How to Remove Tape From the Cropped Ears of a Dog in the Most Humane Way Possible

Cropping the ears of puppies is common practice for breeders of Dobermans and Rottweiler dogs. The process of cropping ears is a surgical procedure that is performed by a veterinarian to alter the appearance of the ear. After the surgery, the ears must remain taped to a mold for up to two months, depending on how quickly the ears heal. It is important to remove the tape and molds occasionally during this healing time to prevent bacteria from developing in the ears. With time and patience, the tape can be removed in a humane manner that reduces the discomfort to the dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Blunt end surgical scissors
  • Q-tips
  • Warm water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the end of the surgical scissors between the tape and the ear at the edge of the ear where the least amount of hair is present. Cut through the tape.

    • 2

      Place the end of the Q-tip in the warm water and allow the cotton end to swell with the water. Gently press the Q-tip against the tape on the ear starting at the edge that was just cut.

    • 3

      Lift the tape away from the dog's ear as the tape loses adhesiveness because of the water.

    • 4

      Place a wet Q-tip under the edge of the loosened tape to continue loosening the hold of the tape's adhesion to the dog's hair. This process will take time, but it will result in much less hair being pulled out of the dog's ears. Continue this process until the entire piece of tape has been removed.

    • 5

      Tip: Remove the tape at the base of the ear first. This will keep the mold form in place until the top tape is removed and prevent it from causing pain to the dog due to it flopping around.