Introduction
The question of whether chewing helps a dog’s ears stand up is an interesting one that many puppy owners wonder about. A puppy’s journey to standing ears can seem mysterious, with their ears flopping up and down during the teething process. While chewing may play a role, it is just one of many factors that contribute to a puppy’s ears eventually standing tall.
In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy of dog ears, the development process from floppy to standing, and look at how chewing, teething, cartilage strength, breed, and other elements influence ear carriage. We’ll also provide tips for encouraging standing ears through exercises and taping. While chewing may assist, a puppy’s genetic makeup ultimately determines if the ears will stand upright or remain softly folded.
Anatomy of Dog Ears
A dog’s ears are complex organs that allow them to hear sounds and maintain balance. They have three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear (source).
The outer ear consists of the ear flap (pinna) and the ear canal. The pinna is the visible part that can stand up or flop down. It collects sound waves and directs them down the ear canal. The ear canal is the tubular opening that leads to the eardrum. It amplifies and focuses sound (source).
The middle ear contains the eardrum and three tiny bones called ossicles. The eardrum vibrates from incoming sound waves and transmits these vibrations to the ossicles. The ossicles amplify the vibrations before passing them to the inner ear.
The inner ear contains the cochlea and vestibule, which are fluid-filled spaces involved in hearing and balance. The cochlea converts vibrations into nerve impulses that travel to the brain to be interpreted as sound. The vestibule contains receptors that detect motion and head position.
Together, these parts allow dogs to detect a wide range of sounds and maintain their sense of balance and spatial orientation.
Ear Development in Puppies
A puppy’s ears go through several stages of development before standing up fully. At birth, most puppies have floppy ears. The cartilage in the ear has not yet hardened to hold the ear upright. According to https://dogtemperament.com/when-do-puppies-ears-stand-up/, erect ear breeds start to develop their stand up ears around 4-8 weeks of age. The timing varies by breed and the size of the dog.
As the puppy teeths, the chewing action helps exercise the muscles in the ears and strengthen the cartilage. The cartilage continues to develop and harden over the coming weeks. Most puppies have fully upright ears around 6-14 weeks of age. Larger dogs can take up to 6 months for their ears to stand.
While the chewing and teething stage helps, it does not solely determine if ears will stand. The breed, genes, and ear anatomy also play a role. Some puppies may need taping or forms to help support weak cartilage as the ears develop.
The Role of Chewing
Chewing is an important part of the ear standing process for many puppies. The cartilage in a puppy’s ears is very pliable and chewing helps exercise and strengthen the muscles around the base of the ears and jawline. As puppies teethe between 3-6 months of age, the chewing motion works the 18 muscles in each ear that control ear movement and position [1].
Some breeds with ears that stand erect, like German Shepherds, have very large ear muscles that allow them to move their ears independently. All those ear muscles need proper development and strength in order for the ears to stand correctly. Chewing hard rubber chew toys is an easy way to help build up those muscles naturally as a puppy teethes [2].
The chewing action also stimulates blood flow to the cartilage which aids in development. Some puppies may even have their ears go up and down repeatedly during teething as the chewing motion impacts the ear muscles and cartilage flexibility [3]. So chewing is definitely an important factor in the ear standing process for many puppy breeds.
Other Factors In Ear Standing
A dog’s breed plays a significant role in whether their ears stand up. Certain breeds like German Shepherds, Poodles, and Corgis commonly have erect ears, while breeds like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Bloodhounds tend to have floppy ears [1]. This is due to selective breeding for traits like droopy ears in hunting dogs to help sweep scents up from the ground.
Nutrition can also impact ear standing. Puppies need adequate protein, fat, and calcium in their diet to support proper cartilage and muscle development. A balanced diet supports the strength needed for ears to stand [2]. Vitamin supplements are sometimes recommended.
Taping techniques can be used to help strengthen puppy ears and encourage them to stand. This involves gently taping the ears in an upright, supported position to train the cartilage to hold the correct shape. Taping should only be done after checking with a veterinarian, as the wrong method can damage ears.
When to Worry
While floppy ears are normal in young puppies, at a certain point you may start to worry if your puppy’s ears show no signs of standing. Most puppies’ ears will stand erect between 4-7 months old. If your puppy is over 7 months old and has very soft, floppy ears that show no signs of standing, it may indicate an issue.
Some things to look out for include:
- Ears that are curled over instead of folded
- Crusting or scabs inside the ear
- Head shaking or signs of pain/discomfort
- Unusually soft or pliable ear cartilage
- Protruding ears that stick straight out instead of folding over
If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian, as it could indicate an ear infection, injury, or other health condition preventing the ears from standing properly. Certain breeds with very large, heavy ears may never stand fully erect. But any signs of irritation, redness, or pain should be addressed right away.
While floppy ears alone are not dangerous, if your puppy’s ears remain down without explanation, it’s worth having them examined. Standing ears are important for good ear ventilation and health. So make sure your puppy’s ears stand properly or get veterinary help if needed.
Exercises and Taping
If a puppy’s ears show no signs of standing upright on their own by 4-5 months of age, some owners may try methods to encourage the ears to stand. Two common techniques are exercises and taping.
Ear exercises involve gently massaging and manipulating the ears to strengthen the underlying muscles and cartilage. This may be done several times per day starting around 3-4 weeks of age. Exercises should be gentle and not cause any pain. Typical techniques include lightly pinching the base of the ears, gently rolling the ears between fingers, and holding the ears upright for a few seconds at a time.[1]
Taping involves lightly taping the ears in an upright, erect position to encourage them to stand. There are specialized kits for ear taping dogs, but some homemade options use breathable medical tape, foam hair rollers, and popsicle sticks. Taping should allow airflow into the ear canal. The tape is changed every few days as the puppy’s ears strengthen. Taping too early or for too long can harm the dog. Owners should research proper methods and monitor the puppy closely if taping ears.[2]
Caring for Floppy Ears
Dogs with floppy ears that don’t stand up require some special care and maintenance. Floppy ears are more prone to developing ear infections, so it’s important to regularly check and clean them.
Veterinarians typically recommend cleaning floppy ears at least once a week using a gentle dog ear cleanser. Make sure to only clean the visible outer part of the ear canal using cotton balls or pads, and never insert anything into the inner ear. After cleaning, you can apply an ear drying powder or drops to prevent excess moisture.
Pay close attention for any signs of irritation, redness, inflammation, or foul odor, as these may indicate an infection requiring veterinary treatment. Itching, head shaking, or rubbing of the ears are other common infection symptoms. If you notice any discharge, swelling, or odor, take your dog to the vet right away.
Trimming excess hair around the ears can also help improve air circulation and reduce moisture. Be very careful not to nick the skin when trimming. Some floppy-eared breeds may benefit from taping or gluing the ears up temporarily as puppies to help them stand, but consult your vet first.
While floppy ears need diligent care, they can still make wonderful pets. Focus on keeping them clean and dry, and see your vet promptly if you suspect any problems.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/grooming/clean-a-dogs-floppy-ears
https://missmollysays.com/how-to-care-for-your-dogs-long-floppy-ears/
Benefits of Standing Ears
There are several advantages to dogs having upright, standing ears. Some of the main benefits include:
Better hearing – The unique shape of standing ears helps dogs collect sound waves and funnel them directly into the ear canal. This allows them to detect faint or distant noises much easier. It’s one reason why breeds like German Shepherds make excellent working dogs.
Cooling – Standing ears provide more airflow and act as a cooling mechanism for dogs. The large surface area helps dissipate heat more efficiently than floppy ears that lay flat against the head.
Expressive communication – A dog’s upright ears are very mobile and can swivel to listen closely. The position and motion of standing ears gives clear visual signals to other dogs and owners about mood and intent.
Cuteness – Many perceive standing ears as enhancing a dog’s alert and eager expression. It adds to their energetic appearance and is considered an attractive physical trait by some dog lovers.
Healthier ears – Floppy, folded ears can trap moisture and debris leading to increased ear infections. Standing ears allow for more air circulation and drainage helping prevent issues.
Overall, standing upright ears offer dogs key sensory advantages and health benefits. It’s one reason certain breeds have been selectively bred to maintain ears in the erect position. While not critical, perky standing ears are considered desirable for both working dogs and companions.
Conclusion
In summary, chewing can play an important role in a puppy’s ear development, but it is not the sole determining factor. Puppies are born with floppy ears that gradually stand up as the cartilage strengthens. The cartilage strengthening is influenced by genetics, chewing, teething, ear exercises, taping, and other factors. Chewing provides some exercise for the ear muscles and ligaments, which helps strengthen them over time. However, chewing alone does not make ears stand up if the puppy does not have the proper genetic makeup. Other influences like teething and cartilage development also play a key role. While chewing is beneficial, puppy owners should not worry excessively about their puppy’s chewing habits. As long as the puppy is healthy, gets proper nutrition, and has no underlying conditions, their ears will most likely stand fully erect on their own time. If floppy ears persist beyond teething age, owners can consult their vet and consider techniques like taping to encourage standing. The main thing is to be patient and let ear development follow its natural timeline, knowing that floppy ears do not negatively impact a dog’s health or hearing abilities.