How to Tape a Dog's Ears After Clipping

Ear cropping on dogs is a practice that requires removing a portion of the ear. It is a purely cosmetic surgical procedure. Some owners prefer to tape the dog's ears immediately following the procedure to help the ears stand upright. Taping the ears using proper methods is important because if they are not properly taped, the ears may not remain in an upright position.

Things You'll Need

  • Tampons
  • Porous tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two tampons that equal the length of the dog's ear from the base to its tip.

    • 2

      Wrap the tape around the tampon so that it is entirely enclosed, and then position the tape so that the sticky side faces out. Continue wrapping the tampon, sticky side out. Apply tape to both ends of the tampon so the outer layer does not slide out. Repeat this process with the second tampon.

    • 3

      Position the newly taped tampon in the dog's ear canal. Hold the tampon in place by placing the tape on the top back portion of the ear and pulling the tape over the tip of the ear and down the tampon.

    • 4

      Fold the ear around the tampon and begin wrapping the tape around the ear, starting at the base and ending at the top.

    • 5

      Repeat the wrapping process on the other ear.

    • 6

      Stand the ears upright and run the tape under the neck from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear, then run a figure 8 pattern across the top of the head between both ears. This will secure the taping and prevent the dog from removing the tape.

    • 7

      Remove the tape after seven days. If the ears still feel soft to the touch, repeat the taping process and check the progress every three to four days.