How to Care for My Dog's Split Ear at Home

A dog's ears are a sensitive instrument that will suffer many traumas throughout the animal's lifetime, including small tears. These minor injuries will occur for several reasons, including a fall, an animal attack or because the dog shakes its head violently to remove water or debris from the ear. Treating a minor tear in a dog's ears can be performed at home, to avoid any expensive veterinary bills.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bone or treat
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bottled or tap water
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Sterile gauze strip
  • Medical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow the dog a few moments to calm down, especially if the injury was caused by a fall or because of a dog fight. Pet the dog and offer it a bone or a dog treat to help the process along. The dog will be more receptive to your help when it is relaxed.

    • 2

      Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. This will ensure that no bacterial infections are spread to the wound.

    • 3

      Apply a piece of sterile gauze to the area until any bleeding stops. It is important to control any bleeding before bandaging the wound, to prevent it from opening later.

    • 4

      Irrigate the wound with bottled or tap water. Pour a small amount of the water over the tear to remove any dirt or debris. Dab at the wound carefully with a piece of sterile gauze to remove any excess water.

    • 5

      Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, to the wound to further prevent any infection.

    • 6

      Place a piece of sterile gauze pad around the wound and while holding the gauze in place, gently press the ear against the dog's head.

    • 7

      Attach the end of a piece of sterile gauze strip to the sterile gauze pad with a piece of medical tape. Wrap the gauze over the dog's affected ear and head two times.

    • 8

      Secure the gauze strip to itself with a piece of medical tape. Allow the ends of the tape to adhere to the dog's skin and fur. This will provide an added layer of protection that will prevent the gauze from slipping.

    • 9

      Change the wrapping every two to three days.