To Clip of Not to Clip??

Question

I have a 9 week old miniature Pinscher with huge flappy ears. Is it safe to clip his ears? If so, who can do that? My vet advise against it and won't do it. Why is this??

Answer 1

http://minpintalk.tripod.com/care.htm

excerpt from site listed:
The cropping procedure is done as a surgery in which your pup will be put under anesthesia. Portions of the ear are cut away, the edges are stitched and both ears are put into what are called racks until they have trained or set to stand on their own.

This can be a long process in which those not experienced with ear taping and training may find it is something they would rather not get involved in. You should only use a vet for this procedure that is familiar not only with ear cropping but specifically experienced with Miniature Pinschers, preferably a vet recommended by your breeder. Many ask if there is any pain involved with ear cropping. The edges of the ears can be quite sore and tender for a few to several days after the surgery.

The aftercare you provide for you min pin’s ears will determine if the cropping will be the success you hoped for. Your vet and breeder will discuss the best aftercare for the ears with you. The most important thing to remember, it’s your choice. If you prefer a cropped look it is your duty and responsibility to ensure your pup’s health and comfort during the process. It does take work and dedication during the healing and training process. This is not something any owner can walk into without carefully weighing all the facts. If you like that natural look or feel that cropping is not something you wish to consider then that is fine also.

Unless the vet knows what he is doing it may not come out well. The crop has to be right for the adult dog's head or it looks funny. Many vets are ethically opposed to cropping.

contact your local Min Pin club for vet recommendations if you still wish to get them cropped. After care is more than most pet owners bargain for.

Answer 2

There is lots of controversy on this subject. It is all a matter of the owners preference!!! This procedure is called cropping. I have Dobermans & have two cropped & one natural. I have had quite a few dogs ears cropped over the years and yes, it does hurt a little, but not as bad as people think. NEVER did any of mine cry out or whine in pain. The vets don't do this proceedure as they did in the past, but there are those out there that still does it!!! Be sure when you find a vet that they have the experience to do it!!! It is safe to do. Never had a dog die and never did one get infection and they all stood up straight!!!If you do decide to get it done be sure the ears are taken care of properly until they are completely healed. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

It is safe, but I wouldn't do it because this is only done for the tradition of the breed. I think it's a bit cruel. Some vets won't do it, as it's nothing that will help the dog, but you could find another vet or a miniature pinscher breeder who would do it. Good luck.

Answer 4

Really if you are not going to show your dog there is no reason to put him through the pain of having the ears done, it is only a beauty modification. He is your loving pet and who cares if he has a floppy ear he probley looks awful cute with it like that!!!

Some vets will not do the clipping because it is for the most part seen as cruel and it is very painful for the animal.

I have an AKC reg akita and he has one floppy ear we just love it!!

Answer 5

Most vets no longer do ear cropping and the AVMA/AAHA don't condone the practice. It is also not taught in vet schools.
The only one who can safely do cropping is a vet...it will be hard to find a vet that will do it and even harder ot find one that does it right.
Be advised that even if you do find a vet to crop the ears will not stand right away it will take weeks, months and sometimes a year of very careful percise taping and sometimes even then they won't stand.

Answer 6

its not required to clip a dogs ears or dock its tail. i personally think the floppy ears are cuter. one reason the ear clipping thing started was for dog fights big floppy ears are easy for the other dog to grab onto and rip off. it just caught on as a style thing later on. if your set on it try another vet. im sure she isnt the only one. its considered slightly cruel to clip a dogs ears just to make it look better to you.and since dog fights are illegal im guessing thats why you want its ears clipped.

Answer 7

It's unnecessary to clip a dog's ears. It's purely cosmetic and has no health benefits behind it. Most dog shows are beginning to accept their breeds to have unclipped ears, also.

Clipping a dog's ear is looked upon as cruelty by many people, and even if you pay the money to get their ears clipped, there's no guaranteed that the ears will stand up. Many just do not ''hold'', and will continue to flop over.

It's a waste of money, and pointless to chop off half a dog's ears just to make them stand up.

If the breed was meant to have erect ears, they'd have them naturally.

Answer 8

There are vets that clip the ears but it is very expensive. I have a 2 year old and I did not have her ears done because its very painful. I think they are cuter with there ears natural. You can also train there ears to stand up uncroped.

Answer 9

Your vet won't do it because it is painful to the animal. Sounds like a really good vet. You shouldn't get it's ears clipped. You should love the dog the way it is floppy ears/wet nose and all.

:)

Answer 10

Your dog's breeder should be able to recommend a vet that can do it. You want a vet that does a lot of these, a bad job will totally ruin the look of your dog.