Last Updated on January, 2025
Yes, dogs can get their ears pierced. However, there are many things to consider before making such a decision, especially in terms of your dog’s well-being and health.
Piercing your dog’s ears may lead to unnecessary pain, infection, and even DEAFNESS.
Thus, it includes many RISKS.
In this guide, you will learn the consequences of getting your puppy’s ears pierced, legal issues, behavioral concerns, and more!
Quick Summary
Dogs can get their ears pierced, but there are many considerations to make before making this decision, including the potential risks and effects on the dog’s well-being and health.
Ear piercing is not recommended as it can cause pain, infection, skin and behavioral issues, and even permanent damage or deafness for the dog.
There are alternative solutions to add uniqueness and fashion to a dog, such as using pretty collars, clothing, haircuts, and collar tags, which are safer options than ear piercing.
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Get Their Ears Pierced?
- Is it Painful to Get Dogs Ears Pierced? Is it Safe?
- Consequences of Piercing Dogs Ears
- Is it Legal to Pierce Your Dog’s Ears?
- Is Piercing Dogs’ Ears Considered Animal Abuse?
- Behavioral Concerns After Piercing Dog’s Ear
- What Are the Alternatives to Dog Ear Piercings?
- What Are Magnetic Earrings and Are They Safe for Dogs?
- Other Dog Practices to Avoid
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Can Dogs Get Their Ears Pierced?
Yes, you can pierce your dog’s ears. But is it a recommended practice? No, dog ear piercing is not recommended as it negatively impacts the well-being of the dog.
However, if you’re dead set on getting the ears of your dog pierced, below are all the information you’ll need.
But, before we get to those info, see if you have a ‘’YES’’ to questions below, and then decide whether to get your dog’s ears pierced or not:
If ‘’YES’’, fine then, here are the reason why you should think twice before piercing the ears of your dog.
Is it Painful to Get Dogs Ears Pierced? Is it Safe?
Yes, it causes unnecessary pain for a dog during and after ear piercing. When you pierce your ear, it causes pain—dogs also feel the same.
However, as dog owners, think twice and be thoughtful before deciding on dog ear piercing.
Next, is dog ear piercing safe? No, it is not very safe, and could affect their mental and physical stability.
Why? There are many consequences of piercing a dog’s ear (discussed below!)
Consequences of Piercing Dogs Ears
Here are the consequences most dogs face from getting their ears pierced.
Snagging and Tearing the Ear
Do earrings snag on items? Yes, they can snag on things around the house and garden and it tears down your dog’s ear and leads to unnecessary health problems.
Next, your dog’s ear may get snagged on the earrings themselves. Like humans, dogs can also experience snagging since they are unaware that there is something additional attached to their ears.
Ear Infections
Ear piercing can lead to ear infections, or they can be prone to ear infections. How does this happen?
Ear piercings create open wounds and give more room for infection.
Next, they can get ear infections if their ears are not kept clean.
When your dog is outdoors, its ears may become prone to germs, and subsequently result in infections.
Also, when your dog scratches or paws at the ear-piercing site, it introduces new bacteria.
In your role as a dog groomer, it’s essential to occasionally ensure your dog’s ears are clean. Indeed, it’s a challenging task.
Skin Infections
Your dog may get skin infections after ear piercings due to bacteria. What are the symptoms of skin infections? They are redness, discharge, swelling, and unusual warmth in the ear.
It would help if you treated the skin condition immediately in order to control it from causing further health problems.
Itching
When a dog experiences temporary ear pain or itchy sensation, it attempts to scratch with its paws or nails. Then, the ears may get pierced.
Additionally, if the dog finds the earrings uncomfortable, it may try to remove them. Therefore, it may lead to the pup’s ears getting pierced or trigger allergic reactions.
The symptoms of allergic reactions are turning red, swelling, breathing difficulty, and itching.
Experience Pain
Since dogs have nerve endings, getting your dog’s ear pierced may cause it significant pain (as mentioned earlier).
Furthermore, when your dog is new to wearing earrings, it may cause additional pain and discomfort. At the same time, ensure that you don’t wear long earrings for your pup to cause more pain.
How does your dog show its pain? It may whine, bark, whimper, pull away, and avoid human touch.
Deafness or Permanent Damage
What happens if your dog experiences a botched ear piercing? It could lead to permanent damage, including nerve damage and hearing loss.
If you do want to get your dog’s ears pierced, you must find a licensed veterinarian experienced in carrying out this kind of procedure.
Is it Legal to Pierce Your Dog’s Ears?
The legality of dog ear piercing depends on your state and country.
Why is that? Because it depends on each state and country’s lawful interpretations, which may vary.
For example, in 2014, New York banned all activities related to piercing animals.
It was considered legal only when performed by a vet, and for the purpose of dog identification.
Additionally, state laws, animal welfare organizations, and veterinary associations discourage piercing a dog’s ears.
Is Piercing Dogs’ Ears Considered Animal Abuse?
The motive behind a dog’s ear piercing decides whether it is animal abuse or not.
Apart from that, based on where you live and the laws and regulations of your city or state, it would be considered whether or not it is animal abuse.
But it is considered animal cruelty. Thus, if anyone makes a complaint against you, you may have to face legal ramifications for your actions.
Behavioral Concerns After Piercing Dog’s Ear
Here are the behavioral concerns after piercing a dog’s ears:
What Are the Alternatives to Dog Ear Piercings?
Being a good dog owner, you can take steps to avoid piercing rather than making your dog’s life challenging.
So, we have got the best alternatives as follows:
Pretty Collars, Harnesses
You can purchase stylish collars and harnesses for aesthetic purposes.
Pros of using pretty collars and harnesses:
Collar Tags
A custom-designed dog collar is more than just a fashion accessory that adds the touch of beauty and ease to figure out your furry friend with ease. So, why not make use of it?
Here are the pros of using collar tags:
Clothing
Nowadays you can find beautiful clothing made just for dogs. Your dog may not find it irritating like dog piercings.
Here are the pros of using clothing:
Haircuts
You can give an outstanding and trendy haircut to your pup.
Here are the pros of haircuts:
What Are Magnetic Earrings and Are They Safe for Dogs?
Magnetic earrings are made using magnets and tend to attract the earlobes of the dogs through magnetic forces.
However, magnetic earrings are not safe for your dog. Why? Magnetic earrings can get loose or easily removed from the dog’s ear. Your dog may accidentally ingest it, which may lead to choking hazards, gastrointestinal blockage, and other health issues.
Other Dog Practices to Avoid
If you love dogs and consider your dog’s health a top priority, you should avoid the below practices.
Ear Cropping
Ear cropping is reshaping the dog’s ears for cosmetic purposes. It is a surgical procedure to remove a dog’s ear cartilage.
What is the purpose of ear cropping? It is to maintain a certain breed standard of appearance.
Is it legal? It depends on your state or country, but many have banned this practice.
Tail Docking
Tail docking is removing the dog’s tail through a surgical procedure.
What is the purpose of tail docking? The primary purpose is to maintain breed-specific standards and for cosmetic reasons.
This procedure can cause severe pain and unnecessary complications on your pup, and has been known to make them increasingly aggressive.
Is it legal? It depends on your location and legal regulations.
Dog Ear Tattoo
Dog tattoos in the ear is the process of piercing the dog’s ear skin and injecting an indelible ink into the piercing area to create a certain design.
What is the purpose of an ear tattoo? It is performed for identification, medical treatments, cosmetic purposes, or grooming.
Is it legal? Many countries consider it illegal (depending on your country/state). Dog ear tattoos may cause severe pain on the pup’s ears.
Other guides and tools you might need when training your dog:
Conclusion
Now, you are clear enough to decide whether to get your dog’s ears pierced or not.
As a pet owner, it is a crucial decision, and you must remember to consider the health complications and animal cruelty involved with this activity.
You can consider alternative solutions to add uniqueness and beauty to your dog instead of piercing a dog’s ears.
Make sure to choose what’s best for your pup!
FAQs
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