12 Amazing Facts About Dog Ears

Dogs have a superb sense of listening, which is highly sensitive to sound. In fact, for some dogs, the ear is the sweetest part of their structure. Some of them are full of fur, and others are curly. For some, it’s upright straight; for some, one ear stands the other flapping.

Irrespective of their appearance, ears are one of the most significant parts of their life. Ears work as funnel shape sound receiving units for them. Near eighteen types of muscles are connected to it for movement. This movement helps them receive sound from a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree direction.

But, if your pup is allergenic, with fluffy and swimmer ears, there is a chance of an increase in ear infections. It is common in more or less every dog. But preventive care can help your pups from such things.

If you suspect any such ear infection, it will be better to go for a vet visit. It will help avoid worst situations like eardrum damage, inner or middle ear infection, and hearing loss. The most common sign of ear infection is tilting the head frequently, accompanied by a sore ear facing downward.

In the worst condition, an ugly smell comes out of the ear. In the worst-case scenario, it turns red and swollen with discharging puss. You should know the reason and details about the ear and related problems to ward off this situation.

12 Facts About Your Dog’s Ears

1. Dogs’ ears are different from ours. They express their emotional stature. For example, a straight and forward-facing ear signifies an attentive nature. While a backward lean ear symbolizes friendliness.
2. They can place their ears opposite one another. Their ear is highly sensitive to the minor sounds of movement. That helps them to anticipate the position of prey. They can sense the ultrasound waves that we are not able to comprehend.
3. Healthy dogs usually do not shake their heads frequently or scratch their back legs. If your dog is doing such movement continuously, some problem has happened due to an ear infection. It’s time for attention to the shaking and search for the reason for such behavior. Search for the cause or issues behind this. There may be some foreign particles stuck to their ear. Hence, that irritates and makes them ill. It even turns into an ear infection. Open their ear and try to visualize what irritates them. If you don’t find something unusual, contact your vet for a visit. As ears are the sensitive part of a dog’s body, it requires sedation for an examination.
4. Dogs have straight-through passage to the eardrum. To look at their eardrum, you have to go through an instrument. These instruments are designed for inner ear visualization. Your dog can tolerate an ear exam though it is a sensitive part of its body. But, you need to consult a vet for further medication because they have ample knowledge of such situations and are the sole authority to prescribe medicine. Never put a swab inside their ear for cleaning.
5. Aortal hematoma is another cause of concern for the dog’s ear. It is a condition that turns the ear into swollen part filled with fluid. It happens due to tissue rupture, which develops fluid in the outer layer of the ear. It becomes painful and heavy. This problem requires surgery.
6. Dogs have highly sensitive ears that can hear sounds at a frequency of up to 45,000 Hz, compared to a human’s 20,000 Hz.
7. The shape of a dog’s ear can indicate its breed; for example, droopy ears are common in hounds, while erect ears are found in breeds like German Shepherds.
8. Some dogs, such as the Basset Hound, have ears that are so long they drag on the ground.
9. Dogs’ ear flaps (or pinnae) play a crucial role in helping them to regulate their body temperature.
10. Dogs have a special muscle in their ear called the auricular muscle, which allows them to close their ear canal to keep out water or debris.
11. Dogs’ ears can also communicate emotions, for example, by perking up when excited or drooping when sad.
    Some dogs are prone to ear infections, especially those with floppy ears or who love to swim.
12. Certain breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to ear problems, such as ear infections, due to their long and floppy ears. Regular cleaning and check-ups can help prevent these issues.

Read Also: 6 Home Remedies for Dog Ear Infection

Conclusion

Dogs have highly sensitive ears capable of hearing sounds at a much higher frequency than humans. Their ears also have the ability to move independently, helping them locate sounds more accurately.

The shape and size of a dog’s ears can vary greatly depending on their breed, and certain breeds are more prone to ear problems.

Regular cleaning and check-ups can help prevent ear infections and other issues. Understanding the unique characteristics of a dog’s ears can help us better understand and care for our canine companions.