Corgi ears 101 - When do corgi ears stand up & how to clean them

When do corgi ears stand up & how to clean them?

Corgi ears are one of the breed’s most distinguishing features that all owners and fans of the breed love. But when do corgi puppy ears stand up? How do you keep them standing? Should you worry if they are still floppy even after they’ve grown into adulthood? How should you care for Corgi ears? In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about Corgi ears!

Corgi ears standing up

When do Corgi ears stand up?

Corgi ears may start to stand up as early as 8 weeks old, yet it might take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for others. Each pup is unique and therefore their ears can stay floppy for different amounts of time.

Many new corgi owners start worrying when they see that their corgi’s ears aren’t starting to point up and remain floppy. Don’t be concerned if you just acquired a Corgi. It’s quite common for a Corgi with floppy ears to exist.

What’s more, it isn’t always a smooth trip for two standing ears… It’s not unusual to see your corgi’s ears moving around at random and changing positions for a long period of time.

This is due to the fact that while your puppy’s teeth are growing, his or her ear placement is severely affected. Teething puts a lot of strain on your dog’s jaw and neck muscles, which are directly linked to the corgi’s supporting bones and cartilage. This is what causes their ears to move around so much during this time.

Corgis typically have their adult teeth come in around three to four months old. Once a corgi has all of its adult teeth, its ears will usually stand up on their own. If your corgi’s ears are still floppy after they’ve gotten all of their adult teeth, you can try gently massaging the base of their ears to help encourage them to stand up.

So, if you see your corgi’s ears flopping all over the place, don’t worry! This is perfectly normal and they will eventually settle into place.

Are there differences in Corgi type?

Yes, there are some distinct differences between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi ears, just like when it comes to their tails.

Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgi ears

A Pembroke corgi’s ears should be medium in size and stand up straight with slight tapering to a rounded tip. “Undesirable” bat eats, cat-like ears, excessively large weak ears, ears carried too high or low are branded as ear defects by the AKC. Button rose or drop ears are thought of as major faults.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi ears

Cardigan Corgi ears are big and powerful that should always stand up. Shape-wise they are slightly rounded at the top and should never be ending in a sharp point. Their ears are somewhat wide at the base while all-in-all are proportional to their body.

Why are my Corgi’s ears still down?

The first thing you should realize is that many Corgi’s ears take longer than 8 weeks to rise, so this may just be the case for you. However, if you want to be extra safe, you should visit your veterinarian to verify the puppy and their ears are healthy to rule out any health concerns.

The most likely reasons for floppy Corgi ears are:

  • The puppy is still teething
  • Your corgi puppy has a severe calcium deficiency
  • The ears are too large for the bones and cartilage to support them
  • The puppy suffered damage to its ears early on
  • You didn’t adopt the puppy from a reliable breeder, therefore it could have mixed genetics
  • They inherited floppy ears

How does teething affect Corgi ears standing up?

One of the most common reasons why Corgis still have floppy ears is because they are still teething. Their ears aren’t entirely developed yet, which is why they are drooping. Collagen and elastic fibers make up a dog’s external ear structure. The ear’s flexibility and robustness are provided by cartilage, which is composed of collagen and elastic fibers.

As your corgi puppy starts teething, the process of growing their adult teeth puts a lot of strain on their jaw and neck muscles. This, in turn, affects the supporting bones and cartilage of developing Corgi ears, which is what causes them to move around so much during this time.

Corgis typically have all of their adult teeth come in by three to four months old. Once they have all of their adult teeth, their ears should usually stand up on their own. If your corgi’s ears are still floppy after they’ve gotten all of their adult teeth, you can try gently massaging the base of their ears to help encourage them to stand up.

Why does calcium deficiency play a part in Corgi ears standing up?

Corgi one ear up

Calcium is essential for cartilage and bone development in dogs. As a result, it might take several months for the ears, teeth, tendons, fingers, spinal cord, and limb bones of puppies to develop completely. If a corgi puppy is born with a severe calcium deficiency, this can stunt its growth and development, which can cause its ears to remain floppy.

This could also be the cause if your corgi puppy’s ears are simply growing too big for the cartilage to be able to support them.

Avoid damage to your Corgi’s ears early on

Sadly you can also be the issue if your Corgi’s ears aren’t standing up. Even if your Corgi is acclimated to it, petting them incorrectly might have a detrimental impact on the development of Corgi ears. If by any chance you pet them incorrectly you can harm their ears and cartilages, which could result in lifelong floppy ears.

Bad breeding practices

If you adopted your Corgi from an unknown breeder instead of a reliable, reputable one I have bad news for you: your puppy could have mixed genes that will result in floppy Corgi ears. If they also utilize bad breeding practices like overbreeding dogs and poor living conditions your corgi’s health could also suffer both in the short and long term.

You should always check your breeder before adopting a puppy!

Inherited floppy ears

Corgi with floppy ears

In some rare cases, you could adopt a Corgi puppy with inherited floppy ear genes. You should talk to your breeder if your corgi puppy’s ears are still not upright after 4 months as this could mean inherited floppy genes. There’s nothing to worry about in this case though as it is totally healthy and also makes your corgi unique.

What if your Corgi’s ears never stood up?

There will always be some Corgi puppies that grow up with floppy ears that stay down. Although this is rare you shouldn’t view it as a problem if your dog is healthy otherwise.

Just the fact that your corgi’s ears are down doesn’t mean your dog is unhealthy. They could’ve inherited genes that come with naturally floppy ears. It’s just like some corgis are born with long tails and some with docked tails naturally.

How can you help Corgi ears to stand up?

While having floppy ears is nothing to look down on, there could be cases where your puppy needs help to make its ears stand up. There are multiple methods that you can use, but before anything I always suggest you to wait before you do anything. If your veterinarian confirms that the puppy is healthy and finished teething, but it still has floppy ears you can start thinking about these solutions.

Taping your Corgi’s ears

Corgi ear taping

One of the most popular solutions is to use tapes that help your puppy’s ears in standing up. This is a painless and non-invasive method where you can use different types of tapes to achieve the desired results.

The most common way to tape corgi ears is by using medical adhesive bandages or first aid wrap. You want to attach the bandage at the base of your corgi’s ear and then bring it up and around the top of their head. Make sure the bandage is tight enough that it will stay in place but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable for your pup.

You can also use a product called “ear posting tape” which is specifically designed for taping up dog ears. This type of tape is available at most pet stores and online retailers.

If you decide to go with the taping method, be sure to check your puppy’s ears regularly to make sure the tape is not too tight and causing any discomfort.

According to breeders who have successfully taped their Corgi’s ears, the tape is only in the position for 5 days, which is usually enough time for the dogs to stand up on their own.

Create a healthy diet for your puppy

Your dog’s food quality is critical for his or her overall growth and development, which includes the health of your pup’s ears. Choose a reputable brand that prioritizes “fresh” and “whole” ingredients in its puppy formula.

A high-protein diet is necessary to promote proper growth, and it’s usually preferable to avoid high-carb bites.

Adding calcium to their diet

As you already know severe calcium deficiency can cause issues with corgi ears standing up, therefore adding calcium to their diet can help with floppy ears.

You should always check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet as it can cause unwanted health issues.

Helping them exercise their jaw muscles

The muscles in your corgi’s jaw, mouth, and the rest of his head are linked to his ears. Chew toys that allow your dog to use those muscles will be beneficial. Hopefully, this will help firm up your dog’s ears as well.

Pet your Corgi puppy right

Despite how soft and beautiful those ears are, it’s best to avoid touching them while your puppy is still young. The more you mess with, fold, and stroke the ears, the greater the risk of causing harm. I know that their cute ears always ask for some love, but it’s better to stay away from your corgi’s ears while they’re still growing to ensure you’re not harming them.

How should you clean Corgi ears?

Corgis have long, floppy ears. While this may be cute, it can also lead to problems if the ears are not cleaned regularly. Dirt and debris can accumulate in the folds of the ear, which can cause infection. It is important to check your corgi’s ears regularly and clean them if necessary.

After your corgi’s ears have been upright for a while, you’ll need to clean them on a regular basis. Dirt and dust will not accumulate if you properly clean your dog’s ears. Wipe the inside of your corgis’ ears using a cotton swab or soft cloth. Anything sharp or abrasive should be avoided since it might harm their delicate ear skin.

The best way to clean your corgi’s ears is to use a cotton swab or soft cloth. Gently wipe the inside of the ear, being careful not to insert the swab too far into the ear canal. You may also want to use a mild dog ear cleanser to help remove any dirt or debris. Be sure to avoid using anything sharp or abrasive, as this could damage their delicate ear tissue.

If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge in your corgi’s ears, contact your veterinarian immediately. These could be signs of an ear infection, which will require medical treatment.

With proper care, your corgi’s ears will stay healthy and clean.

Corgi ears FAQ

Will taping Corgi ears hurt them or cause pain?

Provided that the ears are taped in the proper position, taping them upright will not hurt or harm them. It is true that it might be a bit uncomfortable, but it is not painful.

When should you tape your Corgi’s ears?

It’s best to allow Corgi ears to rise on their own, but if the ears have yet to lift at 5-6 months old, you should discuss taping them upright with your veterinarian. Some veterinarians will still advocate for waiting (due to teething), but taping ears from this age is preferable to ensure sturdy upright ears.

Is it necessary to tape Corgi ears?

Taping isn’t necessary, and floppy ears (if they exist) won’t cause you or your dog any hearing problems or health issues. It is only for people who want to ensure that their Corgi’s ears are standing straight up.

Can you tape your Corgi’s ears at home?

Yes, you can if you’re confident, but be aware that you can cause harm to your corgi’s ears just as easily as helping them stand up. Therefore I suggest that you always consult with your breeder and veterinarian before attempting anything at home.

How long do Corgi’s ears need to be taped?

In most cases, a few days or weeks are more than enough to help your corgi puppy’s ears stand up, but it depends on the dog as well.

Are all Corgis born with floppy ears?

Almost all Corgis are born with floppy ears and Corgi ears start standing up later. It is extremely rare for a corgi puppy to have upright ears from birth.

Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph: So, what’s the verdict? When do corgi ears stand up and why are they sometimes floppy? As it turns out, there is no one answer to this question since different dogs can exhibit standing ears at different ages – or even not at all.

Some of the most common reasons for floppy ears in corgis include that they’re still teething, so you should practice more patience, genetics, incorrect breeding practices, and ear infections. However, if your corgi’s ears aren’t standing up and you’re not sure why it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.

If you have any concerns about your corgi’s ears, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They can offer guidance on how to care for your corgi’s ears and help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having.

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