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binx44 · Apr 28, 2010, 05:01 PM

My pupppy is a bulldog, his ears do not stand up they droop over themselves. (I've only ever owned dogs whose ears stand up) I was wondering, since I know dogs with droopy ears can be more prone to ear infections, what should I do to help prevent this. And what should I use.. he's not old enough to leave his mommy yet but I want to make sure I have all bases covered

ChihuahuaMomma · Apr 28, 2010, 05:07 PM

I didn't realize that dogs with floppy ears have more ear infections. My dog has floppy ears but they also stand up when something catches her attention. She hasn't ever had an ear infection.

binx44 · Apr 28, 2010, 05:15 PM

Well I've had friends with retrievers and beagles.. and they seem toalways be getting ear infections. Maybe it's a breed thing then.. my bulldogs ears will never stand up, not even when something catches his atttention lol

Aurora_Bell · Apr 28, 2010, 05:18 PM

Hey Binx, not sure on how true that info is about being prone to ear infections, but as long as you keep your dogs ears cleaned on a regular basis you really should be fine.

I am sure once you get him you will take him to the vet for an introduction, de wormer, flea treatment and his first round of vaccines, the vet at that time may give you something to kill ear mites. I use revolution for worms and fleas, but for some reason I am thinking there is something in there for ear-mites as well... could be wrong, but I would have to double check.

binx44 · Apr 28, 2010, 05:23 PM

Well, I know the breeder is taking him to the vet before I take him (he has also been to the vet today for his 6 week shot(s?) and a checkup.. that's how I know he is 7 lbs 5 oz :D my vet is in Ontario, the pups are in Nova Scotia (which is where I am until may 22nd)

Aurora_Bell · Apr 28, 2010, 05:25 PM

Ooo I am in NS too. Mind if I ask where the breeder is in NS? Might know them...

I know it may not feasible and it may be un necessary, but when I get a new dog I always like to bring them to my vet, for an introduction and a once over, it gives me a better piece of mind. But that's just me...

binx44 · Apr 28, 2010, 05:31 PM

I don't mind you asking at all.. (me I'm origionally from ns) the breeder is on gaspereaux mountain in kings county just outside of wolfville (home of acadia university) they had a wonderful litter of NINE pups, 7 males 2 females. The mother of the pups is red merle, and the father is Pied... (black and white).
She's a rather new breeder, this is their first litter... but I do believe they might of decided it is not for them. They didn't do all the research they should have, and risked the possibility of MM pups (merle x merle breeding and merle x Pied breeding is a no no in the community for these dogs.) which gives a 25% chance of excessive white pups, prone to deafness, and skin problems. Thankfully the one almost all white pup they had, has been tested and is completely fine. So they lucked out there. They were told by the registry's vice president that they could breed the two together without problems, as the male is from him. But.. sometimes people are not always right

Aurora_Bell · Apr 28, 2010, 05:36 PM

You know I wanted to say something about the merle, but I decided against it. I am glad they made that decision. Regardless they are gorgeous, and I bet they will make a wonderful addition to your home, I know you have been looking for a while and have had some issues with rescue.

I am in Colchester County.

Sariss · Apr 28, 2010, 07:21 PM

Dogs with floppy ears aren't prone to ear infections, but they are more likely to get them (unless of course the infection has to do with an underlying issue that doesn't have anything to do with the fact the dog has floppy or prick ears). This is pretty much because with the ear folded over, air cannot get in and moisture is more apt to build up - a perfect spot for bacteria and yeast to grow.

I have a floppy eared dog with skin issues so he is prone to ear infections. I just clean his ears about every week (more often if they are dirty) and make sure they are well dried. I also make sure they are dried when he goes swimming. I have learned the smell of "yeasty" ears and bring ear swabs into the clinic when I think he has an infection. The earlier caught the better.

At such a young age you shouldn't worry about ear infections as they are rare at that time. When the pup goes in for vaccines ask about proper ear care and they will give you pointers as well.

shazamataz · Apr 28, 2010, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMomma

I didn't realize that dogs with floppy ears have more ear infections. My dog has floppy ears but they also stand up when something catches her attention. She hasn't ever had an ear infection.

They don't ;)

It's more about your dogs genetics... if the parents were prone to ear infections then it is likely yours will to.
If the parents were fine then you dog will most likely be fine.

I have poodles... you can't get much more dropped and much more hairy than them, they even grow thick hair INSIDE their ear canal and they have never had an ear infection.

To prevent it just keep them clean.
Once a week just give them a wipe out with some ear cleaning solution (available at your vets) I don't even do that... mine just get the hair plucked out of their ears every 6 weeks when I groom them.

JudyKayTee · Apr 30, 2010, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by binx44

My pupppy is a bulldog, his ears do not stand up they droop over themselves. (i've only ever owned dogs whose ears stand up) I was wondering, since i know dogs with droopy ears can be more prone to ear infections, what should i do to help prevent this. and what should i use.. hes not old enough to leave his mommy yet but i want to make sure i have all bases covered

I've had Labs with constant ear infections. The Vet told me that is because their ears never get "aired out." In fact, one of my Labs had to have surgery to widen the ear canal (I think that was the reference).

Now I have GSD - one has constant ear infections and I'm told because her stand up ears are exposed to the elements.

I think it depends on the dog -

Lucky098 · Apr 30, 2010, 08:38 AM

They're not prone to ear infection just because they have floppy ears.

If your dog is a dirty dog and is contantly rolling in the dirt and getting wet, then ear infection will be more likely.

Just keep your dogs ears clean. That's all I do with my pit who has floppy ears instead of the rose or tuplip ear.

binx44 · May 2, 2010, 08:20 AM

Thank you for the awesome information people :D