04/26/2024
04/26/2024
Choosing The Right Licensed Veterinarian
This procedure will determine how your dog looks for the rest of their life, make sure to and put in the work and find
the best vet. It’s a great idea to ask your breeder (or other local breeders) where they get their ears done at, they will know
who’s the best and can refer you.
When you talk to the vet, you’ll want to ask them two things:
1) Pricing
You can expect to pay anything from $250 to over $1000. The more expensive vet does not mean you’ll get a better trim.
A fair price that you should expect to pay for a good crop is probably about $400. (Alaska $750-$1000)
(Price should include the procedure, the follow-up visit, and any medications (pain medicine and potentially antibiotics)
2) Proof of Prior Trims
In addition, it’s a good idea to bring in a few pictures of ear crops that you like.
Show them to the vet and ask if they are able to crop ears in your style.
(Some vets will only crop ears one way, so make sure they can provide what you want)
Cropped ears on your bully can make them look very unique. But you want to make sure the procedure is done properly and safely, to ensure the results you want but while keeping your dog safe and comfortable.
The first question you have to ask when considering this procedure is, when should you have it done?
Ear Trim - Ear Cropping - Crop
The Best Age for Ear Cropping
Many people believe that your bullies ears will only stand up if they’re cropped as a puppy. This is actually a lie as your dog’s ears will stand up regardless of when they’re cropped. You can actually get your bullies ears cropped at any age. Just keep in mind it’s a more traumatic and painful surgery for adults.
It’s best to get the procedure done before 12 weeks of age. (Most vets recommend having it done between 7 and 12 weeks of age.) The typical cut off date ranges from 12 – 16 weeks but some vets may refuse to crop a dog’s ears at a certain weight. Typical cut off weight ranges from 15 – 20 lbs.
Choosing an Ear Crop Style
Next, you need to choose an ear crop style. It’s important to choose an ear crop style before
you go looking for a vet, because some vets will only perform one style of crop.
* There are four main crop styles for American Pit Bull Terriers & American Bullies *
Short crops & show crops have the greatest chance of standing by themselves.
Ears that are cropped too long, or too short, are less likely to stand erect, without extra aftercare.
When a dog’s ears are cropped too short, they are more likely to lay flat on your bullies head.
When a dog’s ears are cropped too long, the cartilage may be too thin to support the weight of the ear
First Visit
So you’ve picked a vet. Your next step is to take your bully in for a visit, The vet will make sure that your puppy is
health and able to handle the anesthesia. Some vets will do a blood test before.
The vet will give you any instructions on what to do & not do the night before the surgery.
You’ll have to restrict food & water the night before and morning of surgery.
Make sure to pay attention, ask questions and follow your veterinarians instruction strictly.
After the Procedure
Your vet may want to keep your dog overnight, or you might be able to take them home the same day. The vet should
also provide you with pain medication but make sure to ask for some if they forget.
They will also attach some kind of foam support or plastic rack to your bullies ears prior to sending them home with you.
Your bully will definitely be out-of-it for a night. The anesthetic will make them drowsy, and their ears will be slightly sore.
If your pup is showing signs of pain, give them some of the pain medication, that’s what it’s for. they will be back to normal and pain free in two-three days.
Aftercare Tips
1) Follow your Vet’s Instructions
This should go without saying, make sure to follow all your vet’s instructions! Your bully has just had surgery, and it’s very important to do everything you can to help your bully heal properly.
2) Use the Cone
You can remove the cone from your bully as long as you are supervising them, always put the cone back on whenever you’re not watching. The cone is to protect your pup from popping their stitches, this very important for the proper healing process.
3) Keep the Ears Clean
You need to keep the skin clean, This is important to prevent infections that could require an emergency trip to your vet.
Use peroxide and Neosporin at least 2 or 3 times a day.
4) Remove scabs
When you were a kid, your mother may have told you not to pick at scabs. Well that might be good advice for yourself, but when it comes to cropping ears, you want to remove any scabs on your dog’s ears immediately.
The scabs can interfere with the ears properly standing up. the best way to remove the scabs is to soak them in water / Neosporin for 5 minutes first, to soften them up and make it less painful to pick off.
5) Infections
When you wash your dog’s ears (should be 2-3 times a day) lookout for signs of infection. This could come in the form of redness, swelling, pain, or red streaks reaching away from the site area. If you see any signs of infection, take your bully to the vet ASAP for treatment.
Nourish Your Dog with a Healthy Diet!!
You fuel the immune system through the stomach!!
