Rottweilers ears naturally drop and are not prone to standing up, like those of German Shepherds.
All dogs, including Rotties, are happier and healthier with clean ears. However, you will want to make sure you know how to care for your dog’s ears properly.
How are Rottweiler’s ears shaped, and how do I clean and care for them?
Most Rotties will have floppy ears set forward. Regular cleaning will help keep your pet’s ears healthier; however, ear-taping is necessary for some Rottweilers.
This video details the process of taping the ears so they are set properly. Getting your dog used to ear care early on is beneficial for both of you.
What Does the Breed Standard Say About Rottweilers’ Ears?
According to The Dog Place, the American and German standards both call for medium-sized, pendant-shaped ears. Their overall shape is triangular.
When the dog is alert, the ears are level with the top of the dog’s skull. One unique way that a Rottweiler’s ears stand out is how they appear to broaden the skull’s width. The ear carriage helps to contribute to the dog’s big size.
Your Rottie should hold their ears slightly forward on the skull. The inner edges of the dog’s ears should be against the head.
Your dog’s ears should extend to mid-cheek length. Ears that extend to longer lengths are not typical for this breed.
Creased or folded ears are considered severe faults in the show ring, as are ears held away from the head.
Although ear carriage does not indicate problems in and of itself, improperly carried ears may be more prone to injury.
Dogs with a proper ear carriage are better able to resist infections. Correct ear carriage also minimizes the effects of injury to the ears.
The good thing to know is that there are helpful solutions, with taping being one of the best.
Why Do Some People Tape Their Rottweiler’s Ears?
The positioning of your Rottweiler’s ears makes a difference in their overall appearance.
Another reason that ear positioning is essential is because of your dog’s ear health. When the ears have a forward position, they are more infecrion=prone, as well as susceptible to injury. Sometimes taping is necessary for the proper positioning.
A Rottie’s ears are likely to change position at four to six months during teething. Sometimes a puppy’s ears will hold back or crease at this point. Taping the ears will keep them from staying in the wrong position permanently.
Taping a Rottweiler’s ears helps keep them in the proper position, as well as correct the shape of the ear cartilage. Keep the tape on for a couple of days at a time, then unwrap and check the ears’ position.
You may need to tape the ears for up to two weeks at a time to ensure better positioning. However, you will probably only need to do ear-taping once or twice. Your dog’s ears should hold a proper position with good taping.
Sometimes, you might need to repeat taping as your dog ages, which is normal.
However, you should avoid having your dig’s ears cropped because it can go terribly wrong. Rotties with cropped ears are likely to have permanent pain and sensitivity.
Well-positioned ears are less likely to have problems. However, you will benefit from knowing what types of ear problems your dog may end up with.
The more you know what to look for, the more you can prevent or resolve any issues your dog’s ears have.
What Types of Ear Problems Can Rottweilers Have?
Lombard Vet names several health problems that can affect Rottweilers, from seasonal allergies to health conditions that have chronic ear infections as symptoms.
Allergies can cause a lot of misery for Rottweilers, with reactions occurring due to dust, mold, or pollen.
In dogs, allergies are more likely to manifest in the form of itchy skin. Ear infections are a common symptom associated with dog allergies.
Ear infections because of allergies can cause a lot of painful swelling if your dog shakes its head a lot because of the irritation. Swelling in the ear flap, known as a hematoma, can be unsightly, painful, and require veterinary treatment.
When your Rottweiler develops a hematoma, the ear flap will fill up with blood from broken vessels.
Sometimes, a vet can treat this condition with steroids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to eliminate the hematoma.
Because Rotties have drop ears, they are more likely to have ear injuries after fights. Rough play with other large dogs can often bring on these types of problems.
If your dog has gotten into a fight or been playing roughly, check its ears.
Dogs are good at concealing pain, but there are usually signs of discomfort. Head-shaking or rubbing and scratching at the ears can be a sign of trouble. Knowing how to identify the presence of pests can help your dog.
Can Pests Bother my Rottweiler’s Ears?
Like any dog breed, Rotties can get infested with fleas or ticks, as well as ear mites.
These pests are uncomfortable for dogs and may cause ear injuries from head-shaking. The best thing to know about these pests is that they are easily eradicated.
Fleas are particularly bothersome because they can reproduce so quickly. These pests can make your Rottweiler’s ears very itchy. The constant scratching that your dog will do might lead to skin irritations or infections.
Ticks can also be painful for dogs, finding an easy blood supply in the ears. In some areas, ticks can transmit diseases like tick fever or Lyme disease.
Ticks are easy to spot on the outside of your dog’s ears but can be hard to see on the underside.
The good news about fleas and ticks is that there are several effective treatments you can try.
These range from sprays that you can use as needed to monthly pills. There are also effective natural remedies you can use.
Ear mites, which are a type of microscopic parasite, often get inside dogs’ ears. The mites can make your Rottie’s ears very itchy and uncomfortable. Your dog will do a lot of head-shaking and scratching with ear mites.
How Should I Clean my Rottweiler’s Ears?
Your Rottweiler’s ears should be cleaned once a week or when dirty. If you notice your dog shaking its head or scratching its ears more often than usual, you will want to check for pests or signs of irritation. Dirty ears are uncomfortable for Rotties.
Use clean cotton balls that are moist but not soaking wet. Always use an ear cleaner specially designed for dogs. Equal parts of water and vinegar are also practical. The vinegar mixture can help restore pH balance to your dog’s ears.
Using the spray bottle, squirt the mixture into the dog’s ears and gently massage the base. You can use the cotton balls to get the dirt out of the ears’ upperparts. Never put your fingers into your Rottie’s ears deeper than your knuckles.
A paper towel will work best to get your dog’s ears dry after cleaning. Allowing your dog to give its head a good shake will help get out the rest of the moisture. Allow your dog’s ears enough time to dry after cleaning.
Rottweilers Have to Drop Ears That Require Regular Care
Rotties have ears that can be susceptible to problems. However, taping, if necessary, and proper care can help forestall a lot of trouble. Most dogs with healthy ears will stay free from infections with regular cleaning.
