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French Bulldogs with ears down are a unique and adorable breed. Their adorable "bat ears" are actually a result of their brachycephalic skull structure.
French Bulldogs are prone to ear infections due to their ear shape and size. This can lead to painful and smelly infections that require prompt veterinary attention.
Ear infections can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even allergies. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, can help prevent these issues.
French Bulldogs with ears down require regular grooming to prevent wax buildup and ear infections. A good ear cleaning routine should be done weekly, or as often as recommended by your veterinarian.
Why French Bulldogs' Ears Are Down
French Bulldogs are born with floppy ears, and it's completely normal for them to take some time to develop.
Their ears should gradually become erect between 5-15 months of age, but frequent changes in ear appearance can be a sign that your Frenchie puppy is going through the teething stage.
The teething stage is a critical period for French Bulldogs, and it's essential to monitor their ear development closely.
During this time, your dog's body uses calcium for tooth growth, which can affect the development of their ears.
As your Frenchie grows, their ear cartilage and muscles will become stronger, and their ears should start to stand up on their own.
However, if your French Bulldog's ears stay down, it's not uncommon for there to be an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
Genetics can also play a significant role in determining the shape and development of your Frenchie's ears.
Some French Bulldogs may have the wrong genes to support upright ear carriage, which can result in floppy ears.
French Bulldogs go through four stages of ear development, and if their ears aren't standing up, it's likely because they're still in the early stages of development.
You can help your Frenchie's ears along by using methods mentioned in articles, but it's essential to be patient and not get overly concerned.
It's also worth noting that every French Bulldog is born with floppy ears, and their ears will transition into an upright position as they get older.
Causes and Reasons
French Bulldogs with ears down can be a common sight, and there are several reasons why this might be the case. One reason is that French Bulldogs are born with floppy ears, which will usually stand up on their own as the puppy gets older.
Birth defects can also cause floppy ears in French Bulldogs. Ear infections, lack of blood flow to the ear, ear mites, and obesity are other possible causes.
Some French Bulldogs may have a genetic component to their ear floppiness, which means that their ears may never stand up properly.
As your Frenchie puppy grows, their ears should gradually become erect, but this can take anywhere from 5-15 months. Frequent changes in the appearance of the ears can be a sign that your puppy is going through the teething stage.
Here are some possible causes of floppy French Bulldog ears:
- Birth defect;
- Ear infection;
- Lack of blood flow to the ear;
- Ear mites;
- Obesity;
- Genetic component to ear floppiness;
- Teething stage;
It's worth noting that every French Bulldog is born with floppy ears, and they will usually transition into an upright position as they get older. However, the exact time frame for this can vary.
Ear Development and Stages
French Bulldogs are born with floppy ears, and it's completely normal for their ears to be down at birth. The ear cartilage is not yet fully developed, and it will usually stand up on its own as the puppy gets older.
You can expect your Frenchie's ears to reach their final shape between 5-15 months of age. This is a gradual process, and it's not uncommon for their ears to change shape frequently during the teething stage.
A standard ear development in French Bulldogs goes through four stages. In the first phase, the puppy's ears are small and floppy. In the second phase, the ears start to stand up on their own but can be all over the place. In the third phase, the cartilage becomes stronger, and the ears grow in size. In the fourth phase, the ears reach their full size and stand up by themselves.
Most French Bulldog puppies will have floppy ears until their cartilage is fully developed. If your Frenchie has droopy or down ears, it's not a serious issue, and it might resolve on its own with time.
Health Concerns and Issues
If your French Bulldog is 10 months old and their ears are not standing up on their own, you should be concerned.
Floppy ears do not cause any health or life-threatening problems to Frenchies, but it's considered a deformity since the breed is known for their bat ears.
Injuries and trauma to dogs' ears can cause droopy ears, so if your Frenchie has had any accidents or injuries in the past, it might be related.
Ear infections are common in French Bulldogs and can cause discomfort and pain, leading to tilting of the head and keeping the ears down due to pain and irritation.
Treatment and Care
If your French bulldog's ears don't become erect until the 5th month of age, talk to your vet to learn how to tape your dog's ears.
Each dog is different, and some Frenchies can get a final ear shape at the 10th week, while others can wait for it until the 25th week.
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The growing process happens in different times for everyone, just like in humans.
Taping the ears can be one of the solutions to help them stand up, but it's essential to clean the ears first by using an ear solution that removes debris and makes hair easier to grip.
Use masking tape and gently tape the ears, leaving 1.5 inches wide between them, and set the dog's ears in a straight position.
Leave the tape on for approximately 3-4 days, and when removing the tape, do it gently to avoid cutting or scratching the gristle.
If taping doesn't work, your vet can prescribe a calcium injection, but it's best to consult with your vet before giving your dog a calcium supplement.
Crushed eggshells are a great source of natural calcium that can't harm your pet, and you can try adding them to your dog's regular diet.
Keep your dog's ears clean and check them regularly for stuck plants and debris.
You should never panic and patiently wait for your dog's ears to stand up, as it will happen sometime when you least expect it.
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If you don't see any improvement in your dog's ears until the 8th week, you can start tapping them to speed up the process.
However, if nothing works, it might mean your dog is not purebred.
To tape your French bulldog's ears, use a masking tape that is about 1.5 inches wide, and avoid using any other tapes that can hurt your dog's skin and remove the fur.
Gently wrap the tape around your Frenchie's ears, making sure to leave the ear flat, and form the ears into the upright position.
Use a longer strip of tape to connect them and hold them erect, and leave the tape on for about 3 days.
Then, gently remove the tape to see if there is an improvement, and consider repeating the process for the next month.
For more insights, see: Why Are My Dog's Ears Cold?
Injuries and Infections
Injuries and infections can cause French bulldogs to have ears down. French bulldogs with ear injuries or trauma may experience a change in ear position.
Ear infections are a common issue, causing discomfort and pain to dogs. This discomfort can lead to a tilted head and ears held down.
Injuries or accidents that damage a dog's ear can result in a change in ear position.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do Frenchies' ears stand up?
French Bulldogs' ears typically stand up between 4 weeks and 4 months old, with smaller ears standing up sooner. Ear development can vary, but most puppies' ears will be upright within this timeframe.
Sources
- https://frenchie.world/why-are-my-french-bulldogs-ears-down-what-to-do/
- https://askfrankie.co/french-bulldogs-ears-down/
- https://dogadvisorycouncil.com/french-bulldog-floppy-ears/
- https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/how-to-make-my-french-bulldogs-ears-stand-up/
- https://allaboutfrenchies.com/why-are-my-french-bulldogs-ears-down/
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