Ear Cropping and Aftercare Procedures
‘To crop, or not to crop?’ is a question you may find yourself asking, if you have recently bought a puppy. There are many breeds that are required, by breed standard, to have their ear’s cropped. However many new owners are apprehensive about the procedure and should be, as it is something that should not be done lightly as every dog and owner are different. Many owners and vets alike condemn ear cropping as cruel and unnecessary, yet there are just as many that believe dogs must have the cosmetic procedures done, if they are to truly represent their breed standard.
Ear cropping is usually done between nine and twelve weeks of age after a brief fast of usually around twelve hours. This prevents complications with the anesthetic. During the procedure the ear is cut, and then sutured. Finally the puppy will be prescribed a medicine to reduce pain, and possibly to help fight off the chances of infection before returning home with you. Aftercare, is of the up most importance. This will literally make or break the ears standing well or not. The puppy will usually leave the vets office with a metal or strong plastic apparatus to hold the ears in place. You must take great care that the ears stay clean and the sutures are not ripped out. Ears will Bleed easily for the first few days, so you must watch the pup and keep him or her as calm as possible. After Seven days of this, the vet will remove the sutures, and once again tape the ears in an upward position so healing may finish in the correct position. The bandages will be changed roughly every week, depending on your vet until the ears stand correctly. Usually taking Six to eight weeks for the whole procedure, however they may take longer on certain breeds.
Please consider all the avenues of ear cropping before you make a decision, and Never go ahead with the procedure if you are not one hundred percent committed to the aftercare. First find a vet you feel you can trust to talk about all your questions and concerns regarding the procedure. Ask to see pictures of the ears he personally has done, as two vets may have very different techniques. Do not let anyone sway you one way or the other. Make an informed decision you trust, and can comfortably stand by, and remember all that really matters is if you believe your new puppy should have his ears cropped or not.
Read more of my articles about your new best friend at Canine Counterparts
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