The Painful Consequences of Ear Cropping
The practice of ear cropping has been banned in some places because it’s a painful procedure with no benefit to the dog. In fact, it can have negative long-term effects. Let’s dive into some of the physical and behavioral consequences of ear cropping.
Ear cropping is a surgery that involves reshaping a dog’s ears to give them a particular appearance and make them stand up. While certain breeds are more likely to have cropped ears, such as Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Schnauzers, Mastiffs, and Great Danes, the practice is painful and purely cosmetic. It is for this reason that some places have decided to ban it.
Long-Term Physical Pain
The process of ear cropping involves cutting into the cartilage to give it a different shape. These painful wounds can take weeks to heal. And not only do you have to endure changing the bandages regularly, but the wounds also don’t always heal properly. This can result in scar tissue that causes pain that lasts throughout the dog’s life.
Risk of Infections
Ear cropping leaves an open wound on a dog’s ears that can easily become infected. This can cause additional pain, discomfort, swelling, and burning.
Negative Impact on Hearing
Although ear cropping is purely cosmetic, ears play an essential role in facilitating a dog’s hearing. Ears trap soundwaves, directing them into the ear canal. It is entirely possible that ear cropping negatively impacts a dog’s hearing ability.
Inability to Communicate
Dogs use their ears to communicate with people and other dogs. When a dog flattens its ears against its head, it is a sign of fear or anxiety. Conversely, when their ears face forward, it shows that the dog is attentive or curious. However, one of the consequences of ear cropping is that it hinders a dog’s ability to communicate properly, leading to behavioral and social problems, including aggression.
Poor Emotional Health
Ear cropping is a traumatic experience for puppies, and it can have lasting effects on their emotional and mental well-being. Furthermore, the fact that ear cropping can prevent a dog from communicating properly can further impact their overall emotional health.
The consequences of ear cropping can last a lifetime. It can leave dogs with physical and emotional scars, prevent them from communicating properly, and even cause behavioral issues. While many places have banned ear cropping, it is still legal in some parts of North America. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how this practice can impact dogs if you encounter or adopt a pooch with cropped ears.
Source: Pet Lovers Diary