If you have never had a dog, then probably this procedure will seem to you violence over the animal. But in fact, in some cases, cupping is not just the owner's whim, but a necessity.
What is the procedure for cupping ears in dogs?
In fact, there are only two objective reasons to conduct such an operation: breeding or safety measures. In the first case, the procedure of conducting, if the dog in the future will participate in exhibitions or become a producer. And for guard dogs it is necessary to create a more formidable appearance and, if necessary, protect the animal from unnecessary injuries.
There is an opinion that after this procedure, the ears are better ventilated in the dog. Here reasoning diverge, because some experts believe that this will lead to frequent otitis and other problems. In the opinion of the other side, it is the uncultivated ears in some breeds that can provoke a number of diseases.
Cupping of ears in dogs - age
Conditionally, you can divide this operation into types.
- In the first case, the ears are cut at birth and without anesthesia. This applies to the breeds, in which they are cut very short, but no stitches or other procedures are prescribed. This operation is done by the Central Asian and Caucasian sheep-dogs. It is allowed to carry out this type of cupping of the ears in puppies from birth to up to three days of age, but it is preferable to do so immediately. Sometimes the tail and ears are cut directly during delivery, which reduces pain and bleeding. It is allowed to stop the Central Asian sheep-dogs at the age of 1.2-2 months, but general anesthesia and seams will be required.
- The breeds, whose ears have a more complex form, this procedure is carried out at the age of 40 to 45 days. The procedure is also done under general anesthesia, and then stitches are applied. In a more adult age, it is better not to carry out the procedure, since bleeding will be much more plentiful, and the pet's sensation is much stronger. The older the age of dogs, the more dangerous it is to conduct cupping of the ears. Be sure to consider this, because there are a number of consequences of late pruning: noticeable scars and seals, inflammation of the joints, abundant bleeding.
Care of the pet after cupping of the ears
After the operation, the basic care is reduced to processing the wound. Feed the dog in the usual way, diet or dietary adjustment is not required. All our attention is focused on the seams.
When healing, the wound will be very scratching, so get a special collar in advance. It is made of strong polyethylene, a thick layer of cardboard or soft plastic. You can buy ready in the store or make it yourself. Wear it before the full healing of wounds.
The following tools are used for joint treatment:
- 1% solution green alternate with hydrogen peroxide, use a conventional cotton swab;
- can be treated with a weak solution of marigold tincture;
- less often use streptocid powder.
After cupping the ears it is necessary not only to process the wounds before healing. The next stage will be the setting of the ears. To do this, use hanging with horns. You will need a regular adhesive plaster, gasoline for lighters, cotton wool and cotton swabs with threads. By special technique, plaster and cotton swabs cover the ears of the pet, and then leave for two weeks. First the ears will start to fall forward or backward, but after a while the muscles will get stronger and become rigid.
Further we observe. If the ears are a house, then everything is normal and after a while it will pass. If they are noticeably tilted to the side or are at variance, then it is necessary to carry out the procedure of delivery again. Cupping ears in dogs is more aesthetic and each breeder decides for himself whether it is worth it.