How to Get Cropped Ears to Stand

Ear cropping refers to a process where a vet surgically alters the shape of a dog's ears, usually to make them stand upright. A few days after the cropping process, the ears heal and the vet usually takes out the sutures. The ears usually need taping for a couple of months after the procedure to make them stand. The vet can tape the ears for you or you can do it yourself at home. Consult your vet before attempting to tape your dog's ears yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Petroleum jelly
  • Backer rod
  • First-aid tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate the dog from other dogs for two to three days after suture removal to prevent them from licking the wound and delaying healing. They could also create too much scar tissue, preventing the ears from standing.

    • 2

      Massage the edges of the ear twice a day for two to three days after suture removal. Use petroleum jelly as lubricant, but not on the day you tape the ears because petroleum jelly could prevent the tape from sticking to the ears.

    • 3

      Cut two pieces of backer rod, each about a quarter-inch longer than the length of your dog's ear.

    • 4

      Wrap first-aid tape around each piece of backer rod, forming a spiral that begins at one end and stops a quarter-inch before you reach the other end of the rod. This strengthens the rod so it can provide sufficient support for the ear. The exposed end of the rod prevents it from irritating the ear.

    • 5

      Wrap a second layer of first-aid tape around each piece of rod, but wrap it so that the sticky side of the tape faces outward. Keep the quarter-inch end of the rod exposed.

    • 6

      Place the exposed end of the rod against the bump on the inside of the ear. Gently press the ear around the rod until it sticks. Do the same with the other ear.

    • 7

      Wrap three pieces of tape around the outside of the ear and the rod. Place one band at the base of the ear, another one about halfway between the base and the tip of the ear and the last one at the tip of the ear.