You are one of those who believe dog ears are unique and look special. If you are, then you have one question on your mind. Why are dog’s ears so soft? This is a question many pet owners and dog lovers ask when they stroke the silky, velvety ears of their furry friends. From the floppy ears of a Basset Hound to the feathered ears of a Cocker Spaniel, dogs are well-known for their soft, sensitive ears. But have you ever wondered why this is the case?
In this article, we dive into the science behind your canine’s cuddly ears, explore the functionality of soft ears, and learn about the importance of their softness for a dog’s overall health. Read on to discover more about the fascinating world of our four-legged companions’ ears.
Purpose Of Dog’s Ears
As you may know, some dogs have straight ears, while others have floppy ears. Almost every breed has a different type and size of ear. But they are doing the same thing. Ears are designed to funnel the sound and direct it towards the eardrum. There is no other purpose. Human ears have the same purpose. However, dog ears are more special. Why are dog’s ears so soft? This is a separate question, and we will have to answer it below.
Cartilage and Fur Make Dogs’ Ears Soft
The human ear is not very soft, and it cannot be moved easily. On the other hand, the ear of a dog is very soft and looks delicate. This is due to two reasons. The first one is the lack of bones inside the ear. There are no bones here, but rather cartilage. This is a soft and bendable type of bone. That’s why you can easily move the ear of your pet.
The second reason is the special hair that covers the ears. This type of hair is neither too long nor too hard. There is no a lot of it. When all of these are combined, we can see that a dog’s ears are much softer and feel more delicate.
Did you know that all puppies are born deaf? After one week of their life, they will start hearing. Most, if not all, dogs have 18 muscles in a single ear. These are used to rotate the ear and direct it towards the sound. That sound is directed toward the eardrum using an L-shaped canal. It is also much deeper than in humans. The eardrum itself can detect all types of frequencies.
This explains why all dogs can hear high and low frequencies. Humans can hear sounds between 20 and 20000 Hz. Dogs can hear anything between 67 and 45000 Hz. In other words, the ear of a dog is far more sensitive than a human ear.
Functionality of Soft Ears
Soft ears aren’t just a delightful feature of our furry friends; they serve a critical function too. Dogs’ ears are much more sensitive and sophisticated than human ears. They can pick up a broader range of frequencies, and their ability to move their ears helps them identify the source of sounds more accurately.
The soft, supple texture of a dog’s ears contributes to their overall functionality in a few significant ways. First, the soft, flexible nature of the ears allows them to swivel in the direction of sounds, acting like a radar dish to catch and funnel sounds into the ear canal. This helps dogs locate the origin of sounds with astonishing precision.
Second, the soft, thin skin on the ears helps to regulate body temperature. Dogs, unlike humans, can’t sweat to cool down. They rely on panting and the release of heat through certain parts of their bodies, like the pads of their feet and their ears. The thin skin of the ears allows heat to escape more readily, aiding in thermoregulation.
Third, the softness of a dog’s ears might also have an evolutionary, protective purpose. Sharp, pointed ears could potentially be more prone to injuries, while soft, flexible ears could be less likely to sustain serious damage during rough play or fights.
Finally, let’s not forget the role that those soft ears play in bonding and communication. Many dogs enjoy having their ears stroked, and this gentle touch can strengthen the bond between a dog and its human. Moreover, dogs use their ears to express a variety of emotions, from alertness to submission, contributing to their nuanced communication with humans and other dogs.
As you can see, your dog’s soft ears are not just endearing features you love to pet. They serve an array of functional purposes that are key to a dog’s well-being and exceptional sensory abilities.
Scratch and Rub Ears Of Your Pet, They Love It!
If we are talking about dog ears, we must mention scratching and rubbing the ears. The answer to both questions is yes and a big positive answer. First of all, dogs like it when you scratch them behind the ears. It is a positive feeling for them, and it relaxes a dog. Almost all dogs do this, and you can see a professional trainer scratching behind the ears after a workout. This is used to improve the bond between these two.
If you like doing this as well, make sure you are gentle and don’t apply a lot of pressure. Keep in mind that a dog’s ears are sensitive. Also, some dogs don’t like this. It happens to aggressive people or pets with behaviour issues. They don’t like when a stranger wants to scratch their ears.
When it comes to rubbing the ears of your pet, you should do it. All dogs like this Once again, we can see a few important things to remember. You need to be delicate, and you must not apply a lot of pressure. There are a lot of nerves in human feet. When someone rubs your feet, you feel better because endorphins are released. This is a hormone that causes happiness and eliminates depression.
Dogs’ ears have a lot of nerves as well, so rubbing them has the same effect. Yes, endorphins are released each time you rub the ears of your pet. This can help you improve your relationship and make the bond much stronger.
Why Soft Ears Matter: Health Aspects
The softness of your dog’s ears isn’t just about functionality and tactile delight; it also plays a critical role in their health. For a dog, the condition of its ears can be an indicator of its overall health and wellbeing. That’s why veterinarians often examine the ears during routine check-ups.
Healthy dog ears are generally soft, clean, and free of any foul odor. They should be a pale pink color inside, though the exact shade can vary depending on the breed and individual dog. The skin should be smooth, without any bumps, redness, or signs of irritation.
On the other hand, changes in the texture or condition of a dog’s ears can be a signal of underlying health issues. For example, ears that feel hot to the touch might be a sign of fever or infection. Similarly, dry, crusty, or thickened skin on the ears might indicate allergies, parasitic infestations, or other skin conditions.
Ear infections are common in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears. If your dog’s ears are excessively warm, red, or smell bad, or if your dog is constantly scratching them or shaking its head, it might have an ear infection. This requires immediate veterinary attention.
Regularly checking your dog’s ears and noticing changes in their condition can help you catch potential health problems early. By keeping their ears clean and monitoring for any changes, you can ensure that your pup’s ears remain as soft and healthy as they should be. In turn, this can help contribute to your dog’s overall wellbeing and comfort, showing once again why those soft ears matter so much.
Dogs Have Floppy Ears Due To Domestication Syndrome
A while back, all dogs had straight ears. Many have them even today. But, over the years, due to domestication syndrome, the shape or the construction of their ears has changed. Their ears lost some of the cartilage and inner components that allow dogs to keep their ears straight. This is known as domestication syndrome, and it basically explains why some dogs have straight ears while others have floppy ears. Of course, this process took thousands of years.
Regardless of the type of ears your pet has, he will hear equally well. Some dog owners like straight ears, while others like floppy ears. They simply look more adorable. On the other side, we can see that straight ears may even make a dog look more dangerous and aggressive, probably because some people will link the ears to wolves.
Breeds With Exceptionally Soft Ears
While all dogs have ears that are relatively soft to the touch, some breeds are known for having exceptionally soft ears. These breeds often have a genetic disposition to produce more hair and softer fur, including on their ears, which contributes to the velvety texture we can’t help but adore.
- Basset Hound: Known for their droopy, long ears, Basset Hounds have some of the softest ears in the dog world. This is partially due to the long, silky hair that covers them and the ample loose skin that creates a floppy effect.
- Cocker Spaniel: Cocker Spaniels have long, luxuriant ears covered in wavy fur that feels soft and silky to the touch. This breed’s ears require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful appearance and prevent matting.
- Papillon: Named after the French word for ‘butterfly,’ the Papillon’s ears are as soft as they are striking. This breed has large, erect ears that are heavily fringed with soft, silky hair, giving them their butterfly-like appearance.
- Afghan Hound: This breed is known for its long, silky coat, and their ears are no exception. Afghan Hounds have long, pendulous ears covered in hair that’s soft and fine, almost like human hair.
- Shih Tzu: The ears of a Shih Tzu are adorned with long, flowing hair that feels soft and silky. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent the hair on their ears from becoming tangled.
- Bedlington Terrier: Their distinctive lamb-like appearance includes soft, fuzzy ears that feel similar to velvet when touched.
Control and Clean Ears Of Your Dog
Some of you will know that all dog owners must take care of the dog’s ears. The first thing you must do is inspect the ear canal and clean it if needed. Usually, it will be needed. This is done to remove any dirt or anything else that may cause a problem. The ear canal of a dog is much narrower than the one in humans. As such, it is much easier to get an infection or other problem. Cleaning it will eliminate the risk of that.
If you notice redness, swelling, irritation, or even a bad smell from inside the ear, take him to the vet immediately. It is probably an infection, and this isn’t something you can solve all by yourself. Professional help is needed.
Conclusion
The common why are dog’s ears so soft question may look very simple and easy to answer. However, it is far from that. We were able to see that dogs’ ears are complicated and they deserve special attention. We can even say that they are masterpieces of nature and help your pet hear amazing sounds and frequencies humans cannot hear.
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