Short, pointy, floppy and folded – our furry friends have ears that are incredibly different from our own. You see their ears everyday – and chances are you give them a good scratch! We’ve compiled a handful of paw-some facts about your pup’s ears!
- Dogs have around 18 muscles in EACH ear.
The exact number does vary breed to breed, but on average your dog has 18 muscles in each ear! This is why they’re able to rotate, tilt, raise and lower their ears. They can even move each ear independently of the other.
- They can hear around 4 times better than humans.
Dogs have quite sensitive ears, so they can always hear something. Their hearing is so impressive that they can hear electronic frequencies that are imperceptible to us humans. Our furry companions can even hear the bodily vibrations of termites in the walls!
- When a dog tilts their head, it may have to do with their hearing.
Although it’s not fully understood by researchers, it’s theorised that dogs may tilt their heads to hear better or pinpoint where a sound is coming from. Not too dissimilar to us when we lean closer to a sound to better hear it!
- Dogs ears aren’t just for hearing – they’re key elements of body language.
Here’s a few key positions:
- Naturally held ears indicates your pup is relaxed and comfortable
- If your pooch is raising their ears it shows that they’ve heard something and they’re alert (they’re usually facing the source of interest)
- Ears that are up and forward can indicate aggression
- Pulled back ears are a sign of friendliness
- Ears flattened to your dog’s head show submission or fear
- Dog’s ear canals are shaped like and “L”.
This is part of the reason are dogs are prone to ear infections, as well as other ear related issues. The ‘L’ shape stops dirt, debris and sometimes yeast and bacteria before it reaches the eardrum. But it also means that occasionally things like dirt and grass seeds can get trapped inside your pup’s ears.
- Puppies are born deaf.
Puppies ear canals are closed when they’re born and don’t open up for the first few weeks of their life.
- There are about a dozen different dog ear shapes.
You knew that dogs have different ear shapes, but did you know there were so many? Some shapes include:
- Pricked ears, like on Malamutes or German Shepherds
- Round or blunt ears, like on French Bulldogs
- Bat ears, like on Corgis
- Cocked or semi-pricked ears, like on Collies and other sheepdogs
That’s just a handful of some of the ear shapes your dog may have!
- Ear Infections are the number 1 reason that dog owners visit the vet.
Yes, you read that correctly – ear infections are the top reason for our four-legged friends to visit the vet! The best way to help prevent ear infections is to keep an eye on your pooch’s ears and make sure there are no hidden grass seeds or signs of irritation.
We may not be able to give you hearing as good as your puppy pals, but we can help if you feel you may be suffering from a hearing loss! Please feel free to call us on 8331 8047 to book your FREE hearing assessment!
