What does it mean when my dog's ears are pointed and attentive?

That is happy excitement with his ears like that, it's like he's smiling and happy you're home. l love that he leans his head on you with his eyes closed. Such devotion! Bongo is certainly a very special companion. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bongo.

This might be a sign of a possible otitis (inflammation of the ear canal), but unless there is any sign of discomfort like scratching or shaking his head, there is no need to be worried about. You can have a look on the inside of the pinna (the external part) to see if there is any redness or swelling but otherwise I would not be worried about this sign. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I don’t see anything that appears abnormal in Lia’s ears. From the photo, it looks like she is holding them that way or that the ears are ‘rose ears’ which are Norma for some dogs. Doberman’s natural ears are floppy. If you have concerns that something is abnormal with the ears or you are seeing that she can’t move them normally, I recommend to have her examined by her veterinarian since they will need to check the ears for pain and palpate the cartilage. I hope this helps.

That could be completely normal, but sometimes (not very often I have to admit) is related to ear infection/inflammation. If you see any signs of possible inflammation (head shaking, scratching, discharge from ear, redness of skin..) then a check up is needed, otherwise I would consider it normal. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Sometimes this can be contributed to developmental factors and the cartilage in the ear becomes more firm in a particular position. Sometimes an ear infection can cause an ear to lay differently then the other. I would recommend having Lily's ears examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to evaluate thoroughly just from pictures though if you are referring to that little deviation of tissue in the bottom of the ear, that is perfectly normal. It is called the cutaneous marginal pouch. Have a good day!

Many dogs put their ears back when greeting people, even familiar people that they are very bonded to - it's not a sign of anything bad, just a friendly gesture that indicates that he isn't a threat, as you said :)