Why do spaniels wear hats?

You may have seen spaniels (or other long-eared dogs) wearing hats that cover their ears. And the first thought: the dog’s ears hurt. Is it so? And if not, then why do spaniels wear hats?

In the photo: a spaniel in a cap for the ears. Photo: ess-club.ru

Spaniels may wear beanies for several reasons:

1. The cap protects the ears of a spaniel or other long-eared breed from mud into slush. And the ears dry for a long time, since the wool covering them is quite thick. Therefore, if you do not put on a hat for a dog, there is a high risk of getting at least tangles, and even a fungal disease. You can, of course, dry the spaniel’s ears with a hair dryer and comb them after each walk, but it’s easier to use a hat.
2. A spaniel following a trail often simply steps on its ears, which is unpleasant. The hat helps prevent this.
3. The cap physically protects the spaniel’s ears: in summer from burdock and other thorns, in winter – from snow.
4. Sometimes spaniel puppies have fun chewing on their ears. And then the hat can be the way out.
5. Sometimes spaniels wear hats even at home, for example, during meals, so that the ears do not fall into the bowl and do not get dirty.