How to Tape Bullmastiff Puppy Ears

The bullmastiff is a large purebred dog. The breed was developed by crossing English bulldogs with English mastiffs to create a dog to guard large estates. The bullmastiff is known to have distinctively V-shaped ears, with the ears jutting out from the head and folding over completely. Occasionally, bullmastiff puppies develop ears that do not hang properly, more closely resembling those of a bulldog. Taping the puppy's ears can correct this problem. The most popular taping method, and the safest for the puppy, is the "velvet to velvet" method.

Things You'll Need

Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Sports tape
Scissors
Baby oil

Instructions

- 1
  Pour some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, and use it to clean the inside of the puppy's ears. Remove all of the wax from the inside and the flapping part of the ear. Pour some alcohol on another paper towel and clean the outside of the puppy's ears, called the velvet.
- 2
  Cut two strips of sports tape, approximately 6 inches long.
- 3
  Hold the puppy's ear and fold the edges backward (away from the puppy's head). The two sections of ear velvet should be touching each other, with the dog's ear folded up in the middle, in the same shape as a taco. The floppy edges of the ear should be touching all along their length, with the cartilage becoming more visible.
- 4
  Wrap one strip of tape around the folded ear to hold it in the inverted position. Apply the tape about 2 inches from the tip. Keep holding the ear while you wrap it, and check that the the long floppy edges of the ear are still folded back and touching each other. Do not wrap it too tight, or you will cut off circulation to the puppy's ear.
- 5
  Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the other ear.
- 6
  Leave the tape on for three to four days.
- 7
  Remove the tape slowly to avoid harming the puppy or pulling out hairs. Work some baby oil between the tape and the ear to make removal easier, if needed.