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Dog's Ears Are Back: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Caring for Your Dog's Aural Health

Introduction

Dogs' ears are essential to their overall health and well-being. They provide them with the ability to hear, communicate, and regulate their body temperature. However, dogs' ears are also susceptible to a variety of health problems, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards "cropping" or "posting" dogs' ears. This practice involves surgically removing part of the ear canal and/or pinning the ears back to give the dog a more alert or aggressive appearance.

Why Cropping and Posting is a Bad Idea:

Cropping and posting is a controversial practice that has been banned in many countries due to the following reasons:

It's painful: Cropping and posting involves cutting into the dog's ear canal, which is a sensitive and painful area.
It can lead to health problems: Cropping and posting can increase the risk of ear infections, hematomas (blood clots in the ear), and other health problems.
It's unnecessary: Dogs do not need to have their ears cropped or posted in order to be healthy or happy.
It's cruel: Cropping and posting is a painful and unnecessary procedure that puts dogs at risk for health problems.

What to Do If Your Dog's Ears Are Cropped or Posted:

If you have a dog with cropped or posted ears, it is important to take steps to protect their ears and keep them healthy. This includes:

Regularly cleaning your dog's ears: Use a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls to clean your dog's ears on a regular basis.
Checking your dog's ears for signs of infection: Look for redness, swelling, discharge, or pain. If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet right away.
Avoiding activities that could damage your dog's ears: Do not allow your dog to swim or play in water, and avoid roughhousing or other activities that could put their ears at risk.

Table 1: The Benefits of Leaving Your Dog's Ears Natural

Benefit	Description
Improved hearing	Dogs with natural ears can hear better than dogs with cropped or posted ears.
Reduced risk of ear infections	Dogs with natural ears are less likely to develop ear infections than dogs with cropped or posted ears.
Better balance	Dogs with natural ears have better balance than dogs with cropped or posted ears.
Improved communication	Dogs with natural ears can communicate better with other dogs and humans than dogs with cropped or posted ears.

Effective Strategies for Leaving Your Dog's Ears Natural

Start early: The earlier you start training your dog to leave their ears natural, the easier it will be.
Be consistent: It is important to be consistent with your training. Do not give your dog any mixed signals.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they leave their ears natural. This will help them to learn that this is the desired behavior.
Avoid punishment: Do not punish your dog for leaving their ears natural. This will only make them more likely to avoid this behavior.

Conclusion

Dogs' ears are an important part of their anatomy and should be treated with care and respect. Cropping and posting is a cruel and unnecessary practice that can lead to health problems. If you are considering cropping or posting your dog's ears, please reconsider. There are many benefits to leaving your dog's ears natural, and it is the best way to ensure their health and well-being.

FAQs

Is it cruel to crop or post a dog's ears?

Yes, cropping and posting is a cruel and unnecessary procedure that can lead to health problems.

What are the benefits of leaving a dog's ears natural?

The benefits of leaving a dog's ears natural include improved hearing, reduced risk of ear infections, better balance, and improved communication.

How can I train my dog to leave their ears natural?

You can train your dog to leave their ears natural by starting early, being consistent, using positive reinforcement, and avoiding punishment.

What should I do if my dog's ears are already cropped or posted?

If your dog's ears are already cropped or posted, it is important to take steps to protect their ears and keep them healthy. This includes regularly cleaning your dog's ears, checking their ears for signs of infection, and avoiding activities that could damage your dog's ears.