EARS
With CC's, there exists a preference for erect ears. Delicious upright
fringed ears frame those perfect features, making the dog nothing less
than art in motion.
Most breeders attempt to incorporate this asset into breedings, but
the most perfectly earred parents can produce a floppy topped thing.
Ear carriage is influenced by a number of factors: heredity, placement,
thickness, length, growth rate, diet, calcium, zinc, coat, teething stage,
etc.
Rough puppy play can also damage cartilage, leaving it forever prone to
a downward flop.
Supports used in early weeks of life - require vigilence. Some believe
in shaving ears for the 1st few months, removing excess weight - some
continue to shave forever - preferring the "look".
It's a personal preference.
Dogs occasionally go thru stages where an erect ear suddenly falls flat, then without notice, resurrects.
Some never reach that perfect upright carriage - however, in the scope of things, there's alot worse things to worry about.
HEALTH
It's a good idea to watch errant hairs growing inward toward the canal. Matts irritate, collect wax & bacteria - causing infection. Shaving a path at the base will encourage hair to grow outward or down.
Protect canals from water during bath - use cleaners regularly - careful of inserting swabs.
Head shaking, foul odors, walking sideways: a pup will let you know something is going on within (yeast, bacteria, mites, allergies, etc.)
EAR MITES are a creepy, common, spider-like parasite that can live anywhere on the skin, primarily burrowing in the dark moist ear canal where air flow is restricted. Feeding on ear wax & epidermal debris (ewwwwwwwwww) - they are contagious little buggers - easily spread to other dogs, cats, ferrets, etc. THEY DO NOT AFFECT HUMANS!
Watch for scratching/head shaking/walking sideways or rubbing their face on the ground. Secondary bacterial/yeast/allergic infections are common - consult your vet - antibiotics may be necessary.
Over the counter preparations are available to kill mites - length of treatment varies.
Clean ears prior to treatment, or meds will sit atop the dirt, where it is of no value.
Look for other areas ofinfestation on the pups body - neck,tail, etc.
Change bedding & treat other pets.
Natural treatments are olive oil, Vitamin E, herb Yellow Dock, almond oil, mullein flowers, garlic oil. Vet intervention may be necessary if secondary infection requires oral meds.
Don't freak out - this is simply another cycle of nature. Watch your pup - be pro-active in addressing concerns early.
