What are the benefits of cropping ears?
Traditional Reasons
For example, Boxers were often used as guard dogs. Cropping their ears actually improved their hearing, which therefore enhanced their job performance. In the case of the Brussels Griffon, a hunting dog, the ears were cropped to keep them from being bitten by rats or other prey.
Animal Benefits—It has been suggested that dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from infections of the ear canal. Although the development of some serious infections has been linked to the presence of a heavy hanging ear8, there is no evidence that cropping prevents or successfully treats these infections.
The Problems with Ear Cropping
The biggest issue with ear cropping is that it is unnecessary mutilation and a non-essential procedure. Traditional cropping performed by owners is painful, stressful, potentially dangerous for both the dog and owner, and could lead to hearing loss or infection.
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the dog's ear is removed. The purpose of the procedure is usually to produce ears that stand erect. This procedure is most often performed in puppies around 8-12 weeks of age.
How to Crop a Dog's Ears - YouTube
There's also a risk of the puppy catching an infection during the process. Some people claim there are health benefits to ear cropping, but these are simply not true. Ear cropping does not improve a dog's hearing or prevent ear infections.
American bully ear cropping does not set out to make the dog look menacing or create an image of a fierce dog. This idea is a myth. Mostly, ear cropping is for performance enhancement or to decrease the likelihood of medical issues in the future, such as ear infections.
The best age for ear cropping is between 8 and 12 weeks of age, you should plan to contact our office a few weeks prior to this age window to schedule your consultation as we typically book out approximately four weeks for both consultations and surgeries. A consultation appointment is required prior to surgery.
If you do decide that ear cropping is for your dog, the procedure can be quite costly. The price typically ranges between $150 to $600. But don't just choose your surgeon based on price alone. It is best to go to a reputable clinic to get your dog's ears cropped.
However, the loss of a key communication tool due to ear cropping means that dogs are limited in their ability to use body language to express their emotions and this can lead to a selection of behavioural responses which humans and other dogs may consider to be unexpected and difficult to interpret.
Is ear cropping harmful?
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that “ear-cropping and tail-docking are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection.
How Is Ear Cropping Done? In order for the ears to heal in the desired upright precision after surgery, they must be “posted” to a hard surface and taped until completely healed. Bandages need to be changed weekly, typically. The entire process can last from 4-8 weeks.
Ear cropping and tail docking are very painful procedures and there is a high chance of post surgical infection, severe scaring that can lead to further pain not to mention poor cosmetic appearances.
Use several strips of tape on the diagonal to anchor it to the front and back of the ear on each side of the head. squeezing both ears. Make sure there are no loose pieces of tape or sticky edges exposed. the Ecollar on for at least a little while after each posting.
Ethical and Unethical Ear Cropping
Surgery performed by the dog owner, such as that performed using scissors or an Exacto knife, are universally considered unethical and may even be illegal.
Not only does ear cropping create unnecessary physical pain and discomfort for dogs, but it can also leave them with lasting psychological trauma. Pups also use their ears to communicate, and chopping off parts of them can hinder an owner's ability to understand what their dog is telling them.
After removing the excess ear flap, the vet will tape the remaining portion of the ear in a way that keeps it upright. The ear is regularly retaped throughout the healing process to maintain the correct ear position. Bandages are removed and reapplied weekly for 4 to 8 weeks until the ears fully heal.
Ear cropping is a surgical procedure whereby the outer ear, or the floppy part, is removed. This involves cutting through the ear cartilage, which is extremely painful and is often done without pain relief or anaesthetic.
Flush the incision at the base of the ear area with ear wash or peroxide from a dispenser or syringe and apply antibiotic ointment to the incisions two or three times daily. Avoid wetting any bandaging present. Remove scabs that form on the ear incisions.
Prices for Pitbull ear cropping runs between $150 to $800. It can go higher depending on the veterinarian. The average price though is around $250. This amount should include anesthesia, the procedure itself, aftercare medication, and any follow-up visit.
Why do people crop Pitbull ears?
Ear cropping is said to have started in ancient Rome, when dog fights would result in ear injuries. By cropping the ears, they couldn't be damaged as easily. Since ears are easy targets, they were often torn or bitten off, causing tremendous pain to the dog and causing them to lose the fight.
The best age for ear cropping is between 8 and 12 weeks of age, you should plan to contact our office a few weeks prior to this age window to schedule your consultation as we typically book out approximately four weeks for both consultations and surgeries. A consultation appointment is required prior to surgery.
The Doberman was a guard dog. Having ears stand upright allowed for increased hearing capabilities. This was an important feature for a watchdog. Today, ear cropping in Dobermans is usually done to comply with show standards or simply for the owner's personal preference.
The most common breeds that undergo ear cropping are: Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bully breeds, some Mastiff breeds, Kane-corso, Beauceron, Manchester terrier, Schnauzer and others. Many of us are accustomed to the sleek, clean lines of a Doberman or Great Dane with cropped ears; it's part of the desired look.