French bulldogs have different ways to communicate with their owners, primarily through their body language, like by using their ears. Their ears can tell a lot about their physical health, emotions, and mood. Sometimes, you will find your French bulldog’s ears are down, and there are a variety of reasons behind it; it’s important to pay attention to this change in body language. In this blog, we will discuss why my French bulldog’s ears are down and what the potential reasons behind it are.
Why My French Bulldog’s Ears Are Down?
There is no need to get overly concerned because every French bulldog is born with floppy ears. However, as they get old, their ears will transition into an upright position, but there is no exact time when it is going to happen, and they will get the final shape. Typically, you can expect your Frenchie ears to reach their bat-like appearance at the age between 5 and 15 months. The common reasons that affect the shape of their ears are:
Deficiency of calcium:
It is common for French bulldog owners to worry about their dog’s floppy ears, especially when one of the dogs stands erect and others have floppy ears. However, this natural variation can be because of differences in calcium levels in their bodies.
The change in the appearance of your Frenchie ear is a sign that your dog is going through the teething phase. There are different studies that show that there is a connection between the teething stage and the floppy ears in French bulldogs. In the early stages of the life of French bulldogs, their bodies prioritize to give more calcium for the growth of teeth than other body functions. So, if the level of calcium in the body is low or unstable, there is a chance that their ears will stay floppy until the calcium level stabilizes in the body.
Genetics:
French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic dog breed, which means that they have a flattened face, unique head structure, and prominent eyes. Their bats-like ears are their distinctive features that are set high on their head. However, genetically, some dogs have droopy or down ears, which is completely natural.
Injuries and Infection
One of the common causes of droopy ears is injuries and trauma to dogs’ ears. If your Frenchie has any injury or accident in the past in which their ear gets damaged, it will result in a change in the position of their ear.
Ear infections are very common and cause discomfort and pain to your dog. Those Frenchies who have ear infections may tilt their heads and keep their ears down, and this is because of pain and irritation.
Anxiety or fear
Fear and anxiety is another major cause of down ears in French bulldogs. When your Frenchie gets exposed to something that makes them scared or uncomfortable, they will lower their ears as a sign of submission and to protect themselves from potential threats. If your pup gets into any such condition, identify the cause and try to alleviate it to make your dog feel at ease.
How to fix the floppy ears of French bulldogs?
Consult your vet:
First of all, you need to speak to your breeder and make sure that there are no hereditary problems. Next, you should consult your vet for a health checkup and make sure there are no development issues. Your vet can recommend a change in the diet of your puppy, which could help. If the Frenchie ears don’t stand even after seven months of age, your vet will recommend calcium supplements or injections.
Provide chew toys
You might be thinking, how is chewing related to floppy ears in French bulldogs? Pups start chewing random things when they start teething. Chewing toys will help your pup in the teething process because, in this act, they strengthen the ear muscles that are necessary for ear development.
The muscle that plays a major role in the temporalis muscle is present in the ear and top of the jaw. If your pups have strong muscles, it will help them stand up. If your pup uses a lot of chewing toys, it means there are fewer chances of floppy ears.
If you are looking for a teething toy, a suction Frenchie tug toy is the solution to your entire problem. It comes with two parts: one is a suction cup, and the other is a bouncy ball.
The suction cup can be attached to the floor, and the bouncy ball can withstand all the biting. The sturdy rope that holds the ball is unbreakable, and it can withstand all the force.
Give supplements:
Some vets recommend glucosamine supplements to add to the diet of our French bulldog. Glucosamine is the number one supplement recommended by most vets for the growth of connective tissue and cartilage. However, always use such supplements according to the recommendation of your vet.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why a French bulldog’s ears might be down, and they range from environmental issues to emotional issues, health, and genetic issues. While the occasional change in ear position is normal, it is influenced by different factors like environment or change in mood. But if your pup has continuous floppy ears, you need to consult your vet and diagnose the issue. It’s your responsibility to keep the health of your pup your first priority and make sure they live a happy and healthy life.
