When do German Shepherd ears stand up? This is a question that many people have when they are thinking about getting a German Shepherd. The answer, however, is not as simple as you might think. There are actually several different factors that can cause a German Shepherd’s ears to stand up. In this blog post, we will discuss when do German shepherd ears stand up and what the different causes may be!
Table of Contents
When Will German Shepherd’s Floppy Ears Stand Up?
Between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks, a German Shepherd’s ears will usually rise up (4-5 months). Keep in mind that not all German shepherd puppies erect ears to this schedule.
It’s essential to note that shepherd ears’ time frames might vary, and some German shepherd owners have reported their puppy’s ears not standing up until 6 months of age (28 weeks); while this is uncommon, it can happen.
During the early stages of ear development, it is very typical to notice the puppy’s ears “dancing.” It’s possible that you’ll see one ears stand up first, and then, just as you believe both ears stand, dog’s ears flops back down!
Both the left and right German shepherds ears stand up and droop down alternately. All of this is deemed typical to see.
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What If German Shepherd Puppy Ears Do Not Stand Even After 5 Months?
It’s very normal if your German shepherd puppy ears do not rise up around this time!
Some puppy’s ears might flip over for up to 8 or 9 months. At 9 months, a German Shepherd puppy with floppy ears is nothing to be concerned about.
This is especially true if one ears upright and the other ear is down. The lack of standing ears is regarded as attractive and appealing by the majority of dog owners.
Even within the same litter, the pups’ ears may stand at various periods. Furthermore, some puppies’ ears do not normally stand up to seven months.
According to studies, around one in every five German Shepherds will have floppy ears throughout their lives.
Do German Shepherd’s Ears Stand Up Naturally?
It is completely normal for a dog with big ears to have one floppy ear and one upright ear. On rare occasions, your German Shepherd may have both floppy ears. If they’re a young German Shepherd puppy, they’re probably still developing, and the adorable floppy ears will take some time to naturally stand perfectly up .
It is not necessarily a sudden change, but rather a gradual one. When they hear a noise or respond to anything, the German shepherd’s floppy ears will rise before they fall.
The more this happens, the more probable it is that the pup’s ears will learn to stand up on their own. If you observe a German Shepherd puppy’s ears popping up within the first five months of life, it’s a good bet that your dog’s ears stick up when he or she matures.
Because the cartilage in your floppy german shepherd puppies’ ears are still forming, they take so long to rise up. It’s not particularly strong while they’re puppies, but it grows strong enough to support the weight of their ears as they get older.
German Shepherd puppy ears develop between the ages of eight weeks and six months. If they aren’t up after the dog has done teething, which varies from dog to dog but usually occurs between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks, the first thing to look for is that your German Shepherd puppy is healthy.
Check for Parasites
Take a stool sample to your veterinarian to be analyzed to see whether your dog has intestinal parasites. It is also vital that the puppy consumes high-quality food. If your dog’s ears are not erect by the age of five months, it is advised that you start taping them.
German Shepherds’ floppy ears are totally normal throughout the teething phase in a GSD, which most breeders and doctors agree lasts between 16-20 weeks. The cartilage in the ear stiffens and becomes strong enough for German Shepherd’s ears to stand all the time. Take them to the vet if you never notice them wiggling their ears or standing up their ears.
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Why Do A German Shepherd’s Ears Take So Long To Stand Up On Their Own?
To help its ears stand straight, a German Shepherd puppy must grow cartilage and muscular structure. It needs well-developed muscles and strong cartilage for their ears to stand erect.
Young puppies’ bodies just do not have the muscle to hold their ears straight.
You may notice that your German Shepherd puppy’s ears rise in a vertical position when they hear an unusual noise.
But after a while, the ears drop. All of this is part of their ear growth phases.
Ear Development in Puppies
When pups move their ears up and down, the cartilage and muscles that support their ears get stronger. As your dog adjusts its ears, it strengthens the muscles and cartilage, allowing it to stand erect naturally.
Your dog’s ears will not rise up on their own either.
The cartilage grows during time, and the ears eventually become upright. Again, don’t be concerned if this does not occur till your German Shepherd is older.
Even at 9 months, their ears may require a little more time or assistance to rise upright.
If you find your GSD’s ears aren’t moving at all, even rarely, take them to the doctor for a checkup.
Why do my German Shepherd’s Ears Flop?
Teething
The primary reason is teething. Teething occurs in all pups and typically begins about 4 weeks and can persist up to 28 weeks (6 months).
So, how can tooth decay impact the ears? Teething has a significant influence on ear growth since the jaw and neck muscles are in charge of healthy, perky ears (aside from the cartilage itself). Teething puts so much stress and strain on the mouth, jaw, and neck muscles that the growth of the ears takes a back seat until it’s all finished.
The ears might vary with the intensity of teething. This is why the ears occasionally “dance.” They are up one day and down the next. It frequently correlates with the teething phase and the level of physical stress.
Cartilage Formation
It’s also conceivable that floppy ears are caused by weak or growing cartilage. Ears are supported by cartilage and tiny bones. Because German Shepherds have enormous ear canal, the cartilage must be healthy and robust to support the weight of the ears.
Weak cartilage can be produced by a variety of factors, the most common of which is an injury sustained while playing or by someone who has inadvertently touched their puppy’s ears too much while they are just months of age. Regardless of how adorable they are, fondling the ears should be avoided to avoid accidentally damaging or weakening them.
Breed
Bloodline has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans! Parents’ characteristics can be handed down to their children. So a short look at your German Shepherd’s mother and father will give you an indication of what to expect.
This includes whether or not they are perky, their size, and their shape. It is crucial to know that certain German Shepherd breed varieties do have floppy ears throughout their lives.
If your German Shepherd is mixed, you should expect different ears than you would expect. Ears of purebred German Shepherds are upright and triangle-shaped.
Improper and Poor Nutrition
During critical growth phases, German Shepherds require a balanced diet, nutritious dog food, vitamins and minerals that help in the cartilage and muscular development of their ears.
Improper or inadequate diet does not supply the necessary building blocks for growth and can impede ear development. To avoid problems, make sure your dog gets the proper nutrients from the outset. Hence parent dogs must give them the best dog food for their proper development.
Calcium, like Vitamin D, helps to develop cartilage, which aids in the formation of a firm foundation for the ears to stand on later.
Ignoring Ear Cleaning
Puppies still require ear cleaning when dirt and buildup are excessive. Neglected dirty ears can restrict appropriate growth and cause pain for your dog, forcing them to scratch their ears excessively, which can cause harm.
Never put anything down your dog’s ear canal to clean it! This might endanger them much more! Instead, use a warm, moist towel to remove debris from the skin of the ear or professional ear cleaning wipes.
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Trauma
The ears of Trauma German Shepherds grow from birth until roughly 20 weeks. If the ears are injured at that time, the cartilage may be permanently damaged. This might involve other pups biting or pulling on your puppy’s ears, or a youngster tugging on your puppy’s ears. Avoid playing with your puppy’s ears while they are maturing, watch dog play, and encourage your youngsters to avoid the ears.
Parasites
Puppies may get parasites from a variety of sources, including ingesting things they shouldn’t. Parasites can interfere with your puppy’s proper growth, including the hardening of its ear cartilage.
Take your puppy to the vet on a regular basis for fecal examinations to check for worms and other parasites. Your veterinarian may provide a proper deworming plan for your developing puppy as well as treat parasites if they appear.
Tips to Help your German Shepherd Dog Floppy Ears stand up
1. Chew Toys to Help your German Shepherd’s Ears
Chew toys give vital assistance during the teething process. Chewing anything in sight encourages blood flow to the gums and gives efficient pain relief for your GSD.
Rather than letting your furniture suffer, invest in a variety of high-quality chew toys and change them on a weekly basis. This keeps your GSD interested since he’ll be getting a new toy every week (even if it’s one he’s already used).
They will strengthen and improve the jaw and neck muscles, which also play a role in general ear growth and structure, in addition to assisting teething, which directly influences ear development. Chew toys are fantastic.
2. Keep Your Hands Off Your Ears
Puppy ears are so appealing that we can’t stop touching them. But this is a definite no-no!
Too much fondling might impair cartilage and bones that aren’t fully grown or robust. This can not only extend the time it takes them to stand, but it can also permanently harm them.
To stimulate blood flow, some breeders recommend gently rubbing the base of the ear. This could work, but I can’t say because I’ve never tried it. If in doubt, simply avoid the ears.
3. Diet and Nutrition
Your GSD puppy’s diet and nutrition are critical for all aspects of his growth and development, including his ears!
Make sure his meal is strong in protein from whole meats, high in healthy fats, and includes a variety of vegetables and fruits for critical vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Use a reputable premium brand such as Taste of the Wild, Wellness, or Nutro to avoid giving your dog cheap, unhealthy ingredients. It is critical to select a puppy-specific choice. Avoid “all-life phases” formulations since they fail to account for the fact that a puppy needs more nourishment to sustain growth and development. This is why puppy formulae are created.
4. Use Glucosamine with Caution
Glucosamine is an over-the-counter vitamin used to maintain healthy cartilage and keep joints lubricated in humans, but it is also often given to dogs.
We’re not suggesting glucosamine is inherently dangerous for dogs, but you should consult with your veterinarian first. Don’t assume your dog needs Glucosamine just because his ears are floppy for a bit longer than usual.
One issue with glucosamine is that we seldom offer it to young children, therefore pups should avoid it as well. But, as I previously stated, if you’re thinking about taking Glucosamine, consult with your veterinarian first.
How to Repair Floppy Ears on a German Shepherd
A floppy-eared German Shepherd should be able to stand erect at 5 months of age, after they have finished teething. However, if they do not rise up, you can assist them in the following methods.
These are some of the greatest strategies for making the German shepherd’s ears stand up.
Ear Taping
How to Properly Tape the Ears of a Floppy-Eared German Shepherd
- Taping German Shepherd ears is simple and only requires a few supplies.
- Foam rollers (taken from a woman’s curling set with the plastic component)
- Waterproof dog wrap with self-adhesive backing
- Popsicle sticks, clean
- Regular tapes, which you may have lying around the home, may tear and shred your dog’s delicate skin. To avoid injuring your puppy, use a self-adhering dog bandage that is waterproof.
Then, to keep your puppy’s floppy ears erect, follow these procedures in taping german shepherd ears.
1. Gently Insert the Foam Roller into the German Shepherds One Floppy Ears.
Remove the foam roller’s plastic clip and gently press it against the inside skin of your dog’s ear. Don’t put the roller in there! They simply need to sit deep enough into the ear to encourage cartilage formation.
Before proceeding to the following step, inspect their ears for any wrinkles or folds. Repeat in the opposite ear.
2. Create a Popsicle Stand
To turn floppy german shepherd ears into upright ears, place the popsicle sticks at the top of the foam rollers now (both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point).
You might need another pair of hands for this, so enlist the assistance of relatives or friends.
Place a medium-sized piece of self-adhering waterproof tape across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. When you tape german shepherd ears, you’re building a bridge between the two floppy ears to help them align and support each other.
This ensures that development is equal and balanced.
Never, ever put a popsicle stick in your dog’s ears! It will hurt them! Instead, build a bridge between their ears.
3. Remove and Inspect Their Ears on a Weekly Basis.
Choose a weekday to remove and check your dog’s ears. Remove the covering and foam rollers and check to see if your dog’s ears stand on their own.
Also, check for any pain caused by incorrect taping, and if you find any, stop using the tape.
If your GSD’s ears drop over, rewrap them in the same manner to provide greater support for a little longer. If they stand on their own, you’re set to go and can stop tape your ears.
Don’t forget to check and change the tape on a weekly basis to assess how your pup’s ears are doing.
4. When Should They Stop Taping GSD Ears?
Most German Shepherd’s ears stand on its own at 9 months old, without ear tape or other procedures.
If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears continue to droop over, please consult your veterinarian.
This might suggest that your dog’s ear is permanently flopping and folding over, which isn’t a cause for concern.
Gluing the Ears of a German Shepherd Puppy
Puppy ear gluing is another possibility. This is not nearly as bad as it sounds, and it is a lot easier to accomplish than ear taping.
Another advantage of puppy ear gluing over tape is that the glue method does not prevent air circulation to the inner ear canal. All you need is any form of skin bond or rip mending glue to fix your puppy’s ears. The trick is to select a fabric glue (do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off).
To use this procedure, dab a dab of glue on the exterior of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip (point). Then, for 30 seconds, push the two ear flaps together to allow the adhesive to solidify. There is no need to use a lot of adhesive!
If you have numerous dogs, try to avoid your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs as much as possible, since this will cause the ears to split.
After a period, the adhesive will wear out on its own, and you can see if the ears remain straight and erect when this happens. If necessary, reapply the adhesive until the ears are robust and sturdy enough to stay in the right place without glue.
This might take several weeks or even months. Don’t be concerned if your ears aren’t perfectly positioned. The inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time as long as they remain upright.
Surgical Ear Implants: Harmful to the Ears of a German Shepherd
Ear implants are a last resort that you should avoid if you want your German Shepherd’s ears to stand up.
There is nothing wrong with floppy ears on a German Shepherd, and putting them through unneeded surgery to force their ears to stand up might cause them agony.
Speak with your veterinarian about the risks and suffering related with ear implants.
What Else Can I Do to Get a German Shepherd dog floppy ear to Stand Up?
There is little you can do if your dog does not have the correct DNA for sharp ears. If they have shown symptoms that their ears are about to perk up, there are a few things you can do to safeguard them.
Keep puppies and dogs who prefer to bite or tug on the ears away from them. While this may appear to be typical and attractive behavior, it can cause cartilage damage and make it hard for one or both ears to stand up correctly.
It is also critical to teach youngsters and other family members how to handle the puppy gently.
If you detect dirt within their ears, gently clean them with a damp cotton ball. Never put anything down your ear canal! If you see excessive hair growth or wax, take them to the vet for a thorough cleaning.
Play with your dog and engage in a variety of enjoyable activities. A happy and fit dog has fewer health problems and is more attentive. Those ears will most likely perk up in no time. It doesn’t really matter if you love your dog the way he is, up or down.