanic membrane, and severe ear infections are all examples of diseases causing conduction deafness.



Neurologic or sensorineural deafness is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear, auditory nerve or in the brain itself. Inherited deafness, drug toxicity and age-related deafness are diseases causing sensorineural deafness.



Deafness can be unilateral, affecting one ear or bilateral, affecting both ears. Unilateral deafness is difficult to recognize without specialized equipment. Because of the cost of the equipment, testing is generally limited to veterinary referral hospitals, specialists and university clinics.



There are over 35 breeds of dogs reported to have hereditary sensorineural deafness. Breeding dogs should be tested for deafness. Animals found to have inherited deafness in one or both ears should be removed from breeding programs.




What to Watch For
Not responding to spoken commands
Responding only when the pet can see you
Sleeping more than normal
Not waking unless you physically touch them
Turning in the wrong direction when you call them
Shaking the head or pawing at the ears




DOG DEAFNESS TREATMENT

Results of the history, physical examination and initial tests will determine the need for further diagnostic tests and will help determine the appropriate treatment for your pet's deafness.



Conduction deafness can be corrected if the cause, such as wax accumulation or infection, can be eliminated. Cleaning the ears should be done with care to prevent damage to the eardrum. Only well-trained and knowledgeable people should use cotton-tipped applicators such as Q-tips to clean the ears. Caution should be used. Dogs with severely dirty ears may need to be cleaned under anesthesia by a veterinarian.



Infection may need to be treated locally (in the ear canal) and systemically with antibiotics. Sensorineural deafness cannot be reversed with medications, surgery, or hearing aids. Hearing aids have been used in dogs and cats but the majority of the animals do not tolerate the presence of the hearing aid in the ear canal.



Testing can be done at home to assess hearing. Remember that your pet may "feel" sounds such as a door slamming or steps across a hardwood floor. Treatment prescribed by your veterinarian should be performed as directed. Medications should be given as directed until finished.



Dogs that are born deaf can be trained to respond hand signals. A bell can be attached to a deaf animal's collar so that if he gets away he can be found.

Deaf animals need to be closely supervised especially around traffic since they cannot hear dangers such as cars.



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