If you've decided to have your dog's ears cropped, you have a lot of information to ingest, especially if this is your first experience with ear cropping. There are many reasons to have your dog's ears cropped. A couple of those reasons include infection and injury prevention. Also, many people have their dog's ears cropped for aesthetic purposes. Regardless of the reasons you've decided to crop your dog's ears, there are some steps you'll need to take to ensure a successful procedure. Here are four steps you should take now that you've decided to have your dog's ears cropped.
Choose the Right Veterinarian
If you're going to have your dog's ears cropped, you want to start with the right veterinarian. Many people take their dogs to breeders for the procedure, but there are also other options you can choose from. Some breeders may not have the proper training to perform cropping safely, or correctly. If you choose someone that is unqualified for the procedure, your dog may suffer from long-term complications. To avoid the risk, choose a licensed veterinarian to perform the ear cropping for your dog.
Request General Anesthesia
If you've decided to have a veterinarian crop your dog's ears, be sure to request general anesthesia. Ear cropping can be a very painful procedure for your dog. Without anesthesia, your dog may experience pain, stress, and anxiety. To reduce the risk for these issues, make sure your dog is placed under general anesthesia for the procedure.
Follow Recovery Instructions
If your dog is going to have its ears cropped, you'll need to follow all of the post-operative recovery instructions. First, be sure to keep the wound and bandaging clean and sterile. Second, keep the cone on your dog during the healing process. The cone will help keep your dog from licking or scratching at the wound site. Finally, follow-up with all after-care appointments. That way, the veterinarian can ensure proper healing.
Watch for Signs of Infections
Finally, if you've decided to have your dog's ears cropped, be sure to watch for signs of infection following the surgery. Post-operative infections aren't common, but they can occur. Some signs you should watch for include redness, inflammation, increased bleeding, and foul-smelling discharge. If you notice any of those signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also make contact with your veterinarian if your dog shows signs of increased pain. Increased pain could also be a sign of infection.
Contact a veterinarian for more information regarding ear cropping.
