Seven fun facts about your pet’s ears

You already know your pet is “pawsome,” but we’ve got some fascinating facts to prove it. Check out this interesting ear trivia that just goes to show that even your pet’s adorable facial features are full of surprises.

• Puppies and kittens are born deaf. Their ear canals are completely sealed shut at birth. The canals slowly open over their first few weeks of life, so they hear their first sound when they’re about two weeks old.
• Dogs can hear higher frequency sounds than people can, but cats can hear even higher. This ability likely evolved so they can hear the high-pitched squeaks of their rodent prey, and it’s why our pets can hear dog whistles and we can’t.
• Dogs have at least 18 muscles to control each ear, and cats have 32! Humans have 3.
• Each of our pet’s ears can move independently of the other, making our ability to raise only one eyebrow at a time pale in comparison.
• Our pets use their ears to communicate how they’re feeling. You can tell a lot about your pet’s mood just by watching their ears.
• Dogs and cats have a mysterious pocket in their ears. No one knows its purpose. It’s that funny-looking slit you might notice on the edge of your pet’s ears, and it’s officially called the cutaneous marginal pouch. 
• Pet ears have some funny names. Rose, bat, butterfly—these are just some of the many names for dog ear shapes. Meanwhile, the fluff of hair that grows inside cats’ ears are known as “ear furnishings” by cat fanciers—too cute!
  

Did you learn something new? Here’s a not-so-fun fact: ear infections are extremely common in pets! Prevent wax buildup in your pet’s fascinating ears. 

Browse our selection of veterinarian-curated ear cleaners. >>