How to Fix Boxer Dog Ear Folds

Boxers are born with ears that will grow to be long and floppy unless they are surgically corrected. Ear cropping surgery is performed on Boxers between 10 and 12 weeks old; during the procedure, the floppy part of the ear is cut off and cones are placed around the ears so that they grow straight up into a point. Surgery is not painful for the dogs --- who receive anesthesia --- but the three weeks following surgery will require twice daily cleaning. Your dog will experience discomfort in the three weeks after surgery. The surgery should only be performed by a trusted veterinarian in an animal hospital.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Ear cones
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Betadine
  • Cotton balls
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Meet with your chosen veterinarian for a consultation when your puppy is between 10 and 12 weeks old.

    • 2

      Fast your puppy for 12 hours before the surgery. The puppy should have no food or water 12 hours before surgery.

    • 3

      Take your Boxer to the animal hospital where the surgery will be performed. After surgery, your Boxer's ears will be sutured and covered with an aluminum or cardboard cone that will be held in place with tape. Since ears can bleed very easily after surgery, your vet may recommend leaving your puppy in the hospital overnight to be monitored.

    • 4

      Clean the puppy's ears twice a day with diluted betadine and a cotton ball. If the ears are not healing well, you may be able to use some antibiotic ointment to help the scabs heal.

    • 5

      Take the pup to the vet in 7 days to have its sutures removed. Even doing this a couple days late may cause permanent scarring to the ears, according to Puppy Place. The cones must remain on the dog's ears for 21 days.