|
The German Shepherd EAR
Ok, so... you live and you learn. I used to believe that the German Shepherd Dog ear would ALWAYS just stand on it’s own, but no matter how many times I tell puppy buyers, “The rules of the ears”, it seems that someone MUST touch (even me). So, after researching I found a way to insure the ears are standing. For those of you reading this, thinking, “well, weak ears aren’t supposed to happen”, think again - OFTEN people cause them and I want to make certain PEOPLE know how to fix them.
FIRST: Leave the ears ALONE!!! Hands off. Don’t play with them! Don’t let other dogs touch them. Don’t let children touch them. Don’t caress them. Don’t do anything with them. In much gentler terms, I have told my puppy parents this IN WRITING for years. However, even I have fallen victim to loving on those soft extremities that just call out to be handled.
SO: At 5 1/2 months, if the ears are not standing, put aside 20 minutes, 2 people and $10.00 to make the ears stand. You are going to need “Goody Extra Large Foam Rollers” (Pink rollers from the drug store), an unsharpened pencil, “M Super Weather strip adhesive No 08001” (available at the auto parts store), rubbing alcohol, cotton balls and a pencil eraser.
Take the plastic out of the pink roller. Put the eraser on the unsharpened end of the pencil. Put the glue and the tongue depressor where you can EASILY find them.
Look in the ears, smell them and make certain they are NOT infected. If they are infected, take the pup to the vet DO NOT continue this procedure.
Clean out the ear with the alcohol and cotton balls. If the ear is red and inflamed, if the pup is crying out in pain or if you are removing anything other than dirt and wax, STOP, the ears may be infected or the pup may have mites - take your pup to the vet DO NOT continue this procedure.
Let the ear dry out. If the pup starts scratching the ear and whining loudly or crying out, check the ear - your pup may have an ear infection. If you suspect an infection - take the pup to the vet DO NOT continue this procedure.
At this point you should be positive the pup does not have an ear infection, mites or other problems with the ear. If you are not 100% positive STOP and take your pup to the vet.
Take the roller that is already on the pencil and spread the glue on the pencil with the tongue depressor. Go all the way around the sides but NOT on the ends. Let it sink in. As soon as it dries (about 2 minutes) put on another coat. Have the other person hold the pup and scratch or pet him. Set the roller in the ear right above the first knuckle. The other person should have their index finger in the pup’s ear to prevent the pencil from poking, glue from dripping and keeps an opening for the ear to breathe. Push the roller to the back of the ear and gently squeezing the ear around the roller, make sure NO hairs are caught in the glue from the bottom of the ear, it will only cause irritation. Hold the ear in place while the glue dries (about 2 minutes). Gently remove the pencil from the roller. Watch to see that the pup is using the muscles to hold the ear up, if not, use a tongue depressor to stabilize the ears by bracing them with tape. This should last about 3-4 weeks.
WE ARE NOT VETERINARIANS, THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED AND LEARNED TO USED FROM OTHER EXPERIENCED BREEDERS. THE ADVICE GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS NOT INTENDED TO TAKE THE PLACE OF VETERINARY CARE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, DO NOT BELIEVE YOU CAN EFFECTIVELY PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OR ARE NOT CONFIDENT IN THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS, LEARN MORE BEFORE YOU WORK ON YOUR DOG. WE WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANYONE USING THIS INFORMATION.
|
