Ear Care for German Shepherd – The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Hearing

As a puppy, the German Shepherd has folded ears and as they grow, the cartilage in their ears develop and hardens. This can cause their ears to be predominantly upright but folded at the tips. When your pet becomes fully grown, both ears tend to stiffen. This is an advantage for this breed, as it allows air to pass into the ear canal helping them to develop better hearing. This ear shape can also prevent yeast or bacteria from growing within the ear. Floppy ears are likely to create a warm and wet area, trapping bacteria which can lead to a greater prevalence of ear infections.

If a foreign object or water becomes trapped within the ear canal, it may lead to ear infections. Signs of ear infections include odor, foul-smelling ear wax and the ear canal may appear red and inflamed upon examination. Ear infections can also be caused by ear mites, bacteria, food allergies, bad hygiene, or an environmental object or substance. Signs that your German shepherd may have an ear infection, may include behavioral signs. Your pet may constantly shake their head, scratch their ear, and show signs of general discomfort. If you suspect any signs of infection, it is important to consult with a veterinarian. If left untreated, infection can spread from the outer ear to the inner ear, where it may lead to permanent damage and prove difficult to treat.

To prevent an ear infection, try to inspect your dog's ears and ear canal every day, or at least every other day. Clean the ear very carefully and remove unwanted ear wax. Remember not to use any sharp end material to remove the earwax, as this may cause damage to the ear. Instead, it is best to use top ear cleansers and cotton buds, and avoid going too far into the ear. There are many ear cleaning products available which are specifically designed for your pet. Try to avoid products that contain hydrocortisone, unless your veterinarian has advised you use these. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a hormone which can have dramatic side effects and which may influence unrelated body functions. In some cases, your German Shepherd may develop a serious ear infection, in which case your veterinarian my prescribe antibiotics. If your pet frequently suffers from ear infections, your veterinarian may refer you to an allergist. An allergist may carry out testing such as blood tests to determine the presence of allergies to particular allergens, such as pollen, food, or materials within the environment. If allergies are present, treatment may include removing particular food substances from your pet's diet, antihistamines, and other specific treatment methods to treat the underlying cause. Once treated, this will reduce the amount and severity of ear infections that your pet experiences.