Yorkshire Terriers are known for their adorable, erect ears that stand straight up on their heads. These tiny ears are actually quite delicate and require regular care to stay healthy.
Yorkshire Terriers have erect ears that can be prone to ear infections due to their narrow ear canal. This is a common issue in the breed.
Their ears are also quite expressive, and owners can use them to gauge their dog's mood and personality. If a Yorkshire Terrier's ears are held high, it's a good sign - they're feeling confident and happy.
Yorkshire Terriers need regular ear cleaning to prevent wax buildup and infections. This can be done at home with a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls.
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Yorkshire Terrier Ear Development
Yorkshire Terrier ear development is a natural process that occurs as puppies grow. Their ears are typically floppy at birth.
Between three and six months of age, the muscles at the base of their ears develop, causing their ears to stand up. This initial strengthening can be interrupted by teething, which happens between four and eight months.
Yorkies may experience uneven ears, with one standing up while the other remains floppy, during this time. This is a common phenomenon that typically works out naturally as the muscles strengthen.
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At Birth
At birth, Yorkie puppies have floppy ears, and they'll stay that way until they develop the necessary muscle strength to stand erect. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months of age, and it might even happen in stages, with one ear rising before the other.
Yorkie puppies are born with floppy ears, and it's completely normal. I've seen many Yorkie puppies with floppy ears, and they grow up to be happy and healthy dogs.
Their ears will start to stand up as they develop the muscle strength needed to hold them in place. This is a natural part of their growth and development, and it's nothing to worry about.
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When Will an Ear Stand Up?
Yorkshire Terrier ear development is a fascinating process, and understanding it can help you better care for your furry friend. Yorkies are born with floppy ears, which will eventually stand up as their muscles develop.
Typically, this strengthening happens between three and six months of age. However, teething can interrupt this process, causing ears to flop again. Teething usually occurs between four and eight months, and it's a normal part of your Yorkie's growth.
During teething, your Yorkie's muscles may not get the nutrients they need to hold up their ears. This can cause ears to become uneven, with one standing up while the other remains floppy. Don't worry, this is a common phenomenon that usually resolves on its own.
As your Yorkie grows and develops, you may notice their ears stand up and then flop again. This is a normal part of their ear development process, and it's not a cause for concern.
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Ear Structure and Appearance
Yorkshire Terrier ears are a distinctive feature of the breed, and their structure and appearance can vary from dog to dog. Some Yorkies are born with naturally floppy ears that will never stand up.
Yorkie ears should slowly stand up as your pup grows, but it's not uncommon for them to remain floppy. This is especially true if your dog inherits slightly lower ears from their parents.
The teething process can also cause Yorkie ears to be floppy for a while. This is because the changing teeth can cause the ears to be out of alignment.
Floppy Yorkie ears are not a cause for concern and won't cause any severe problems like weakened hearing or pain. However, it's essential to let your Yorkies' ears develop as naturally as possible.
If your Yorkie's ears are floppy due to excess hair weight, a simple haircut can help. If that doesn't work, shaving their ears thoroughly may be necessary.
Ear Care and Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier ears require regular care and maintenance to stay clean and healthy. It's essential to clean their ears more often than bathing, starting with the outer ears using warm water and a small amount of gentle shampoo.
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When inspecting your Yorkie's ears, look for signs of infection or debris, such as redness or dirt. If you find any issues, it's best to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Trimming excess hair around your Yorkie's ears can help prevent dirt and debris from getting caught in and around the ear. This is especially important for Yorkies with profuse hair.
Cleaning your Yorkie's ears involves using a dog-specific cleaning solution and a cotton ball. Be careful not to dig too deep, as this can push the cerumen further into the ear and cause more harm than good.
Here's a simple 3-step ear care routine to follow:
- Inspect your Yorkie's ears regularly for signs of infection or debris.
- Trim excess hair around the ears to prevent dirt and debris from getting caught.
- Clean your Yorkie's ears with a dog-specific cleaning solution and a cotton ball.
By following this ear care routine, you can help keep your Yorkie's ears clean, healthy, and free from infections.
Ear Infections and Health
Ear infections in Yorkies can happen quickly, even with regular grooming and ear cleaning. Ear infections can be caused by foreign objects stuck in your dog's ears, excess ear wax and dirt, or ear mites.
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Unpleasant smells coming from your Yorkie's ears can be a sign of an ear infection. Your dog may also become nervous and whine when you touch their ears due to the pain.
Leaking discharge from your Yorkie's ears is another clear sign of an ear infection. They may also shake their head and rub it against furniture, and scratch their ears.
Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health problems, such as dizziness, hearing problems, and vomiting. Only a veterinarian can provide professional cleaning and prescribe the necessary medications.
You can't help your Yorkie by trying to clean their ears on your own. Following the veterinarian's prescribed therapy, an ear infection should be resolved within about a week.
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Genetics Play a Role
Genetics play a role in determining a Yorkie's ear shape. Some pet owners try to fold and tape their dog's ears, but this method isn't a guarantee and can even hurt your pet if the wrap is too tight.
A Yorkie's ear shape is largely determined by their genetic makeup, and some breeds are more prone to floppy ears than others. You can't fool Mother Nature, as the saying goes.
A Yorkie's ear shape doesn't affect their hearing, and the bent style is actually quite cute. If you're not planning to show your dog in canine club events, where breed standard is important, you can rest assured that your Yorkie is perfectly fine with floppy ears.
Some Yorkies are destined to have adorably floppy ears for their whole lives, and that's perfectly okay.
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Ear Care for Specific Situations
Yorkies are sensitive to low temperatures, so cold water can provoke cold and pain in their ears.
After swimming, it's essential to rinse your Yorkie's ears with plain water to remove salt and prevent infections.
Their ear canals shouldn't stay wet for too long, as this can lead to an ear infection.
Drying your Yorkie's ears is also necessary after swimming, and regular ear maintenance is crucial to prevent problems.
Consult a veterinarian about which solution would be adequate for rinsing your dog's ears, as they can provide personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make a Yorkies ears stand up?
To make a Yorkie's ears stand up, use a small amount of tape to hold them in place, adjusting as needed to prevent discomfort. Wrapping the other side of the tape can also help keep the ears secure.
Sources
- AKC (akc.org)
- Yorkie Ears Down? Here Is What You Need to Do! - Ask Yorkie (askyorkie.com)
- duckytheyorkie (instagram.com)
- breed standard (akc.org)
- American Animal Hospital Association (aaha.org)
- American Kennel Club: Yorkshire Terrier (akc.org)
- dog is prone to ear infections (akc.org)
- Yorkies (akc.org)
- Jon-An's Yorkshire Terriers (How to train Yorkies ears to stand) (jonanyorkies.com)
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