soft ears - Page 1

what could be possible reasons in Pakros/Vegas progeny for having soft ears.

Whisper,

Thanks for the explanation, I am afraid I have to ask you (or anybody else) to re-explain further and in a simple way if you please, pardone me for that but this seems important and I would love to get it right. Thanks.

Ibrahim

I also think Vit C is needed for the body to utilize other vits/nutrients.

I would also like to hear more ideas on this subject and I am sure that it is not only happening on the Pakros/Vegas lines.

I have also heard that Jeck lines can often have a problem with soft ears or ears that are very slow to firm up.

During the past few years that I have been visiting the database I do see that the working lines all have very much stronger ears than showlines. Those that post pictures of their working litters almost always have ears up at 6 - 8 weeks.

Genetics....... a percentage of the offspring have soft ears........

Some Pakros crosses have white paw pads, pink gums and noses that turn dark by 6 months or so. 

Once again I have to say, you have to KNOW what you have, and who you are breeding to.

Dogs do need ample Vit C for ears and hips, among other things.

Dogs do produce their own vitamin C, unfortunately ...only enuf for about a 15 lb. dog.  As a result, they need supplements.  Vitamin C in manufactured dog foods is mostly lost due to methods of heat manufacturing.

Many hip problems, IMHO, are due to lack of Vitamin C.  In impoverished countries, you see children with scurvy affecting their structural development, especially in the limbs and joints.  It takes about 4-6 months for clinical signs to show.  Many dogs show other signs, in youth and adulthood, of Vitamin C deficiencies, but are never diagnosed as that by vets.  It is an overlooked problem.

I am seeing more and more weak, thin, wavy, flopping in the breeze ears.  This is definitely a problem which needs our attention.

We, as breeders, all need to be more critical of our own dogs.  For instance, I needed bigger, stronger, better teeth in my dogs.  I bred for it, and thank the Lord, I got it!!  So nice when a plan comes together!!

Whisper, please excuse my ignorance and need for further explanation, I did not understand vita c = Vitamine C.

Von sprengkraft,

Thanks for the detailed and simplified explanation, I hope that breeders and pet owners both be aware and sensitive to this issue. I suppose the most critical rapid growing age for a GSD is between 3-10 months. Is available Vitamine C tablets and syrup for Humans good for puppies? Can they absorb it well? Do you know the safe dose for a puppy in this period of life if one suspects lack of Vitamine C or wants to give as a supplement to his puppy just in case.

Regards

Ibrahim

IMO, the best for puppies is powdered form of Vitamin C.  You start with a low dosage and build up.  The only way to find proper dosage for an individual dog or pup, is to increase dosage slowly and watch for bowel intolerance (loose stools), then back down the dosage slightly.

I use prenatal vitamins for my bitches, starting prior to the breeding heat & continuing until 3 months after whelping.  That way the pups get proper viamins, minerals, folic acid, etc. from conception thru weaning.  This also gives the bitch the proper vitamin intake (coupled with proper diet) to stay in excellent condition.

Von sprengkraft,


I admire you for your knowledge and the way you take good care of your dogs, and I thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge. Can you provide the link to your site please if you have one.


Much obliged

Ibrahim