If you've recently purchased a Doberman pinscher puppy, you're probably preparing to have its ears cropped. It's important to remember that the procedure should be done sometime between 9-12 weeks of age. If you wait longer than that, your puppy could experience more pain and post-operative complications. Once you have your puppy's ears cropped, success of the procedure will depend on the care it receives during the recovery and healing period. Here are some instructions that will help your puppy before and after the surgery.

Keep Food and Water Away Prior to the Surgery

If your Doberman puppy is about to have its ears cropped, it's important to remember that it will be going through surgery. During the procedure it will be under anesthesia, which means it will need to have an empty stomach. If your puppy has food on its stomach during the surgery, it could vomit, which could lead to aspiration – where liquids pass through to the lungs. If that happens, your puppy could become very ill. In fact, aspiration during surgery can be fatal. To protect your puppy, avoid giving it food or water the day of the surgery. For maximum protection, you should stop food and water the night before the surgery.

Let Your Puppy Recuperate at the Vet Hospital

After surgery, you may want to bring your puppy home with you right away. However, it's best that you allow it to recuperate at the vet's office for a few days following surgery. First, the veterinarian will be able to control the pain your puppy will be experiencing. Second, the veterinarian will be able to monitor for post-operative infection. Finally, the veterinarian will be able to re-tape the bandages should your puppy try to break free from the aluminum rack that will be placed over the ears.

Protect the Aluminum Rack

Once you get your puppy home, you'll need to protect the aluminum rack. Your puppy may try to remove the rack. However, it's best if the racks remain on for as long as possible. If the rack comes off too soon, the ears could flop, which would prevent proper healing. Not only that, but exposing the freshly-cropped ears could lead to ear injury and infection.

Watch for Infection

While your puppies ears are healing, you should keep them as clean as possible. Your vet will give you antiseptic cleansing solution to provide daily cleanings with. During the cleanings, it's important that you watch for signs of infection. Some things you should look out for include excessive bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or raw, open sores. If you notice any of those problems with your puppies ears, get to the veterinarian immediately.